This paper elaborates on the problem of managing the ecological challenge from a competence point of view. The aim of this paper is to discuss a set of competence areas from a management perspective, which together form the concept of ecological competence. Conceptual reflections about ecological competences establish a first step in specifying descriptions of an ecological learning process and may contribute as an analytical tool for researchers interested in exploring this subject more. Empirical data from Sweden demonstrates learning elements of emerging "ecological spaces".