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

4.8
stars
680 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 - 225 of 230 Reviews for Ecosystem Services: a Method for Sustainable Development

By Nina B

Dec 27, 2020

I really enjoyed the course! I thought it was very interesting, well-delivered, and a good mix of video's, tests, essays, etc. If anything, there could have been some more texts to read and sometimes I could not fill in the answers to the questions asked during the video's (which I loved by the way; there could even be more!).

By Claire O

Aug 28, 2017

I have enjoyed the class very much. It is a very good introduction to Ecosystem Services. This is not an easy topic, but this is well-done, well balanced, and brings many various different views, therefore including objectivity on the matter. I appreciate this greatly!

By Jane F C

Feb 8, 2023

This is a great course. Three thoughts

1. Update links as some are out of use

2. Questions in the videos don't always show possible answers

3. Include a simple version of the final section on e.g InVEST as am input to the assignment

Thank you for such a great course

By María J H M

Aug 7, 2020

Its a very good course, I learned a lot. I would emphasize in the connectivity between lessons, sometimes I was bored or distracted due to long interviews and not enough clarity about key concepts. Anyway, great professors and content.

By Jawed E

Jan 27, 2022

It was fun and I really enjoyed the course and learn quite a new things. The best thing was last optional module where I learn to use INVEST publicly available

By Shikhar P

Oct 20, 2024

I felt that the subject of ecosystems services was discussed with depth and clarity. I was glad to see many different perspectives which were all equally valid and needed to be explored in order to do justice to ES methodologies.

By Wouter V

Jan 10, 2021

Interesting perspective and good reading materials. I missed some reference to other well known institutions like the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and well known authors with related ideas, but all in all quite relevant.

By Shefali C

Mar 31, 2020

This course does not only engage the students to understand importance of ecosystem services and different valuation techniques but also have provided great knowledge about the challenges and opportunities .

By Ian H

Mar 8, 2024

Excellent quality material, but now a bit outdated. If not redoing it, it would benefit from an additional sequence at the end of each module to update the student on the current situation.

By Pallabi C

Jun 29, 2020

I could not complete the project on ecosystem services assessment of module 6 for reasons unknown. Otherwise the course is very good and it gave me deeper understanding of the concept.

By Muhammad I

Aug 18, 2023

It was a great experience and a broader prospective of the study area was introduced by the keynote speakers and professionals form well reputed nature conservancy organizations.

By Filipe B d S

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

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

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

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

Jan 24, 2023

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

By Saleh M A

Oct 18, 2020

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

By antoni r m

Mar 17, 2017

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

By Yannick L

May 14, 2021

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

By Kajal Y

Aug 4, 2020

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

By Manisha K

Jun 3, 2020

Great course to learn the trade offs in sustainable development

By Tanja W

Apr 13, 2020

Very complex for understanding principles but great challenge.

By KHATRI K J

Jan 3, 2023

excellent course

By Sondos A C

May 9, 2018

Great!!

By DR. N K

Oct 23, 2020

good