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Ecosystem Services: a Method for Sustainable Development
  • Level Professional
  • Duration 18 hours
  • Course by University of Geneva
  • Offered by

About

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 The session that runs May 29th- July 10th will be actively monitored by the instructors, and learners will have the opportunity to ask questions. This course was developed by instructors from the University of Geneva with the help of numerous researchers and input from the Geneva Water Hub and the Natural Capital Project. 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 » (www.coursera.org/learn/water-management) and the one in « International Water Law » (www.coursera.org/learn/droit-eau). We look forward to you joining us!

Modules

General introduction

    • 1 Videos
    • 6 Readings
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1 Videos

  • 1.0 General introduction

6 Readings

  • Syllabus
  • Course Plan
  • Key references
  • Acronym List
  • Glossary
  • Acknowledgments

Introduction

    • 7 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 2 Discussion
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2 Discussions

  • What are the limitations of the TRADE-OFF game?
  • According to you, what limits the implementation of the UK National Ecosystem Assessment (UKNEA)?

7 Videos

  • 1.1 Introduction to module 1
  • 1.2.1 Trade-off game (https://esgame.unige.ch/) - Part A
  • 1.2.2 Trade-off game - Part B
  • 1.3 Introductory round table
  • 1.4 Why bother with the ecosystem services method?
  • 1.5 In what context can the ecosystem services method be used?
  • 1.6 What are some weakness and drawbacks of the ecosystem services method?

1 Readings

  • Reading: A Safe and Just Space for Humanity

Historical evolution of the field and definitions

    • 2 Videos
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2 Videos

  • 1.7 What is the link between biodiversity, ecosystem services and sustainable development?
  • 1.8 Defining and measuring ecosystem services

Case-studies: applying ecosystem services to aquatic environments

    • 2 Videos
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2 Videos

  • 1.9 True cost of hydro-electric dams (feat. Samuel Vionnet)
  • 1.10 RIOS - Making efficient investments in watershed (feat. Adrian Vogl)

Interviews

    • 2 Videos
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2 Videos

  • 1.11 Interview with Prof Bradley J. Cardinale (University of Michigan)
  • 1.12 Interview with Prof Emeritus Harold Mooney (Stanford University)

Conclusion

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • 1.13 Conclusion of module 1

Quiz of module 1

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Take the quiz of module 1!

Introduction

    • 4 Videos
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4 Videos

  • 2.1 Introduction to module 2
  • 2.2 What is valuation? (feat. Pavan Sukhdev)
  • 2.3 What is monetization? (feat. Pavan Sukhdev)
  • 2.4 The importance of discount rates (feat. Pavan Sukhdev)

Valuation and its limitations

    • 5 Videos
    • 2 Discussion
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2 Discussions

  • Is local knowledge determined by nature?
  • Can ecological values be separated from knowledge?

5 Videos

  • 2.5.1 Economic valuation theory - part A
  • 2.5.2 Economic valuation theory - part B
  • 2.6 Critique, dangers and biases in favor of monetisable services (feat. Mike Hannis)
  • 2.7 Indigenous and local communities cultural values (feat. Brigitte Baptiste)
  • 2.8 Indigenous and local systems of knowledge (feat. Brigitte Baptiste)

Case studies on valuation

    • 4 Videos
    • 1 Discussion
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1 Discussions

  • Nature and cultural services

4 Videos

  • 2.9 Valuation of marine conservation zones and implementation into the UK Marine and Coastal Access Bill (feat. Salman Hussain)
  • 2.10 A case on non-monetary valuation - Impact of water scarcity on riots in Sub-Saharan Africa (feat. Jeremy Lucchetti)
  • 2.11 Hedonic evaluation: a case study on landscape beauty and noise
  • 2.12 The impact of climate change in agriculture

Interviews

    • 4 Videos
    • 1 Discussion
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1 Discussions

  • What is your position on this debate?

4 Videos

  • 2.13 Could we put a price tag on nature? Interviews with Dr Ken Bagstad (USGS) and Prof Ian Bateman (Exeter University)
  • 2.14 Debate between Dr Mike Hannis and Pavan Sukhdev
  • 2.15 Interview with Dr Ken Bagstad (USGS)
  • 2.16 Interview with Prof Ian Bateman (Exeter University)

Conclusion

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • 2.17 Conclusion of module 2

Quiz of module 2

    • 1 PeerReview
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Take the quiz of module 2!

1 Peer Review

  • Short essay and peer review evaluation on Valuation

Introduction

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • 3.1 Introduction to module 3

Critics, justice and ethics

    • 7 Videos
    • 1 Discussion
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1 Discussions

  • Rhetorical question on the values of bats and crops

7 Videos

  • 3.2 Ecosystem services as boundary objects
  • 3.3 Critical view on the history of the concept - When concepts are taken for granted
  • 3.4 Critical view of the history of the concept - (feat. Christian Kull)
  • 3.5 Ideological underpinnings - What is neoliberalism?
  • 3.6 Ideological underpinnings - Are ecosystem services neoliberal?
  • 3.7 Issues of participation and social justice; stakeholder participation in ecosystem decision-making (feat. Mike Hannis)
  • 3.8 Power issues and ideologies - Scenarios, prioritization and implementation (feat. Christian Kull)

Interviews

    • 2 Videos
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2 Videos

  • 3.9 Importance of scales and simplicity for policy implementation (feat. Christian Bréthault)
  • 3.10 Interview with Prof Stephanie Pincetl (UCLA)

Conclusion

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • 3.11 Conclusion of module 3

Quiz of module 3

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Take the quiz of module 3!

Introduction

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • 4.1 Introduction to module 4

Toolbox for assessing ecosystem services

    • 6 Videos
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6 Videos

  • 4.2.1 Data and knowledge - part A (feat. Gregory Giuliani)
  • 4.2.2 Data and knowledge - part B
  • 4.3 Remote sensing for ecosystem services (feat. Gregory Giuliani)
  • 4.4 Deriving ecosystem services values from your data: models and tools
  • 4.5 Learn from the past and the future: scenarios
  • 4.6 Integrating ecosystem services into decision-making (feat. Adrienne Grêt-Regamey)

Case studies at various scales

    • 4 Videos
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4 Videos

  • 4.7 Global - GEOBON essential biodiversity ecosystem services variables (feat. Gary Geller)
  • 4.8 Regional - Black Sea catchment
  • 4.9 National - Germany's ecosystem services maps (feat. Adrienne Grêt-Regamey)
  • 4.10 Local - Seagrass and coral in Negril (Jamaica) (feat. Pascal Peduzzi)

Interviews

    • 2 Videos
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2 Videos

  • 4.11 Interview with Prof Walter Jetz (Yale University)
  • 4.12 Interview with Dr Simon Ferrier (CSIRO & Water)

Conclusion

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • 4.13 Conclusion of module 4

Quiz of module 4

    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Take the quiz of module 4!

Introduction

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • 5.1 Introduction to module 5

Ecosystem services and governance

    • 4 Videos
    • 1 Discussion
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1 Discussions

  • Global database on emerging laws on Ecosystem Services

4 Videos

  • 5.2 What is mainstreaming?
  • 5.3 Governance, rules, regulations and legislative context (feat. Constanza Martinez)
  • 5.4 Factors that enable ecosystem service approaches to succeed (feat. Emily McKenzie)
  • 5.5 Critical assessment

Case studies

    • 3 Videos
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3 Videos

  • 5.6 Mainstreaming ecosystem services into the private sector (feat. Samuel Vionnet)
  • 5.7 Sustainable finance
  • 5.8 Mainstreaming ecosystem services into the international organisations

Interviews

    • 4 Videos
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4 Videos

  • 5.9 The role of IPBES - interview with Dr Anne Larigauderie (Executive Secretary IPBES)
  • 5.10 Ecosystem services in Europe and Central Asia: interview with Prof Markus Fischer (University of Bern)
  • 5.11 Peru and the ecosystem services: interview with Luis Alberto Gonzales (The Nature Conservancy)
  • 5.12 The Mekong River Basin and the ecosystem services - interview with Dr Nirmal Bhagabati (WWF Int.)

Conclusions

    • 3 Videos
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3 Videos

  • 5.13 Future of the field (multiple speakers)
  • 5.14 Conclusion of module 5
  • 5.15 Conclusive round table

Quiz of module 5

    • 1 PeerReview
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Multiple Choice questions on Module 5

1 Peer Review

  • Short-essay on mainstreaming the ES method

Introduction

    • 2 Videos
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2 Videos

  • 6.1.1 Modeling ecosystem services with InVEST
  • 6.1.2 The Natural Capital Project Toolbox

The case

    • 5 Readings
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5 Readings

  • 6.2 Getting data for assessing ecosystem services
  • 6.3 Preprocessing in QGIS
  • 6.4 Water yield model
  • 6.5 Preparing Climate Change Scenarios
  • 6.6 Interpreting the results with QGIS

Auto Summary

Discover the essential role of nature in human well-being with the "Ecosystem Services: a Method for Sustainable Development" course. This professional-level program, developed by the University of Geneva and supported by the Geneva Water Hub, delves into the scientific, economic, and socio-political aspects of ecosystem services. Through a blend of theoretical insights, case studies, expert interviews, and interactive activities, participants will: - Define and understand the principles and limitations of ecosystem services. - Explore key services related to resources such as fresh water. - Assess the benefits and risks of monetizing ecosystem services. - Examine the social dimensions, including power dynamics and cultural biases. - Learn strategies to incorporate ecosystem services into policy and government practices. - Optionally, gain skills in mapping ecosystem services using GIS tools. The course features active monitoring and Q&A sessions with instructors during the May 29th - July 10th period, ensuring a dynamic and engaging learning experience. With contributions from the Geneva Water Hub and the Natural Capital Project, and funding from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the Luc Hoffmann Institute, this course offers unparalleled expertise and real-world relevance. Join us on Coursera to enhance your understanding of ecosystem services and their application in sustainable development. Perfect for professionals in science and engineering, this 1080-minute course is available with a Starter subscription, providing a comprehensive and practical approach to integrating ecosystem services into your work. Embark on this journey to better appreciate and leverage the invaluable services provided by nature. Enroll today!

Martin Schlaepfer
Instructors

Martin Schlaepfer

Anthony Lehmann
Instructors

Anthony Lehmann

Juliet Jane Fall
Instructors

Juliet Jane Fall