1. Course title

Active environmental education, citizen science and practical Stewardship of Creation assessment

or, in a more institutional form:

Basic Course for the Level I Certificate of Qualification in Stewardship of Creation: naturalistic monitoring, Natura 2000 protection and practical suitability assessment.

2. Overall duration of the programme

The programme consists of:

• 16 hours of online training, divided into 4 modules of 4 hours each;
• a final in-person practical assessment including early-morning naturalistic observation, data processing, a theoretical test, practical verification and presentation of diplomas.

Indicative overall training duration: 22 hours.

The final assessment day may last more than 6 hours when transfers, lunch break and concluding activities at a suitable logistical venue are included. For training purposes, the essential core of the practical assessment consists of:

• approximately 2 continuous hours of field observation;
• uploading observations to iNaturalist;
• completion of field forms;
• theoretical test;
• team-based practical verification with individual questions.

3. Delivery method

The theoretical and practical preparation is delivered by synchronous videoconference under the responsibility of the Tuscan regional training agency Bee Trained Srl.

The final assessment is held in person, preferably at the Focognano Lakes or the nearby Lago dei Cavalieri, or in another wetland in the Florence–Prato Plain considered suitable by the local guides, lecturers and naturalistic advisers involved.

The observation phase must take place in the early hours of the morning because local guides have indicated that the target species are generally easier to observe before 11:00.

After the observation period, data processing, uploading, testing, verification and presentation of diplomas may preferably be carried out at the Stato Libero dei Renai, provided that the park and its restaurant are open and available on the selected date, or at another suitable nearby venue.

4. Participants

The course is open to:

• Dames and Knights of the Order of Saint Stephen P.M.;
• Aspirants;
• volunteers;
• environmentally aware citizens interested in biodiversity protection;
• persons interested in collaborating in future environmental projects of the Medici Humanistic Villages.

The recommended maximum is 15 participants for each practical session, so that genuine field assessment can be ensured.

Because hides and observation posts can accommodate only 3 or 4 observers at a time, participants will be divided into small operational groups. If registrations exceed the available capacity, the practical assessment may be repeated in more than one session.

5. Admission requirements

The course is introductory and does not require previous naturalistic qualifications. Participants must, however:

• have an interest in environmental protection;
• be willing to take an active part in exercises;
• possess a smartphone;
• be willing to install and use the iNaturalist app;
• comply with rules of conduct in protected natural areas;
• participate in the final practical assessment;
• be available to undertake the practical assessment in the early morning, in accordance with the instructions of the local guides.

6. Deadlines and participation fee

Deadlines indicated in the programme:

• pre-enrolment by e-mail: 13 July 2026;
• formal enrolment: 20 July 2026;
• payment of fees: 30 July 2026.

Initially proposed fees:

• participation fee: EUR 350.00, VAT included;
• final examination fee: EUR 250.00, VAT included.

The final examination fee includes meals, accommodation in a four-star hotel, technical materials and local transfers.

Up to 2 scholarships may be awarded to students selected at the sole discretion of the Teaching Committee. Final examination fees are excluded from the scholarships.

The EUR 350.00 participation fee and the examination fee must be verified and, where appropriate, adjusted by Bee Trained in light of the integration of the in-person practical assessment and the related operating costs, including local guides, lecturers/evaluators, materials, logistics, permissions, spaces for testing and processing, lunch and agreements with support facilities.

Bank transfer payable to:

BeeTrained S.r.l.
IBAN: IT93T0315801600CC1010236120
Bank: BANCA SISTEMA S.P.A.

Payment reference: Participation in Environmental Education Course – Level I Certificate. Student: First Name Surname.

The student must send billing details to info@beetrained.it, attaching proof of bank transfer.

7. Certificate obtainable

Candidates who successfully complete the programme may be awarded the:

Level I Certificate of Qualification in Stewardship of Creation

The expression “Green Certificate” may be used only as a popular or promotional designation. The official designation remains Level I Certificate of Qualification in Stewardship of Creation.

8. Certifications and attestations

9. General objectives of the course

The course is intended to train entry-level figures capable of collaborating, on a voluntary and orderly basis, in the stewardship of Creation, environmental awareness and participatory naturalistic monitoring.

The principal objectives are to:

• introduce the project for nature reserves within the Medici Humanistic Villages;
• provide concrete tools for environmental protection and naturalistic monitoring;
• explore the relationship between ecological education, environmental spirituality and participatory science;
• train participants in the use of iNaturalist;
• promote citizen-science activities involving volunteer citizens;
• develop skills in observation, documentation and environmental communication;
• introduce digital and technological tools currently used in environmental monitoring;
• prepare participants for a final practical assessment in a protected natural site;
• train voluntary environmental attendants suitable to collaborate in Medici Humanistic Fiefdoms and local territorial-protection projects.

10. Specific objectives of the final assessment

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to:

1. behave correctly in a protected natural site;
2. observe a species without disturbing it;
3. work silently and with discipline in assigned hides or observation posts;
4. recognise the species assigned to his or her team;
5. distinguish the assigned species from at least one similar species;
6. describe the habitat in which the species was observed;
7. document the observation with a photograph or accurate description;
8. upload the observation correctly to iNaturalist;
9. complete a field form;
10. collaborate effectively with the team;
11. explain the ecological, civic and spiritual value of the activity carried out.

11. Progressive structure of the programme

12. General calendar

N.B. Practical-assessment arrangements may vary according to the actual presence of migratory birdlife reported at the site during the seven days preceding the examination.

13. Formation of groups for the final assessment

Groups are organised according to species that can actually be observed in the autumn–winter period rather than according to generic naturalistic categories.

Each group focuses on:

• one principal species;
• several similar secondary species or species present in the same habitat;
• a practical task of observation, description and upload to iNaturalist.

As hides can accommodate only 3 or 4 observers at a time, group size must reflect the actual capacity of the available posts.

N.B. The species listed below may be varied in accordance with actual observability, as checked by local guides during the days preceding the final assessment, or according to the actual number of participants.

Principal species: Grey heron — Ardea cinerea

Secondary species:

• Great egret — Ardea alba;
• Little egret — Egretta garzetta;
• Cattle egret — Bubulcus ibis.

Task: photograph and describe at least one heron, distinguishing the grey heron from other heron species observed.

Principal species: Mallard — Anas platyrhynchos

Secondary species:

• Eurasian teal — Anas crecca;
• Northern shoveler — Spatula clypeata;
• Eurasian wigeon — Mareca penelope;
• Gadwall — Mareca strepera.

Task: identify ducks present, recognise the mallard and, where possible, distinguish it from other wintering Anatidae.

Principal species: Eurasian coot — Fulica atra

Secondary species:

• Common moorhen — Gallinula chloropus;
• Little grebe — Tachybaptus ruficollis;
• Great crested grebe — Podiceps cristatus, if present.

Task: recognise the coot and distinguish it from the moorhen by observing bill, frontal shield, body colour, behaviour and habitat.

Principal species: Common moorhen — Gallinula chloropus

Secondary species:

• Eurasian coot — Fulica atra;
• Little grebe — Tachybaptus ruficollis;
• Common kingfisher — Alcedo atthis, if observed.

Task: observe pond margins and document the presence of the common moorhen, distinguishing it from the coot.

Principal species: Little grebe — Tachybaptus ruficollis

Secondary species:

• Eurasian coot — Fulica atra;
• Common moorhen — Gallinula chloropus;
• Great cormorant — Phalacrocorax carbo;
• Great crested grebe — Podiceps cristatus, if present.

Task: locate the little grebe, describe its diving behaviour and distinguish it from coots, moorhens and other waterbirds.

Activated if participant numbers or site conditions make it appropriate.

Principal species: Great cormorant — Phalacrocorax carbo

Secondary species:

• grey heron;
• great egret;
• little grebe;
• Eurasian coot.

Task: observe the cormorant in the water or perched, describing behaviour, dives and, where visible, the spread-wing posture.

14. Study method assigned to groups

Each group studies its principal species using the following framework:

1. common name;
2. scientific name;
3. dimensions and general appearance;
4. plumage colour;
5. bill, legs, neck and body shape;
6. preferred habitat;
7. typical behaviour;
8. observation period;
9. similar species;
10. distinguishing characteristics;
11. what to photograph;
12. how to describe the species on iNaturalist.

At the end of Day 4 each group receives or prepares a brief species sheet.

15. Final practical assessment

The final practical assessment is the concluding stage of the training programme and constitutes a practical test of learning and suitability.

The preferred location for the observation phase is the Focognano Lakes, with possible use of the nearby Lago dei Cavalieri where local guides consider it more useful for observing the target species.

If, for organisational, authorisation, naturalistic or logistical reasons, these sites are not suitable, another wetland in the Florence–Prato Plain may be selected on the advice of local guides, naturalistic advisers or local naturalistic-photography groups with expertise in the area.

The assessment verifies the candidate’s ability to apply course knowledge in the field. Candidates are not expected to recognise every species contained in Natura 2000 forms, but must demonstrate a correct method of:

• observation;
• silent behaviour in hides;
• recognition of the assigned species;
• documentation;
• field-form completion;
• iNaturalist uploading;
• respectful conduct in a protected area;
• collaboration with the group.

16. Definitive timetable for the practical assessment

The final practical assessment is organised in accordance with local-guide indications that target species are generally easier to observe in the early morning and, in any event, before 11:00.

Observation posts and hides can accommodate only 3 or 4 observers at a time. Participants are therefore divided into small operational groups, accompanied by guides and distributed among the hides available at the Focognano Lakes or, where appropriate, the nearby Lago dei Cavalieri.

The observation phase should provide approximately two or three continuous hours, allowing genuine naturalistic activity that is not rushed and is compatible with the behaviour of the birdlife present.

Following observation, participants transfer to Stato Libero dei Renai or another suitable logistical venue for lunch, uploading images to iNaturalist, completing field forms, the theoretical test, final verification and presentation of diplomas.

Closing is planned by 16:45, with an organisational margin until 17:00.

16.1 Arrival, registration and attendance check

08:30–08:45

Activities:

• rapid registration of participants;
• verification of the participant list;
• checking groups already formed in Module 4;
• distribution or confirmation of field forms;
• essential check of smartphone, iNaturalist app and personal equipment.

To respect the timetable, groups must already have been formed before the practical day.

16.2 Technical briefing and assignment to hides

08:45–09:00

The briefing must be brief and operational. It recalls:

• rules of the protected site;
• obligation to remain with one’s guide;
• obligation to stay on authorised routes;
• silence in observation posts;
• prohibition on disturbing wildlife;
• prohibition on capture, collection or handling;
• discreet use of smartphones and cameras;
• criteria for recording observations;
• duration of stays in hides;
• possible arrangements for rotation among posts.

Theoretical explanations must already have been provided during online modules and Module 4.

16.3 Field observation

09:00–11:00

This is the central phase of the practical assessment. Groups are divided into units of 3 or 4 observers according to actual hide and post capacity. Each group is assigned a guide or observation supervisor.

Each group must:

• reach the assigned post;
• observe in silence;
• identify the principal assigned species, where present;
• record any secondary species;
• obtain useful photographs where possible;
• describe the habitat;
• complete the field form;
• follow the instructions of local guides;
• avoid any disturbance to wildlife.

16.4 Organisation of groups in hides

Because hides can accommodate only 3 or 4 observers at a time, groups must remain small.

For 15 participants the ideal organisation is:

If fewer posts are available, rotation may be considered only where it does not disturb species and does not excessively reduce the two continuous hours of observation. Priority is given to quality of observation, not quantity of movement.

16.5 Gradual return to the starting base and preliminary check

11:00–11:20

At the end of fieldwork groups return to the starting base, preferably the WWF Focognano area. The organisation must:

• verify that each group has completed at least one form;
• check that photographs have been collected where available;
• record species seen or not seen;
• record difficulties encountered;
• collect initial comments from the guides.

This stage remains brief because uploading and review take place later at the logistical venue.

16.6 Transfer to Stato Libero dei Renai

11:20–12:00

After leaving the hides and returning to the starting base, participants may move to Stato Libero dei Renai.

Using the Renai venue after the field assessment:

• avoids unnecessarily prolonging time in hides;
• avoids administrative or educational activities in unsuitable places;
• allows participants to have lunch;
• provides a more comfortable setting for smartphones, forms and materials;
• allows the Committee to carry out tests, assessments and diploma presentation in an orderly manner.

Availability of the park, restaurant and usable spaces must be checked in advance. If unavailable, another nearby venue is selected.

16.7 Lunch and break

12:00–13:00

Lunch also provides recovery after fieldwork. A simple arrangement should be agreed in advance with the restaurant or selected venue to avoid delays. No formal assessment is conducted during lunch, except informal clarification where needed.

16.8 Uploading images to iNaturalist and completing forms

13:00–14:00

Each group must:

• select the most useful photographs;
• upload at least one principal observation to iNaturalist;
• enter place, date and notes;
• propose an identification;
• complete the field form;
• indicate any identification doubts;
• specify whether the assigned species was actually seen or merely searched for.

It is not necessary for each candidate to upload a different observation individually; however, every candidate must demonstrate understanding of the uploading procedure.

16.9 Multiple-choice theoretical test

14:00–14:30

The theoretical test must be brief and targeted. Topics include:

• Natura 2000 Network;
• rules of conduct in protected areas;
• essential naturalistic-monitoring concepts;
• iNaturalist;
• target species;
• role of the volunteer;
• meaning of Stewardship of Creation;
• limits of non-professional action.

The theoretical test supplements rather than replaces the practical assessment.

16.10 Practical group verification with individual questions

14:30–15:15

Each group briefly presents its observation. Each candidate then receives an individual question that may concern:

• which species was observed;
• which features enabled recognition;
• the habitat in which it was found;
• the similar species from which it must be distinguished;
• correct behaviour maintained in the field;
• what was uploaded to iNaturalist;
• why the observation is useful;
• which protection rule was respected.

This phase verifies both teamwork and individual preparation.

16.11 Brief presentation of results

15:15–15:45

Each group presents, in approximately 4–5 minutes:

• species searched for;
• species observed;
• habitat;
• main identification characteristics;
• any secondary species;
• observation uploaded to iNaturalist;
• difficulties encountered;
• ecological value of the species or habitat.

16.12 Final assessment

15:45–16:15

The Committee completes the final assessment, taking account of:

• behaviour in hides;
• respect for local guides;
• non-invasive observation;
• completion of field forms;
• use of iNaturalist;
• theoretical test;
• individual answers;
• group presentation;
• understanding of the civic and spiritual value of Stewardship of Creation.

16.13 Presentation of diplomas and closing

16:15–16:45

Candidates who have been found suitable are announced. Certificates and diplomas should be prepared in advance.

Candidates who are not found suitable may receive a simple certificate of attendance and may repeat the practical assessment in a later session.

The day may conclude by 16:45, with an organisational margin until 17:00.

17. Materials required from participants

Each participant must bring:

• charged smartphone;
• iNaturalist app installed;
• active iNaturalist account;
• power bank;
• clothing suitable for a wetland;
• comfortable shoes or walking boots;
• hat or waterproof clothing according to the season;
• water;
• notebook;
• pen or pencil;
• personal binoculars, if available;
• behaviour appropriate to silent observation in a hide.

18. Materials to be provided by the organisation

The organisation must prepare:

• participant list;
• group list;
• allocation of groups to hides/posts;
• species sheets;
• field forms;
• site map;
• spare binoculars, if available;
• spotting scope, if available;
• agreement with local guides;
• any agreement with the restaurant or afternoon logistical venue;
• folders with prepared certificates;
• final register of successful candidates;
• emergency contacts;
• permissions from the site manager.

19. Minimum field form

Each group completes a form containing:

20. Assessment criteria

The practical assessment is scored as follows:

A candidate is considered suitable with a minimum score of 70/100.

21. Continuous assessment during the day

Assessment takes place progressively throughout the practical day rather than only at the end.

22. Grounds for immediate unsuitability

Irrespective of the score, the following may result in immediate unsuitability:

• leaving authorised routes;
• entering unassigned hides or posts;
• intentionally disturbing wildlife;
• noise or behaviour incompatible with observation;
• attempting unauthorised capture or handling;
• collecting plants, eggs, insects or specimens;
• failing to follow instructions from lecturers, local guides or the site manager;
• disrespectful conduct towards the site, lecturers or other participants;
• failure to take effective part in the assessment.

23. Theoretical test

The multiple-choice theoretical test is preferably held during the afternoon, after lunch and image uploading.

It verifies essential knowledge concerning:

• Natura 2000 Network;
• environmental-protection principles;
• conduct in protected areas;
• naturalistic monitoring;
• use of iNaturalist;
• assigned target species;
• purposes of the Medici Humanistic Villages;
• meaning of Stewardship of Creation.

Award of the Certificate is conditional on:

1. attendance at the course;
2. passing the theoretical test;
3. suitability in the final practical assessment.

24. Necessary organisational conditions

To ensure correct conduct of the final assessment, the following conditions must be met:

• groups formed in Module 4;
• species assigned before the assessment;
• hides/posts already identified;
• local guides confirmed;
• Lago dei Cavalieri or any alternative site authorised where required;
• iNaturalist app installed;
• iNaturalist account verified;
• certificates printed and prepared;
• field forms ready;
• at least two evaluators or lecturers operational;
• one person responsible for time and logistics;
• a simple assessment grid;
• availability of Stato Libero dei Renai or another logistical venue for lunch, tests and diploma presentation;
• no long theoretical lessons during the practical day.

25. Necessary preliminary checks

Before definitively confirming the practical assessment, it will be necessary to:

1. consult the lecturers to ensure that there are no teaching or organisational obstacles to holding the assessment at Focognano, Lago dei Cavalieri or another venue;
2. consult Dr Scoccianti or other competent naturalistic advisers regarding access, hides, permissions, site suitability and observable species;
3. verify with local guides the presence of migratory species during the days preceding the assessment;
4. verify availability of Stato Libero dei Renai or another suitable venue for lunch and afternoon activities;
5. assess with Bee Trained any adjustment of the participation fee required by additional operating costs.

26. Uses and progression associated with the Certificate

The Level I Certificate of Qualification in Stewardship of Creation may constitute:

• a requirement for access to the Level II course;
• an internal qualification for service as a voluntary environmental attendant in Medici Humanistic Fiefdoms;
• a training credential in civic and community environmental-education initiatives;
• a basis for collaboration with ecological projects, local bodies, schools and green parishes;
• an instrument for participation in citizen-science and environmental-monitoring campaigns.

These are internal or educational uses and do not confer public enforcement powers or replace professional qualifications required by law.

27. Concluding formula of the programme

The training programme for the Level I Certificate of Qualification in Stewardship of Creation is progressively structured.

The first three days provide candidates with fundamental skills in naturalistic monitoring, use of digital tools, field observation, the legal protection of the environment, Natura 2000 and responsible conduct in protected sites.

The fourth day prepares candidates for the final assessment: it explains the Bioblitz procedure, forms the operational groups, assigns target species and provides a practical iNaturalist simulation.

The final assessment is conducted according to a formula consistent with local-guide recommendations: naturalistic observation in the early hours of the morning, in small groups at suitable hides or posts, followed by data processing, iNaturalist uploading, theoretical testing, practical verification and presentation of diplomas at a suitable logistical venue.

The Certificate is awarded to candidates who demonstrate sufficient theoretical preparation, correct operational behaviour and practical suitability for the activity of Steward of Creation.