Program Overview

Program Overview

The EMMA4EU - Deforestation-free supply chain manager course is an advanced training program designed to equip participants with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in managing deforestation-free supply chains. The course is fully delivered online in English and consists of 125 hours of teaching activities, corresponding to 6 ECTS.

Course Objectives

The course aims to bridge the skills gap between market demands and available expertise by providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of deforestation-free supply chain management. The program focuses on developing due diligence systems, understanding international policies, and familiarizing participants with agriculture and forestry voluntary sustainability standards.

Course Structure

The course is structured into four main thematic modules:

1. Introductory Module: Provides updated knowledge on deforestation and forest degradation processes, focusing on their scale, intensity, trends, and direct and indirect drivers.
2. Technical Module: Presents operational tools for identifying and analyzing supply chains, guiding participants in using these tools.
3. Specialist Module: Offers a practical approach to managing deforestation-free supply chains, providing a reasoned and operational overview of aspects related to planning and managing due diligence systems.
4. Final Project: Involves the development of an individual project related to deforestation-free supply chain management, where participants apply and expand the knowledge and skills acquired during the preceding modules.

Competencies Offered

The course provides participants with the following competencies:

• Mastery of tools for analyzing deforestation/forest degradation processes at multiple scales.
• Understanding of international policies addressing deforestation and forest degradation.
• Familiarity with agriculture and forestry voluntary sustainability standards and their effectiveness in mitigating deforestation risks.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks in FRC-producing countries and their implications for supply chains.
• Proficiency in tools for trade flows analysis, monitoring supply chains, tracking goods, and assessing associated risks.
• Managerial capabilities for designing, implementing, and maintaining due diligence systems, including resource planning and cost analysis.
• Expertise for data collection, analysis, and visualization to quantify and mitigate deforestation risks.
• Soft skills for stakeholder engagement, impact communication, and public dissemination.

Admission Requirements

English proficiency is required, with a suggested minimum level of B1. Participants with different backgrounds, including forestry, agriculture, economics, policy sciences, and professional experience in deforestation/forest degradation issues, are welcome.

Programme Details

• Thematic Area: Health, environment, and territory
• End of Classes: 22/06/2025
• Mandatory Attendance: 80%
• Minimum Available Spots: 5
• Maximum Available Spots: 200
• Single Instalment: € 572.50
• Selection Process Notice: Available in the selection notice 25/26
• Classes Start: 01/03/2025
• Duration: One year
• Venue: Padua
• Language: English
• ECTS: 6
• Teaching Method: Distance learning
• Total Enrolment Fee: € 572.50
• Pre-enrolment Deadline: 18/02/2025

Innovation Alliance

The course is part of the Erasmus+ EMMA4EU Project (Innovation alliance for training programs for deforestation-free supply chains in Europe) – ERASMUS2027. The top 20 participants will be selected to attend an in-person specialization program in Italy during the summer of 2025, with mobility grants available for selected students.