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New Free Online Course: Join the Empowering urban communities: People-centred decision making for nature-based solutions Course by ICLEI Africa

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Closing Date: Ongoing

New Free Online Course: Join the Empowering urban communities: People-centred decision making for nature-based solutions Course by ICLEI Africa

Overview

ICLEI Africa is thrilled to announce the launch of its NEW FREE online course on Empowering urban communities: People-centred decision making for nature-based solutions This course is designed to equip urban planners, local government officials, biodiversity practitioners and community leaders with the knowledge, skills and tools to build resilient urban environments by recentering people in the management of urban nature.

Course details

In our rapidly urbanising world, the importance of nature within cities cannot be overstated. The human-nature relationship is intrinsically linked and so should the responsibility to ensure sustainable use and management of nature and its benefits. Ambitious global biodiversity and climate targets call for action and meaningful change on the ground. However, the management of urban natural assets often neglects the crucial elements of raised awareness, human participation and decision-making. This frustrates efforts to build resilience in urban communities who face the day-to-day challenges associated with climate change, biodiversity loss and compromised food systems.

This course delves into the shifts that are needed to recentre people in the governance, finance, and planning of urban nature. Through interdisciplinary exploration, the course examines how cities can harness the power of community engagement, participatory governance, and inclusive planning processes to foster sustainable and resilient urban ecosystems. Join the course to explore innovative approaches and case studies that empower communities and integrate people at the forefront of nature-based solutions for our urban environments.

Overarching objectives

Equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives necessary to build local resilience of natural resources and systems in their cities. Recentering people in the management of urban nature, integrating principles of human rights, participatory approaches, biodiversity governance, urban planning, and innovative finance mechanisms.

Develop in-country local capacity on Urban Natural Assets and biodiversity management and administration, using a human-rights-centred approach which is embedded in Nature-based Solutions (NbS) across African cities.

What to expect

The course consists of 5 lessons, each covering a specific theme.
Each lesson consists of 1 to 2 video trainings, complemented by an introduction and conclusion, and graphics, case studies and quizzes to enhance retention of course materials.
Each lesson concludes with a list of downloadable resources, as well as a downloadable script of each training video (if participants don’t have sufficient internet capacity to watch the videos).

Benefit to participants

By participating you will gain knowledge, skills, information, tools and resources on the following:

Practical insights on mainstreaming NbS effectively at the local scale
Mobilising biodiversity finance to effectively restore and protect urban natural assets
Harnessing capacity and resources for improved nature management in your city
Pragmatic mechanisms for inclusive planning processes
Methods for mainstreaming a Human Rights-Based Approach and centering people in policy and project design
By completing the course you receive a certificate of participation as well as access to valuable outputs and resources developed under the UNA project.

Why join?

This course is more than just training, it’s an opportunity to drive meaningful change in your city. By the end, you’ll be equipped to develop actionable plans, secure funding and lead initiatives that promote equitable, sustainable and resilient urban environments.

Who is this for?

If you’re passionate about creating cities where people and nature thrive, this course is for you! Whether you’re an urban planner, local government official, community leader or biodiversity enthusiast, this is your chance to make a real impact.