Nature-based Solutions For Climate Resilience: Ecosystems As Climate Allies

Introduction:

Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilience empowers professionals to leverage the power of ecosystems to address climate challenges. This course focuses on understanding the principles of nature-based solutions (NbS), implementing ecosystem-based adaptation and mitigation strategies, and quantifying the benefits of natural infrastructure. Participants will learn to design, implement, and monitor NbS projects that enhance climate resilience while delivering co-benefits for biodiversity and human well-being. This course bridges the gap between traditional engineering approaches and the transformative potential of nature, enabling professionals to build climate-ready landscapes and communities.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for professionals involved in environmental management, urban planning, infrastructure development, and climate adaptation, including:

• Environmental Consultants
• Urban Planners
• Infrastructure Engineers
• Climate Adaptation Specialists
• Conservation Practitioners
• Land Managers
• Policy Analysts
• NGO Staff
• Researchers
• Educators

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilience course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles and benefits of nature-based solutions for climate resilience.
• Implement techniques for assessing ecosystem services and identifying NbS opportunities.
• Design and implement ecosystem-based adaptation and mitigation strategies.
• Understand the role of natural infrastructure in climate risk reduction.
• Implement strategies for integrating NbS into urban planning and infrastructure development.
• Understand the role of biodiversity conservation in climate resilience.
• Implement strategies for engaging stakeholders in NbS projects.
• Understand the economic and social dimensions of NbS.
• Implement strategies for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of NbS.
• Understand the role of policy and regulations in promoting NbS.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of different NbS strategies.
• Enhance their ability to design and implement effective NbS projects.
• Improve community and ecosystem resilience to climate change impacts.
• Contribute to the development of climate-ready landscapes and infrastructure.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in NbS.
• Become a knowledgeable and effective NbS professional.
• Understand ethical considerations in ecosystem management and climate adaptation.
• Learn how to use ecosystem service assessment and NbS planning tools effectively.
• Understand the role of climate finance in supporting NbS projects.
• Develop skills in communicating NbS concepts effectively.
• Learn how to integrate NbS into strategic planning and decision-making.
• Understand the importance of adaptive management in NbS implementation.
• Develop the ability to analyze and interpret ecosystem data and information.
• Understand the role of NbS in disaster risk reduction and climate-smart agriculture.
• Learn how to develop NbS plans for specific sectors and contexts.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for Climate Resilience

• Overview of climate change impacts and the need for ecosystem-based approaches.
• Understanding the principles and benefits of NbS for climate adaptation and mitigation.
• Introduction to key concepts (ecosystem services, natural infrastructure, ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA)).
• Review of relevant international frameworks and guidelines (IUCN, CBD, UNFCCC).
• Setting the stage for leveraging ecosystems as climate allies.

Module 2: Ecosystem Services and Climate Resilience

• Understanding the role of ecosystem services in climate regulation, hazard mitigation, and adaptation.
• Analyzing the interconnections between biodiversity, ecosystem function, and climate resilience.
• Implementing techniques for assessing ecosystem services (valuation, mapping).
• Understanding the principles of ecosystem service valuation and trade-offs.
• Learning to identify and prioritize ecosystem services for climate resilience.

Module 3: Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) Strategies

• Understanding the principles and approaches of EbA.
• Implementing strategies for designing and implementing EbA projects in different ecosystems (forests, wetlands, coastal zones).
• Analyzing the role of community-based EbA and local knowledge.
• Understanding the principles of adaptive management and learning in EbA.
• Learning to develop and implement effective EbA plans.

Module 4: Ecosystem-Based Mitigation Strategies

• Understanding the role of ecosystems in carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas mitigation.
• Implementing strategies for forest restoration, afforestation, and reforestation for carbon storage.
• Analyzing the role of blue carbon ecosystems (mangroves, seagrasses, salt marshes) in carbon sequestration.
• Understanding the principles of sustainable land management and agroforestry.
• Learning to design and implement ecosystem-based mitigation projects.

Module 5: Natural Infrastructure for Climate Risk Reduction

• Understanding the role of natural infrastructure (green infrastructure) in reducing climate risks (floods, heatwaves, landslides).
• Implementing strategies for designing and managing natural infrastructure in urban and rural areas.
• Analyzing the benefits of green roofs, rain gardens, and urban forests in climate adaptation.
• Understanding the principles of integrated water resources management and natural flood management.
• Learning to integrate natural infrastructure into infrastructure planning and design.

Module 6: Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Resilience

• Understanding the linkages between biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
• Analyzing the role of ecosystem diversity in enhancing ecosystem resilience to climate change.
• Implementing strategies for integrating biodiversity conservation into NbS projects.
• Understanding the principles of ecological restoration and habitat management.
• Learning to integrate biodiversity considerations into NbS planning.

Module 7: Stakeholder Engagement and Participatory NbS Planning

• Implementing strategies for engaging stakeholders in NbS projects.
• Analyzing the role of participatory approaches and community-based management.
• Understanding the principles of stakeholder mapping and conflict resolution.
• Developing communication strategies for NbS projects.
• Learning to build collaborative NbS planning processes.

Module 8: Economic and Social Dimensions of NbS

• Understanding the economic and social dimensions of NbS.
• Analyzing the costs and benefits of NbS projects.
• Understanding the principles of NbS financing and investment.
• Analyzing the role of social equity and job creation in NbS projects.
• Learning to assess the economic and social value of NbS.

Module 9: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting of NbS Projects

• Implementing techniques for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of NbS projects.
• Analyzing the role of indicators and metrics in assessing progress.
• Understanding the principles of adaptive management and learning.
• Developing reporting frameworks for NbS projects.
• Learning to develop and utilize monitoring and evaluation plans.

Module 10: Policy and Regulatory Frameworks for NbS

• Understanding the impact of policy and regulations on the implementation of NbS.
• Analyzing the role of land use planning, environmental regulations, and climate policies.
• Implementing strategies for advocating for effective NbS policies.
• Understanding the principles of regulatory frameworks and permitting processes.
• Learning to navigate the policy landscape for NbS.

Module 11: Climate Finance for NbS Projects

• Understanding the role of climate finance in supporting NbS projects.
• Analyzing the different sources of climate finance (Green Climate Fund, private sector, etc.).
• Implementing techniques for developing bankable NbS project proposals.
• Understanding the principles of blended finance and impact investing.
• Learning to access and utilize climate finance for NbS.

Module 12: Communication and Outreach for NbS

• Implementing strategies for communicating NbS concepts effectively to diverse audiences.
• Analyzing the role of communication and outreach in promoting public awareness and support.
• Understanding the principles of behavior change communication.
• Learning to develop effective communication campaigns for NbS.

Module 13: NbS Tools and Technologies

• Implementing techniques for utilizing geospatial tools (GIS, remote sensing) for NbS planning and monitoring.
• Analyzing the role of ecosystem modeling and decision support systems.
• Understanding the principles of data collection and analysis for NbS projects.
• Learning to use relevant software and platforms for NbS.

Module 14: Case Studies and Best Practices in NbS Implementation

• Analyzing real-world case studies of successful NbS projects.
• Learning from best practices across different ecosystems and regions.
• Identifying key lessons learned and challenges in implementation.
• Discussing the role of innovation and adaptation.
• Sharing knowledge and experience.

Module 15: Future Trends and Action Planning for NbS

• Exploring emerging trends and opportunities in NbS (digital technologies, AI, citizen science).
• Developing action plans for advancing NbS within organizations and communities.
• Analyzing the role of individual and collective action.
• Understanding the importance of long-term commitment and continuous learning.
• Understanding how to stay up to date on NbS information.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.