Biodiversity, Resilient Ecosystems and Sustainable Development

Course objective: 

The world is experiencing a dramatic decline in biodiversity, and vast areas of land are being degraded. The loss of nature has far-reaching consequences, threatening livelihoods and economies. This course explores the complex relationships between biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable human development. Participants will be introduced to key concepts, learn about international frameworks and explore the threats, trade-offs and synergies between human development, ecosystems and biodiversity. The course will also introduce practical tools for assessing ecosystem resilience and present case studies of initiatives that balance human development with the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of ecosystems.

Key topics:

• Key concepts, international frameworks and agreements.
• Environmental ethics and indigenous perspectives.
• Major threats, trade-offs and synergies between human development, biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Ecosystem resilience assessment tools.
• Solution pathways and project examples.
• Nature and finance.

Duration: 03/11–04/11/2025
Teaching format: Classroom

Exam: A written assignment will be distributed during the course, and due 2 weeks after the course completion (18/11/2025)
ECTS points: 1
Course fee: CHF 570

Lecturers:

• Jasmine Neve, NADEL (coordination)
• Guest Lecturers

For more information please visit nadel.ethz.ch

Registration starts 2nd of June 2025.

Photo credit: Unsplash/PROJETO CAFÉ GATO-MOURISCO