During the course of proGIreg nature-based solutions (NBS) have proven to be great tools to help revive post-industrial districts. The popular proGIreg Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) returns this autumn on edX, one of the premier MOOC providers. The course sees experts working in the forefront of sustainable urban planning guide and equip participants with the knowledge needed to develop their own nature-based regeneration strategy.

To maintain a thriving population, cities need to incorporate nature better into the urban fabric. Especially post-industrial areas are affected by social and economic inequalities, lack of green spaces and are significantly more vulnerable to climate change effects. NBS can contribute to improving environmental quality, social life and local economies in these areas, transforming deprived districts into desirable ones.

The course participants will be introduced to the basics of NbS followed by a deep dive into NbS that contribute to circular economy, urban food production and climate change adaptation. The students will learn about impacts of NbS on the environment, health, wellbeing and social dynamics and how to apply scientific methods to monitor and assess them. Students will get to explore business models for NbS implementation and management, to help inspire setting up their own nature-based urban renewal projects.

Participants will get to learn about different types of NBS, and how they can be implemented in varying locations. At the heart of NBS implementation is stakeholder engagement. The course will highlight strategies to bring on-board citizens, municipalities, businesses, NGOs and academia, with an emphasis on marginalised and vulnerable groups. The participants get to learn from the multiple benefits that can be achieved with great NBS planning, such as circular economy, urban food production and climate change adaption, and learn how to apply scientific methods to monitor and assess them.

The course draws on research results from Living Labs in European cities from proGIreg and GoGreenRoutes projects. The course will guide participants in setting up a nature-based regeneration project suited to your local context. The runs from 3rd of October until 5th of December 2022.

Sign up for the course on edX and explore the syllabus here.