Introduction to Conservation and Agriculture

Can agriculture feed the world and heal the planet?

About the course

From climate change and biodiversity loss to soil degradation and rural inequality, today’s industrial agriculture is at a crossroads. But what if agriculture could regenerate ecosystems, empower communities, and secure food for future generations?

This course is your gateway to understanding and shaping that future.

Whether you’re a student, policymaker, farmer, or activist, this course will challenge you to think critically, act locally, and reimagine the food system from the ground up.

Who should take this course?

This course is ideal for anyone passionate about agriculture, sustainability, or conservation, especially those who want to understand how to transition toward more environmentally and socially responsible food systems.

What will you learn?

• Understand how industrial agriculture developed and why it poses serious environmental, social, and economic challenges.
• Explore sustainable agriculture principles and practices — including agroecology and regenerative farming — that restore ecosystems and support resilient food systems.
• Learn how agriculture and conservation can work together to promote biodiversity, climate adaptation, and food security, using real-world tools and frameworks.

Developed by

Simon Julien (Programme Officer – Knowledge and Learning at IUCN), with input from the IUCN Food and Agricultural Systems Team.

Financial support