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 ( 1 - 5 of 50 )
Business models for nature-based enterprises Part I
Like any business, nature-based enterprises need to have a business model to survive and thrive. In this lesson, nature-based enterprises are introduced to the concept of business models and the business model canvas as a tool for strategic management and planning. Different business model tools are introduced for different types of businesses. Participants will reflect and analyse which business model canvas is most appropriate to apply to their business. They will apply learning directly to their own business context considering value propositions, beneficiary and customer perspectives and developing ideas for revenue generation.
Find here the editable version and the teaching note.
Educational Level: Professional
Language: English
Organisation: Horizon Nua
Business models for Nature-based Enterprises: PART II
This learning unit is a continuation of the previous unit on business models and the business model canvas. Participants will be reminded of the different types of BMC tools available and given a deep dive into the bottom segment of the business model canvas - capturing value, cost structure and cost reduction. They will apply these learnings directly to their own business context and finalise their business model canvas template.
Find here the editable version and the teaching note.
Educational Level: Professional
Language: English
Organisation: Horizon Nua
Challenges in financing and implementing NBS
The unit starts with a succinct overview of NBS initiatives and their importance in meeting the 2050 carbon-neutrality goal as oultined in the European Green Deal and European Green Law. Financing NBS ramifications are multifaceted in a sustainable economy.
Find here the editable version and the teaching note.
Educational Level: Higher Education
Language: English
Organisation: TCD
Creating Sustainable Learning Spaces through NBS - Opportunities for Policy Action
This Learning Unit introduces learners to policy action areas for promoting Sustainable Learning Spaces. It discusses how four policy action areas can support the development of Nature-based Solutions on educational institution grounds. Some best practice examples are provided from various EU member states.
Find here the editable version and the teaching note.
Educational Level: Higher Education
Language: English
Organisation: PPMI
Dune Restoration Case
This unit explores the concept of dune restoration as a Nature-Based Solution for managing coastal flooding. The session covers the role of coastal dunes, wetlands, and mangrove forests in protecting coastlines, improving water retention, and supporting biodiversity. It also highlights the REDUNA project and its contribution to enhancing urban resilience through the restoration of coastal ecosystems.
Find here the editable version and the teaching note.
Educational Level: Higher Education
Language: English
Organisation: TCD
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