PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE on the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions™

The Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions™ was developed by IUCN and the IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM). This Professional Certificate trains individuals from all sectors who want to gain expertise in the field.

About this course

The concept of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) has already gained momentum around the world, and NbS are increasingly accepted and implemented to address societal challenges. IUCN estimates that they can provide over a third of the world’s climate mitigation needs while benefiting people and nature.

This Professional Certificate equips participants to apply the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions to assess the quality, credibility, and performance of NbS in real-world contexts. Through individual and group assignments, participants learn to analyse societal and environmental challenges, identify strengths and gaps in evidence, and generate practical lessons to improve NbS practice.

The Second Edition of the Standard reflects lessons learned since 2020 and responds to growing global demand for credible, high-impact NbS. Updates include enhanced clarity and usability, stronger equity and rights-based safeguards, improved framing of financial feasibility and long-term viability, and greater emphasis on enabling conditions such as policy, finance and regulation to scale NbS confidently and sustainably.

What will you be able to do after completing this course?

Apply the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions to assess NbS projects in real-world contexts
Evaluate how NbS address societal and environmental challenges using a structured, criteria-based approach
Identify strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in evidence when assessing NbS against the Global Standard
Select and use appropriate means of verification, tools, and resources to support credible assessments
Analyse opportunities, limitations, and trade-offs in NbS application and identify options for improvement
Generate and share practical lessons learned from NbS assessments to inform professional practice

Why is this certificate relevant to your professional practice?

Strengthen the credibility and integrity of assessment, design, and implementation using the IUCN Global Standard
Support evidence-informed decision-making and assurance for NbS initiatives Improve your ability to evaluate intervention quality, performance, and accountability using the IUCN Global Standard
Enhance your contribution to addressing societal challenges through informed use of the IUCN Global Standard
Connect with a professional community of practice focused on learning and collaboration around the IUCN Global Standard