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Published 15 July 2025

To meet the growing demand for skilled conservation technology professionals, the Connected Conservation Foundation (CCF), in collaboration with Cisco Networking Academy – one of the world’s longest-running IT skills-to-jobs programs – is announcing today a new Protected Area Technician (PAT) Training Program. This free, global, expert-led online course, including sponsorships and in-field internships, aims to help kick-start local careers in conservation technology.

As conservation becomes increasingly data-driven, real-time digital tools such as sensors, satellites, AI, and analytics, all based on secure connectivity, are transforming how we protect and restore nature. With this shift comes a growing need for skilled Protected Area Technicians to install, maintain and manage these systems and keep critical data flowing.

The PAT Training Program offers free online courses to empower the next generation of professionals with the necessary skills to set up and maintain a wide range of conservation technologies. These digital tools are crucial in tackling nature loss in today’s conservation environments, helping detect threats like poaching and deforestation, monitor environmental conditions, and supporting community-led stewardship of vital natural resources.

“We’re excited to welcome and support the next generation of conservation tech leaders,” said Doc Watson, Chairman and Founder of CCF. “As a Protected Area Technician, you’ll keep teams connected, systems secure, and data flowing, making a real difference on the ground.”

Free training, global access

The new PAT Program offers a fully online, flexible pathway from beginner to advanced certification, completely free of charge. Through 10 expert-led courses, learners will develop vendor-agnostic skills in sensor deployment, networking, off-grid infrastructure, cybersecurity, data management and integration — the essential toolkit for a tech-powered conservation career.

Course content developed by industry leaders

Created in collaboration with leading professionals in conservation technology, the program is backed by globally recognised associates, including Cisco Networking Academy, Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, African Parks and EarthRanger (AI2), providing a network of expert consultants.

"Our decade-long partnership with CCF has evolved from protecting rhinos to safeguarding entire landscapes and now training new conservation champions in local communities," said Fran Katsoudas, Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer from Cisco. "This is what real impact looks like - education and innovation coming together to protect the natural world and empower those who care for it."

The Open University has also been a key supporting partner in guiding CCF to embed Cisco Networking Academy content in the PAT curriculum, helping experts harness and utilise these courses.

Sponsorships for tech-powered conservation careers

In September 2025, CCF will also launch an open call for sponsored internships. In January 2026, judges will award twenty top applicants with fully funded sponsorships for hands-on field training. From this cohort, five graduates will win two-month internships at leading African protected areas, gaining real-world experience, expert mentorship and valuable industry connections.

Scholarship applications open in September 2025. Candidates are required to complete the online course before training begins in March 2026 and will be selected based on CVs, practical assessments and interviews, all reviewed by CCF’s technical experts.

10 years of innovation, enabling a digital ecosystem for impact

Over the past ten years, CCF and Cisco, alongside local field collaborators, have implemented cutting-edge conservation technologies to strengthen the protection and management of 35 conservancies across 15 countries. Their collaboration advances nature-positive outcomes through a holistic digital approach, providing infrastructure alongside education for local communities, digital skills training and the creation of technology-based job opportunities.

Build a career that protects the planet: https://connectedconservation.foundation/capacity-building/

Watch the PAT training video here.

ENDS

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About Connected Conservation Foundation (CCF)
With urgency, CCF is equipping local conservation partners with cutting-edge technologies and training to save nature, together with partners. Enabling landscape-scale solutions for an effective, well-connected system of protected areas, CCF is helping countries work towards safeguarding 30% of their lands by 2030. Through the digital transformation of conservation, CCF is supporting new ways to monitor, value and protect wildlife and wildlands.

About Cisco Networking Academy
Cisco Networking Academy is a global skills-to-jobs program offered by Cisco to provide digital skills training and workforce development through public-private partnerships. It aims to bridge the digital divide and empower individuals with in-demand IT and cybersecurity skills, preparing them for careers in the evolving digital economy.

About Cisco 
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that is revolutionising the way organisations connect and protect in the AI era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the world. With its industry-leading AI-powered solutions and services, Cisco enables its customers, partners and communities to unlock innovation, enhance productivity and strengthen digital resilience.  With purpose at its core, Cisco remains committed to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all. Discover more on The Newsroom and follow us on X at @Cisco. 

Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Cisco’s trademarks can be found at http://www.cisco.com/go/trademarks. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word ‘partner’ does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company. 

About The Open University
The Open University (OU) is the largest academic institution in the UK and a world leader in flexible distance learning. Since it began in 1969, the OU has taught more than 2.3 million students worldwide and currently has around 200,000 students. Seventy-one per cent of directly registered students are in full-time or part-time employment, and 73 FTSE 100 companies have sponsored staff to take OU courses. The OU works with 2,800 employers in total to deliver workplace education, including more than 190 local authorities and 149 NHS Trusts and the nation’s health boards.