About This Course

This course, presented by UNEP and various environmental experts worldwide, dives into the concept of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) which employs the nurturing capabilities of nature to mitigate disaster and climate impacts. It emphasizes the benefits and opportunities associated with NbS and presents practical modules aimed at diverse audiences to foster resilience against environmental challenges.

What Students Will Learn

• Application of Nature-based Solutions to enhance resilience across different roles including policymakers, engineers, and business owners.
• Interlinkages between human activities and ecological systems and the main approaches for employing NbS.
• Incorporation of nature into policy making for disaster and climate risk reduction.
• Use of green infrastructure as a complement to engineered structures to mitigate disaster impacts.
• Roles of various stakeholders, including youth and businesses, in tackling climate challenges through NbS.

Course Prerequisites

No prerequisites are required for this course, making it accessible to anyone interested in understanding and applying Nature-based Solutions.

Course Coverage

• Introduction to Nature-based Solutions and their relevance.
• The science and benefits behind NbS.
• Practical applications of NbS for resilience in urban, coastal, and dryland areas.
• Community-inclusive strategies and participation in NbS initiatives.
• Policy development and practical implementation of NbS.
• Engagement of the business sector in NbS practices.

Who is This Course For?

This course is designed for everyone, regardless of their professional or academic background. It is especially beneficial for planners, policymakers, engineers, business leaders, and anyone interested in sustainability and environmental resilience.

Real-World Application

Skills acquired from this course can be applied in numerous ways in the real world:

• Policymakers can design more sustainable and resilience-oriented policies.
• Engineers and architects can integrate NbS into urban and rural planning projects.
• Businesses can adopt more sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact and foster community resilience.
• Educators and leaders can inform and inspire others to participate in environmental conservation efforts.

Syllabus

• Unit 1: Introduction to the relevance of the course and the importance of NbS.
• Unit 2: Overview of Nature-based Solutions and their benefits.
• Unit 3: Application scenarios of NbS in various environmental and urban contexts.
• Unit 4: Inclusivity in NbS approaches involving communities, youth, and indigenous people.
• Unit 5: Integrating NbS from policy formulation to practical implementation.
• Unit 6: Exploring business and economic perspectives on NbS.
• Unit 7: Actionable steps for participants and concluding thoughts.