The Conservation Certificate
A one year part-time virtual programme to equip Christians to be hopeful and effective conservationists
In association with
A Rocha has a distinctive faith-based approach to biodiversity conservation, which is both innovative and transformational. Now over 40 years old and with organizations in more than 20 countries on six continents, we work for the good of people and places over the long-term. We believe caring for creation is an expression of worship and an integral part of the Christian life. Our care and protection of habitats, species and human communities is a reflection of God’s love for all he has made.
All we do is characterised by five commitments:
The Conservation Certificate will run from September until July. Sessions for modules 1 and 3 will be held at 7am GMT/BST. Sessions for modules 2 and 4 will be 7pm GMT/BST. Each session will last one hour.
During the year participants will design and begin to implement a conservation project with the support of their peers and mentor. They will also have the opportunity to experience an established A Rocha conservation project.
Time commitment
Each of the four modules requires an investment of around 60 hours. This includes:
- 10 hours of taught content (one hour weekly)
- 10 hours working on assignments
- 20 hours of independent study (reading, watching and listening)
- 20 hours spent working on the conservation project
Cost
Only £900
NB not including cost of site visit
Registration
Registration for 2025/6 is now closed. The next Conservation Certificate will run from September 2026 to July 2027 and you can register below. There are 20 places and we will take people on a first come first served basis.Â
The story
The Conservation Certificate is an initiative created to honour the memory of Chris Naylor (former Executive Director of A Rocha International & founder of A Rocha Lebanon), his wife Susanna Naylor (co-founder of A Rocha Lebanon) and Miranda Harris (A Rocha co-founder) who tragically died in a car accident in 2019. Chris, Susanna and Miranda were known for their investment in younger leaders and for inspiring and encouraging countless people working in conservation around the world.
Conservation Certificate leadership
Conservation Certificate Lead
Jo Swinney
Jo is Director of Communications for A Rocha International. She is an award-winning author and an experienced speaker with an MA in Theology from Regent College, Vancouver
Programme Director
Gavin Gilmore
Gavin is Professor Emeritus at Bath Spa University, UK with a primary focus on human-environment interactions.
Course content
- Overview & introduction
In this part of the programme you will meet and begin to get to know some key A Rocha leaders, the module leaders and others in your cohort. You will be matched with a mentor and define your practical project.
- Four modules, each one involving
- Online teaching delivered over a 10-week period
- Small group work
- One meeting with your mentor
- An in-depth A Rocha case study to ground your learning in lived reality
- On-site experience with an established A Rocha conservation project
- A practical conservation project by each participant
- Concluding sessions
These will include project presentations, learning overviews and celebration
Module 1: Biblical basis for creation care
Led by Rev. Dr. Dave Bookless
Dave is Head of Theology for A Rocha International. He serves as Lausanne Global Catalyst for Creation Care and sits on the boards of Season of Creation and The Oikos Network.
Module 2: Conservation & scienceÂ
Led by Dr Hannah Hereward
Hannah is an A Rocha alumna from multiple countries as well as A Rocha International. She is currently a Research Ecologist within the British Trust for Ornithology based in the Welsh (Cymru) team.
Module 3: Community influence & communication
Led by Dr Seth Appiah-Kubi
Seth is the National Director of A Rocha Ghana.
Module 4: Leadership the A Rocha way
Led by David and Shauna Anderson
David and Shauna are the A Rocha Canada BC Director and A Rocha Canada BC Director VP, respectively.
Other course personnel
Jonathan Mangi
Programme Administrator
Bursaries
The application deadline for 2025/6 has now passed. We hope to have funding available to support participants in 2026/7. More information will be available on this webpage closer to the time.
Qualifications & prerequisites
There are no academic prerequisites. Participants will need to have have proficient written and spoken English (CEFR level C1 or equivalent).
If you need further information please email [email protected].