Course feedback based on the comments of the participants (participants' names suppressed)

Worthwhile things learned during the course

• Basic EIA tools.

• Mainstreaming biodiversity in the EIA framework.

• Relevance of valuing ecosystem goods and services for mainstreaming biodiversity in impact assessment.

• Putting monetary values on biodiversity and what they provide.

• Economic assessment approaches for valuing biodiversity services.

• Valuation methods and their incorporation in the EIA framework.

• The concept of biodiversity offsets in impact assessment and how they relate to mitigation.

• Role play session.
   

Things that helped the participants work effectively

• Hard copy of guidance manual.

• Powerful lecturers with well prepared PowerPoint presentations.

• Clarity of instructors.

• Small group and no disturbance.

• The lucid explanations of the instructors and particularly the allowance to participants to speak or comment and relate their experiences to what was being taught.

• The friendliness & openness of the instructors.

• The in-depth knowledge of the presenters.

• The enthusiasm of the lecturers.

• Group exercises/Practical sessions.
   

Things that kept the participants from being more effective

• Academically and professionally: None
   

General comments and suggestions

• Time frame should be extended to 3 days.

• The course was very well conducted.

• The class room facilities could however have been slightly improved.

• Training materials should be posted on the internet for further reference.

• Sub-regional training programme should be conducted.

• Such training programme should also be conducted by distance education mode and some suggested topics include- environmental economics; green engineering & design.

• Courses/programmes should be made accessible on the internet if this is not currently being done.