A recent survey conducted within the TEAM#UP project reveals a strong demand for accessible, high-quality training resources in ecological restoration across Europe. With 52 respondents from academia, vocational education, public institutions, NGOs, and the private sector, the results highlight the growing importance of ecological restoration skills in education and professional practice.

More than half of the participants rated access to ecological restoration training as very important, and nearly 80% confirmed that the DERTO (Digital Ecological Restoration Toolbox) curriculum is highly relevant and well aligned with current training needs. Respondents particularly valued the clarity, adaptability, and overall quality of the educational materials, which were considered suitable for a wide range of educational levels, from secondary education and VET schools to university and professional training.

The survey also points to clear opportunities for improvement. Participants consistently expressed the need for more practical, hands-on content, including case studies, field-based exercises, and real-world examples. Expanding multimedia formats, improving multilingual access, and offering downloadable resources were also identified as priorities to increase usability and impact.

Overall, the survey confirms that DERTO is responding to a real and growing demand in the ecological restoration sector. By strengthening its practical focus and continuing to adapt to users’ needs, the platform is well positioned to support educators, students, and professionals in building the skills required to restore ecosystems effectively and on a scale.

Thank you to Celia de Llanos for this article.