PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE on the IUCN Global Standard on Nature-based Solutions™ - 4 February 2025

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 IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions™, to apply the Standard to develop sustainable projects and solutions, and to prepare for high integrity application.

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

🕒 Start date: 4 February 2025

🕒 Duration:      6 weeks

Click here for a detailed schedule

🕒 Weekly estimated effort: 5 - 7 Hours weekly, self-paced

📖 Course type: Hybrid with self-paced e-learning and 6 online live sessions with NbS experts

📖 Course includes: Modules, individual project and group work

🗨️ Languages: English

Registration: OPEN 

Award:   Professional Certificate on successful completion of the course

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:  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:

• Attend live sessions.
• Complete the individual and group work.

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.