The European Green Transition starts with a skilled and well-trained workforce. 

(30/10/2025) – The ecological restoration community takes a significant step forward today with the official launch of the Digital Ecological Restoration Toolbox (DERTO), now live at https://derto.teamup2restore.eu. This innovative online platform is primarily designed to support Vocational Educational and Training (VET) providers and educators across Europe in teaching ecological restoration across a wide variety of study programs; from forestry and agriculture to landscaping and gardening. In addition to VET providers, restoration practitioners, governmental administrations, other educational institutions, all enthusiasts of ecological restoration can also benefit from the materials. Additionally, workers looking to upskill or reskill into ecological restoration will be able to take Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) starting in May 2026. 

Developed as part of the ERASMUS+ funded, TEAM#UP project, DERTO brings together a suite of curated tools and educational resources to help VET providers and others educate the next generation of restoration practitioners. The platform offers free access to educational resources, case studies, and virtual demonstration sites across diverse ecological contexts. 

“This platform is an ideal resource for VET educators seeking to integrate ecological restoration into their curricula—lead the way in preparing students for a greener future!” - Professor Jordi Cortina Segarra  

Key features of DERTO include: 

• Diverse Educational Resources for VET providers to freely use and modify for integration into an existing or new study program   

• Searchable database of educational resources 

• Multilingual interface to support accessibility across European countries 

• Open-access platform for inclusivity and ongoing contributions from the education and restoration communities 

The launch of DERTO comes at a critical time, as countries within the European Union work to fulfill the Nature Restoration Regulation and meet global restoration targets. It is recognised that a skilled workforce in a wide variety of sectors is needed to upscale nature restoration in significant and urgently needed ways. By offering a centralized and evolving knowledge hub, DERTO offers vocational education and training schools and individual users an opportunity to gain crucial knowledge and skills in ecological restoration practices.  

Visit the platform now: https://derto.teamup2restore.eu 

For press inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact: 

Sahar Stevenson-Jones 

sahar.stevenson-jones@ser-europe.org