We direly need quick transformations in cities to make them more sustainable and to enhance quality of life. Many cities are harnessing nature-based solutions (NbS) for a green transformation. The EU is increasingly championing cost-effective NbS solutions that are inspired and supported by nature. ICLEI Europe is engaging in many projects in the field, with Productive Green Infrastructure for post-industrial urban regeneration (proGIreg), launching a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) in November to help spread shared knowledge!

ProGIreg has implemented nature-based solutions in European and Chinese cities´ post-industrial districts since 2018, in dedicated ‘living labs’ to see the viability of the solutions in question and to help develop replicable methodologies and approaches. These experiences are now channelled to a innovative 5 week MOOC, commencing 1 November. The course will be available on the edX learning platform, one of the foremost MOOC providers created by Harvard and MIT. The course gathers best practices of the proGIreg Living Labs and will introduce participants to collaborative design, implementation and evaluation of nature-based solutions for urban renewal with local communities.

Citizens demand that cities support health and wellbeing with accessible green spaces. Industrial and post-industrial areas, often characterized by social and economic inequalities, especially are in need of transformation. These areas are often more vulnerable to natural hazards and climate change effects. Nature-based solutions have proven to be a cost-effective and inclusive solution to many of these challenges, if designed in collaboration with local stakeholders. The course will showcase how NbS can be used to revitalise post-industrial areas and empower local communities, whilst boosting prosperity.

The course begins with the basics of NbS and how they can contribute to circular economy, urban food production and climate change adaptation. Participants will have the chance to learn about the impacts of NbS on environment, health, wellbeing and social dynamics, as well as tools for application of scientific methods, monitoring and assessment. Further, participants will get to explore business models, to kick-start their own nature-based urban renewal projects.

The course runs over five weeks and will be instructed by proGIreg experts with contributions from leading universities, research institutions, practitioners, municipalities, NGOs and industry. The course is free, with an optional upgrade to a paid track providing certificates. The course start date is 1 November.

To watch the course introduction click here.
To sign up for the free course on edX click here. 

Explore the syllabus here.