Applications are open for Professionals working on climate action, sustainability, and environmental development to apply for scholarship opportunities for the Nature-based Solutions to Global Challenges Foundation Course, an international training programme delivered online by the Nature-based Solutions Initiative in collaboration with the University of Oxford.

The course is designed to strengthen knowledge and practical understanding of nature-based solutions (NbS)—approaches that use natural ecosystems to help address global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development. Participants will explore the scientific foundations, policy frameworks, financing mechanisms, and governance models that support the implementation of NbS strategies around the world.

The programme is delivered jointly by the Nature-based Solutions Initiative, the Department of Biology, and the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment. It provides participants with a unique opportunity to learn from leading experts while engaging with a global network of practitioners and researchers working in environmental policy, conservation, and climate solutions.

About the Course

The Nature-based Solutions to Global Challenges Foundation Course is an eight-week live online programme delivered over a nine-week period, including a scheduled reading week. The course combines lectures, interactive discussions, and case studies that examine how nature-based solutions can be applied to address pressing environmental and social challenges.

Participants will gain insights into topics such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, environmental governance, and the role of ecosystems in supporting sustainable development.

Sessions are held twice weekly:

• Tuesdays: 13:00–15:00 (UK Time)

• Thursdays: 13:00–15:00 (UK Time)

Participation Requirements

Scholarship recipients are expected to:

• Attend all scheduled online sessions

• Participate actively in discussions and group learning activities

• Provide a short professional biography and profile photo for course communications

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is 13 March 2026.