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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Ecosystem Services: a Method for Sustainable Development by University of Geneva

4.8
stars
638 ratings

About the Course

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!...

Top reviews

DS

Sep 6, 2017

Great course. Awesome introduction to Ecosystem Services. Well-balanced portrayal of the many tensions and difficulties in the field. Also a great exposure to MANY experts and many diverse opinions.

IS

Feb 28, 2021

That's a great course. Not only introducing the approach, but providing us with different pro and cons of the method. And it gives a lot to critical thinking on the topic. I found it really helpful

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201 - 218 of 218 Reviews for Ecosystem Services: a Method for Sustainable Development

By Filipe B d S

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Jun 30, 2018

Is a very good course, but is not easy to understand immediatly, is necessary to dedicate and comprehend very well to get a great development.

By Diannah B

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Feb 20, 2021

Good overall course for understanding sustainable development and applicable uses/sectors. There is a lot of material covered in this course.

By Noam J

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Jul 5, 2018

A brief and nuanced introduction to Ecosystem Services. Very well moderated and expert speakers. Also the cases and resources are useful.

By Frédéric C

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Apr 22, 2021

Very good introduction to many aspects of this method.

I would like to see more case studies especially from "developped" countries.

By Ritesh S

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Jan 24, 2023

Excellent course to learn the developing concept of Ecosystem services and its application for sustainable developmant.....

By Saleh M A

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Oct 18, 2020

Interactive and very convenient quiz feedback. Too many instructors, however, would sometimes a bit hard to concentrate.

By antoni r m

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Mar 17, 2017

Really interesting and useful course to obtain great insights of the Ecosystem Services approach.

By Yannick L

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May 14, 2021

Great course. The content kept me going and I have learned a very useful concept.

By Kajal Y

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Aug 4, 2020

Very nicely explain about all points and give lots of knowledge.

By Manisha K

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Jun 3, 2020

Great course to learn the trade offs in sustainable development

By Tanja W

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Apr 13, 2020

Very complex for understanding principles but great challenge.

By KHATRI K J

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Jan 3, 2023

excellent course

By Sondos A C

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May 9, 2018

Great!!

By DR. N K

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Oct 23, 2020

good

By Erika M

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Feb 14, 2024

This course was clearly cutting edge in its day, which was 2012. Today, in 2024, and despite being updated in 2016, it seems quite dated. Revisions now would show that the field has been growing by leaps and bounds. The topics are still conceptually useful, but the application examples could be so much improved by current cases, showcasing a broader range of implementers, challenges and solutions. I applaud Unige for being a leader in the field - and I can only assume that they are SO far advanced now in that leadership, accompanying research and widespread application.

By jon l

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Sep 23, 2017

As a relatively new field, much is still to define and discover. I think the course could have been more interesting if combined with less theory and more discussion on application.

By Tamer M

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Jun 9, 2018

Not completely on board with the methodology, and although may be interesting to those heavily invested, did not quite find the course material drawing me in.

By Getachew S

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Sep 15, 2020

Very interesting course and I lernt a lot knowledge.