The Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions™ was developed by IUCN and the IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM). This Professional Certificate aims to train individuals from all sectors interested in gaining expertise in the field.
About this course
The concept of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) is gaining momentum around the world and NbS are increasingly accepted and implemented to address societal challenges. IUCN estimates that they can provide over a third of the world’s climate mitigation needs while benefiting people and nature. This course will equip participants to understand the updated IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions™, to apply the Standard to develop sustainable projects and solutions, and to prepare for high integrity application.
The Second Edition of the Standard reflects lessons learned since 2020 and responds to growing global demand for credible, high-impact NbS. Updates include enhanced clarity and usability, stronger equity and rights-based safeguards, improved framing of financial feasibility and long-term viability, and greater emphasis on enabling conditions such as policy, finance and regulation to scale NbS confidently and sustainably.
What will you get from this course?
- Understanding of the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions criteria and the ability to identify the expertise and tools needed, to use the Standard.
- Enhanced capacity to highlight the gaps in evidence for NbS.
- An understanding of the approach and means for assurance of high integrity application of NbS.
- Improved ability to analyse the opportunities and challenges for NbS.
- Confidence to communicate, engage and cooperate with other similar or complementary NbS projects and initiatives.
- Options to initiate and integrate approaches to NbS into your work.
Why should you take this course?
- Gain a better understanding of what meets the requirements for a NbS and how to use the Standard to identify and overcome gaps and shortcomings.
- Increase your ability to contribute towards positive change to address societal challenges, through applying the Standard and using the self-assessment tool.
- Become part of a network of peers for continuous learning, building collaboration and developing alliances for successful use of the Standard.
Course details
📅 Course dates: 17 February – 24 March 2026 (detailed schedule)
⏰ Live session timing: Track 1: 9.00 to 11:00 CET and Track 2: 15.00 to 17.00 CET
⏳Duration: 5 weeks
🕒 Weekly estimated effort: 5 – 7 hours, including live sessions
📖 Course type: Hybrid – self-paced e-learning + expert live sessions.
đź“š Includes: Modules, individual & group assignments
🗣️ Language: English
🏅 Award: Professional Certificate upon successful course completion
Fees
- IUCN Commission members: 33% discount on the non-profit rate.
- Young Commission members (under 35): 50% discount on the non-profit rate.
- IUCN Members organisations: up to 75% discount depending on category of membership as detailed here
- Non-Profit Organisations and independent applicants: 2’950 CHF
- For-Profit Organisations: 3’950 CHF
- A number of partial scholarships are available for nationals from developing countries and LDCs. Contact academy@iucn.org for more information.
- IUCN Staff: sign up via this link.
Candidates for admission must satisfy the following conditions:
- Bachelor’s degree, or a degree/diploma deemed to be equivalent
- Proficiency in English
- At least three (3) years of work experience
For a successful completion, participants must:
- âś… Attend live sessions.
- âś… Complete the individual and group assignments.
Course trainers
Global Head, Nature-based Solutions (IUCN)
Climate change and Biodiversity Specialist (Agence Française de Développement);
Project Officer for Nature-based Solutions (IUCN French Commitee);
Testimonials from course alumni
Suzan Al Kaki
Project Manager,
Tilad Environmental Consultants
David Stanton
Executive Director, Ecology and Biodiversity – Hong Kong
Aurecon
Donna McGinnis
President & CEO,
Naples Botanical Garden
The Professional Certificate
Candidates who successfully complete the programme will be awarded the IUCN Professional Certificate on the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions™. Through this Professional Certificate, IUCN recognises your capacity to identify NbS according to the IUCN Global Standard and to use the self-assessment tool. It is a non-academic credential, which does not entitle its awardee(s) to certify Nature-based Solutions on behalf of IUCN.
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