Learning Units
The NBS EduWORLD Learning Units page offers a comprehensive and flexible suite of resources designed to integrate Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) into higher education and professional training. With 50 curated Learning Units, this platform supports educators, students, and practitioners at all levels—undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), doctoral (PhD), vocational, and entrepreneurial.
Covering a broad spectrum of themes and contexts, the Learning Units are structured around key educational streams:
- Common Core Units introduce foundational NBS concepts, such as ecosystem services, biodiversity, and the SDGs.
- 3rd Level Units target university-level learners, with a focus on implementation, policy, social inclusion, and future urban development.
- Entrepreneurial Units support learners exploring nature-based enterprises, business models, green finance, and sector-specific NBS opportunities.
- Vocational Units are tailored for practical skills development, project management, policy engagement, and multi-level governance.
- Case Studies and Workshops offer real-world applications and participatory methods from NBS EduWORLD demonstrator sites across Europe.
Each unit is aligned with European Qualification Framework (EQF) levels, ranging from Level 6 to Level 8, ensuring academic relevance and adaptability.
These Learning Units are editable and adaptable, supporting custom integration into curricula, practice-oriented, blending theory with applied learning, and geographically diverse, reflecting urban, rural, and coastal NBS contexts.
Download the full list of Learning Units
Whether you're a lecturer seeking ready-to-use teaching materials, a student exploring sustainability, or a professional upskilling in green innovation, the NBS EduWORLD Learning Units offer a unique, user-friendly gateway into nature-based thinking and action.
Search results ( 21 - 25 of 26 )
Skills for NBS
This unit discusses the variety of career opportunities in the NBS sector, including roles in urban planning, environmental science, community engagement, and technology. Students will learn about the skills and qualifications required for these careers, as well as the importance of EU research projects, entrepreneurship, and business innovation in the growing NBS field.
Find here the editable version and the teaching note.
Educational Level: Higher Education
Language: English
Organisation: TCD
Social Inclusion in and for Nature-Based Solutions
The integration of NBS may exacerbate social exclusion, such as greening projects contributing to increased rents and, as a result, the displacement of residents. Political will and awarenes of greening through NBS needs to be in place to enact NBS in communities, which may not be in place or prioritised for disadvantaged communities. This Learning Unit explores the challenges of inclusion and NBS implementation along with the unintended consequences of exclusion that may occur through case study analysis through pathways of inclusion Learners gain a deeper understanding that NBS needs to involve diversity in community and stakeholder engagement, including from under-represented voices to ensure equal access, participation and benefits of NBS for all.
Find here the editable version and the teaching note.
Educational Level: Higher Education
Language: English
Organisation: TCD
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems Case
This unit covers the principles of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), their importance in managing stormwater and promoting urban resilience to climate change. The session examines SUDS components like rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavements, and the role of EU policies and funding in supporting SUDS projects. Students will also explore case studies of cities successfully integrating SUDS for improved water management, biodiversity, and sustainability.
Find here the editable version and the teaching note.
Educational Level: Higher Education
Language: English
Organisation: TCD
Understanding Nature-Based Solutions: An Introduction
This unit explores the core concept of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and how they can be utilized to mitigate environmental challenges, such as flooding, heat islands, and loss of biodiversity. The presentation introduces students to key EU research projects and policy frameworks that shape NBS implementation in urban areas, including community engagement and policy development.
Find here the editable version and the teaching note.
Educational Level: Higher Education
Language: English
Organisation: TCD
UrbanByNature: Going through Step 7 UPSCALE
This LU provides a Brief dive into the world of Upscaling and elaborates the differences between the different scaling methods used, scaling out and scaling deep for example. The unit is meant to shine light on the UbN Step 7 on Upscaling for local governments as well as regional entities to think of ways on how to upscale NbS and what to consider when doing so. The role of standards is also highlighted here.
Find here the editable version and the teaching note.
Educational Level: Higher Education
Language: English
Organisation: ICLEI
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.