Mar 19, 2020
Feb 2021 online course on Nature-Based Solutions —win a heavily discounted place worth more than $650 — thanks to the Water Funds Network and the IWA-TNC partnership on nature-based solutions
The deadline for applying for the full 100% discount has now passed.
A new opportunity has arisen however, so that you can apply for a significant discount on an upcoming online course that tackles nature-based solutions from a water perspective.
The interactive course covers, amongst other issues, the benefits of nature-based solutions, global best-practice, key limitations and financial and governance mechanisms to scale and sustain them.
The deadline for applying for the part scholarship is Sunday 31st January 2021
Why apply?
The course is a great opportunity to a) learn more about the application of nature-based solutions in the water sector, b) address both technical aspects (how to manage a constructed wetland) and wider issues (how to ensure the sustainable financing of nature-based solutions).
“Nature-based solutions allow us to re-imagine our water resources, and potentially provide cost-effective ways of managing drinking water and wastewater treatment. IWA’s network of water professionals are exploring and promoting innovative solutions that integrate nature to improve water security and quality, and which add value through additional ecosystem services.”
Kala Vairavamoorthy, Executive Director, International Water Association, launching IWA’s recent partnership with TNC
The course takes 8 to 9 weeks of online instruction and course work, plus an additional 7 to 8 weeks for a final, individual assignment.
Who qualifies?
All members of the Water Funds Network are invited to apply to get a 65% discount on an upcoming course around nature-based solutions offered by Cranfield University in the UK (and supported by the IWA and TNC via our partnership on green infrastructure).
You will need to pay the balance — £297.50 — to Cranfield University.
What does the course look like?
An online course, offered by Cranfield University and guest lecturers from all over the world, that blends lectures, interactive digital exercises, multi-media and remote groupwork (using Zoom and other tools).
The full cost of the course is normally £850 GBP, but having given away six full scholarships, we are now happy to be in a position to offer a few more partial bursaries.
The only condition is that you are both a member of the Water Funds Network — free to join.
The estimated time investment is in the order of 3 hours per week, over 4 months.
“One of the main reasons I chose Cranfield University was because the alumni network and lecturers have strong connections with the real business world”
Yuhua Yao, recent graduate of the Cranfield School of Management
Find more details on the modules covered by the course here:
When would I be on the course?
The course begins on Feb 22nd 2021 and lectures complete around end April 2021. Coursework continues through to July 2021 or so.
The deadline for applying for the partial bursary is 31 Jan 2021
How do I apply to get the discount?
Fill our short survey below to give us some background on who you are, why the course will help you in your work and why you deserve a discount.
You can also find this survey at this link.
Where can I get more information?
Find the official Cranfield University page on the course here.
Meanwhile, if you’re not yet a member of the Water Funds Network, you can learn more about it at the link below and click join here to join.
A few more details …
Those completing the course — which focuses on being able to assess potential nature-based solutions in different contexts — will have acquired an in-demand skill in today’s world.
Whether you’re working as a designers, regulator, consultants, academic or project manager, after the course you’ll be equipped to:
1. Contextualise and explain nature-based solutions to technical and non-technical audiences,
2. Quantify benefits from an economic, social and environmental standpoint,
3. Recognise best practice and identify current limitations of nature-based solutions,
4. Conduct feasibility design and identify trade-offs of key nature-based solutions examples,
5. Understand how to model the financial needs of NbS and ways to secure their sustainable funding.
The course is accredited in the UK by CIWEM (the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Engineers) and offered by one of the UK’s premier industry-facing institutions, Cranfield University.
Dr Gabriela Dotro — on the Management Committee for the IWA Specialist Group on Wetland Systems for Water Pollution — leads the course.
Speakers supporting the course include Professor Paul Leinster (former Chief Executive of the UK’s Environment Agency), Dr Guenter Langergraber, Dr Fabio Masi and European Water Security Director for TNC, Sophie Tremolet.
ǀ
ǀ
ǀ
ǀ
ǀ
ǀ
ǀ
ǀ
ǀ
ǀ
ǀ
ǀ
