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 18 )
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
Financing for nature-based enterprises Part I
Securing financing to set-up and grow a business is one of the most common challenges faced by all companies. In this lesson, we review key factors influencing the choice and availablity of finance and we consider how financing for nature-based enterprises may be different from that of other businesses. Participants will reflect and analyse which type of financing is most appropriate to apply to their business taking into account factors such as legal structure, sector and stage of business development.
Find here the editable version and the teaching note.
Educational Level: Professional
Language: English
Organisation: Horizon Nua
Financing for Nature-based Enterprises: PART II
Securing financing to set-up and grow a business is one of the most common challenges faced by all companies. In this lesson, we continue our review of financing options for nature-based enterprises. Options for financing of start-ups will be explored as will the differences in financing approaches adopted across different NbE sectors. Participants will reflect and analyse which source of financing is most appropriate to apply to their business taking into account factors such as legal structure, sector and stage of business development.
Find here the editable version and the teaching note.
Educational Level: Professional
Language: English
Organisation: Horizon Nua
Inter-sectoral collaboration and partnerships for NBS
This unit provides an understanding of how to use partnerships and collaboations to promote uptake of NBS. Provides examples of strategies for promoting partnerships, and some basic principles behind partnership development the associated advantages and disadvanatges of collaborations. It highlights how cross-sectorial collaborations can be beneficial to adopting, planning and implementing NBS.
Find here the editable version and the teaching note.
Educational Level: Professional
Language: English
Organisation: PPMI
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