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

Worthwhile things learned during the course

• This training course did an excellent job at showing participants the many different ways biodiversity could be mainstreamed into the decision making process at all levels.
• Case studies from around the world.
• Biodiversity offsets approaches to biodiversity impact mitigation.
• The importance of mainstreaming biodiversity in EIA and SEA.
• Aspects and processes of EIA through interactions and role play.
• Understand the objective nature of assessment of the strategic and the difficulties of weighing up biodiversity against other factors in the decision making process.
   

Things that helped the participants work effectively

• Better organization and coordination made a more relaxed atmosphere that allowed better absorption of course material.
• The use of wide range of case studies from around the world was of great benefit in illustrating certain points that were being stressed throughout the duration of the course.
• Excellent inputs of presenters especially through role play exercise on Nuclear Power Project.
• Very high level of professionalism of instructors and participatory mode of training.
• Good mix of people, interactive approach of teaching, open and friendly instructors and good training facilities.
• Good combinational of formal and informal dynamics, use of training tools for interactive learning.
• Role playing and interactive training.
• Group work proved to be a good way to put new knowledge into practice.
   

Things that kept the participants from being more effective

• Nil
• Everything was well structured.
• All the themes developed during the courses were interesting and useful in improving knowledge and informing.
• Long presentations, difficult to stay engaged.
• Not much really! Very enjoyable.
• Time.
   

General comments and suggestions

• Course content was good and covered a broad range of issues. There was so much useful information to absorb it might be advisable to extend the length of the training course.
• Participants may be given one session.
• Things ran smoothly and the programme was well organized.
• Excellent venue, friendly group and exciting trainers.
• Opportunities to could have been given to other presenters as there was so much expertise around the table.
• Excellent facilities. The presenters were of very high quality with excellent information.
• More examples, although group could present realistic examples.
• Local speaker (from where conference is held) and case studies could be encouraged