A strong and effective network is crucial to sustainable impacts in and beyond the conservation sector. MENC aims at supporting participants in their individual learning and leadership development. Thus, it strengthens the capacity of all partner organisations to increase their individual and joint impact.
In this programme you will experience the power and potential of mentoring to foster long-term personal and professional growth. Take part to connect with other like-minded individuals working in conservation. This course will enhance your ability to collaborate across boundaries as well as developing greater understanding and cooperation between generations. After completion you will be more conscious of your leadership of and impact on others.
To get a deeper insight into the mentoring programme, read our journal article in which the organisers of the programme have their say and former participants talk about their experiences.
Would you like to become a mentor or a mentee?
This programme is mainly intended for employees of nature conservation organisations from all of Europe and the Mediterranean Basin. Other applications might also be considered.
Interested mentors and mentees need to be open-minded, ready to learn and committed to nature conservation.
In addition, you should have been employed with your organisation for at least a year.
To apply as a mentor, you should have good communication skills. Other requirements are being a good listener as well as showing real interest in the mentee and their development. Mentors should also have at least seven years of professional experience. Previously trained mentors are also welcome to apply.
As part of your application, you need the support of your CEO or a senior executive of your organisation.
Launch of new cohort 2026/2027 coming soon – Save the date: Q&A session!
Save the date: Mentoring Awareness and Q&A webinar, Tuesday, 22 September 2026
The webinar will be recorded and published here afterwards.
Experience reports and testimonials from former participants
Sometimes progress requires a break, a reassessment and then a return with new strength and purpose. As a mentor, I can give something back by helping others to have similar transformative experiences as I had as a mentee.
Lorena Pyze Xhafaj, PPNEA
(Albania)
Within MENC, I feel accepted with all my rough edges. I find this safe space emotionally empowering. It helps me not to let setbacks or minor issues distract me from my path.
Markus Dressnandt, Deputy Head of Communications at EuroNatur, mentor at MENC
(Germany)
It was great to be able to organise time in a week to reflect: that is something we rarely have time to do. Just preparing for the sessions with my mentor was so valuable. This is a habit I would like to keep even after our programme ends.
