Planning and Delivering Nature-based Solutions: Expressions of Interest now open

Introduction

Course Convenor: Dr Jason Alexandra

A how-to guide to solving complex problems

Nature-based Solutions are gaining momentum worldwide as practical responses to complex, interrelated challenges, from biodiversity loss and declining water quality to flood risk, drought, climate adaptation and landscape resilience. As interest grows across government, industry and the environmental sector, so too does the need for professionals who can understand, assess and apply these approaches with confidence. 

Planning and Delivering Nature-based Solutions is a professional short course designed to introduce participants to the concepts, current practice and practical application of Nature-based Solutions. It offers a clear and accessible pathway into a rapidly growing field of policy and practice, with a focus on real-world relevance, strategic understanding and delivery confidence.

Register your Expression of Interest to be the first to hear about course dates, program details and enrolment information.

Submit your Expression of Interest

Overview

Nature-based Solutions offer integrated approaches to address environmental and societal challenges through the protection, restoration, and sustainable management of natural or modified ecosystems. They are increasingly recognised for their potential to support climate adaptation, flood mitigation, water quality improvement, biodiversity outcomes and community resilience. 

This course provides both strategic grounding and practical insight. It introduces the core ideas behind Nature-based Solutions while examining how they are being applied internationally and in practice through case studies, standards, planning frameworks and implementation approaches. It has been developed for professionals who want not only to understand the idea of Nature-based Solutions, but also to build confidence in how they can be planned, delivered and evaluated. 

Why this course matters

Nature-based Solutions are attractive because they can address multiple problems at once. They offer a more integrated response to challenges that are often treated separately, including climate adaptation, biodiversity decline, water degradation and growing disaster risk. 

Yet despite their promise, many policy and management agencies still have limited experience in applying them. This course responds to that gap by helping participants build a stronger understanding of the concepts, opportunities, risks and practical considerations that shape successful Nature-based Solutions.  

Who should attend

This course is designed for professionals working across policy, environment, planning, infrastructure and natural resource management. It may be particularly relevant for:

• government professionals 
• industry practitioners 
• consultants 
• international participants 
• professionals working across the environment, natural resources, planning, infrastructure, climate adaptation, water and primary industries 
• local and state government personnel 
• professionals involved in engineering, infrastructure and water resources

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• understand key concepts and practices underpinning Nature-based Solutions 
• identify how Nature-based Solutions are being applied to diverse problems 
• gain an overview of international experience in applying Nature-based Solutions 
• understand how Nature-based Solutions can be applied in practice 
• recognise the major barriers and enablers to adoption 
• source further relevant information on Nature-based Solutions 
• feel more confident in planning, delivering or consulting on Nature-based Solutions  

Course topics

Topics may include:

• key concepts underpinning Nature-based Solutions 
• international examples of where Nature-based Solutions are being applied 
• case studies in flood mitigation and water quality improvement 
• guidelines and standards for Nature-based Solutions 
• understanding opportunities, risks and benefits 
• planning frameworks, community engagement and problem solving 

What makes this course distinctive

This course brings together conceptual clarity and practical application. Rather than presenting Nature-based Solutions as an abstract idea, it focuses on how they are being used to solve real, interconnected problems across policy, planning, and delivery contexts. 

Participants will gain exposure to current practice, international experience and leading researchers and practitioners in the field. The course is also supported by demonstrated interest from government agencies, including strong engagement generated through ANU's work on Nature-based Solutions for flood mitigation. 

For professionals seeking a stronger foundation in this emerging area, the course offers both strategic value and practical relevance. 

Why register your interest

Submitting an Expression of Interest will allow you to:

• receive updates when course dates are confirmed;
• access the latest course information and program details;
• be among the first to hear when enrolments open.