MOOC "Ecosystem Services: a Method for Sustainable Development"
03.02.2017
MOOC "Ecosystem Services: a Method for Sustainable Development"
Ecosystem services are a way of thinking about – and evaluating – the goods and services provided by nature that contribute to the well-being of humans.
This MOOC will cover scientific (technical), economic, and socio-political dimensions of the concept through a mix of theory, case-studies, interviews with specialists and a serious-game. By the end of this course, our aim is to enable you to:
- Define the concept of ecosystem services, its principles and limitations
- Understand the key services associated with any ressource (e.g., fresh water) through readings and case-studies
- Appreciate the advantages and potential risks of monetising ecosystem services
- Appreciate the social dimensions (power issues, cultural biases) embedded within any method
- Integrate tactical advice on mainstreaming this approach into policy and standard government practices
- Optional: learn how to map ecosystem services with GIS tools
To access the course on the Coursera platform, follow this link.
The course was financed by the University of Geneva, the Global Programme Water Initiatives of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and the Luc Hoffmann Institute. This MOOC is supported by the Geneva Water Hub and the University of Geneva along with the MOOC in « Water Resources Management and Policy » and the one in « International Water Law ».