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Nature-Based Solutions -Traditional Knowledge and Sustainability

By Dr Roli Pradhan   |   National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research, Bhopal
Learners enrolled: 58

Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) are innovative approaches that utilize natural processes to address environmental, social, and economic challenges. These solutions emphasize ecosystem-based strategies such as reforestation, wetland restoration, sustainable agriculture, and climate adaptation to enhance resilience and biodiversity. Traditional knowledge plays a crucial role in shaping effective NbS.  Rooted in centuries-old practices, indigenous and local communities have developed sustainable methods for managing land, water, and biodiversity. Examples include India's ancient water conservation systems, agroforestry practices, and farming system of ancient India. Such knowledge systems align with the principles of sustainability by promoting resource efficiency, ecological balance, and resilience to climate change. Integrating traditional wisdom with modern scientific innovations strengthens NbS by ensuring context-specific, culturally appropriate, and community-driven solutions. This synergy not only enhances environmental sustainability but also fosters social equity and economic well-being. By recognizing and revitalizing traditional practices, we can create resilient ecosystems that support both human livelihoods and planetary health.

OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE

  1. Integrate Traditional Knowledge with Modern Sustainability Practices: Recognize and incorporate indigenous ecological wisdom into contemporary environmental management, policy-making, and scientific research.

  2. Enhance Climate Resilience and Ecosystem Conservation: Utilize nature-based strategies such as reforestation, wetland conservation, and agroecology to mitigate climate change, protect biodiversity, and restore degraded ecosystems.

  3. Promote Sustainable Resource Management and Livelihoods: Revive traditional water conservation and farming techniques to ensure food and water security, while fostering eco-friendly economic models that support rural and indigenous communities.

  4. Strengthen Community Participation and Policy Development: Empower local communities by involving them in decision-making processes and advocating for policies that integrate traditional ecological knowledge with modern environmental governance.

  5. Support Global Sustainability Goals through Knowledge Exchange: Facilitate collaboration between traditional knowledge holders, scientists, and policymakers to develop holistic sustainability solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).


ELIGIBILITY FOR ENROLLMENT The course is open to students, researchers, academicians, and professionals from diverse disciplines. INTENDED AUDIENCE

This course is designed for students, researchers, academicians, professionals, policymakers, and practitioners from various disciplines. It is also beneficial for individuals interested in sustainability, traditional knowledge systems, indigenous practices, and interdisciplinary research. Educators, heritage conservationists, and those working in rural development, ecology, and alternative healthcare will find valuable insights in this course. Additionally, professionals engaged in policy-making, governance, and community development can leverage indigenous wisdom for sustainable and inclusive solutions. The course welcomes anyone eager to explore the richness and relevance of indigenous knowledge in today’s world.

 LEARNING OUTCOMES After completing the course, participants will be able to:
  1. Apply the Principles of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS).

  2. Analyze the role of Traditional Knowledge in Sustainability.

  3. Apply Traditional and Nature-based Approaches to contemporary challenges.

  4. Assess the Socio-Economic and Policy Implications of NbS.

  5. Develop Strategies for Community Engagement and Sustainable Development.

Summary
Course Status : Upcoming
Course Type :
Language for course content : English
Duration : 12 weeks
Category :
  • Teacher Education
Credit Points : 4
Level : Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Start Date : 26 Jan 2026
End Date : 30 Apr 2026
Enrollment Ends : 28 Feb 2026
Exam Date :
Translation Languages : English
NCrF Level   : 4.5 — 8.0
Industry Details : Education and Training

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Course layout

Content 

Duration of Videos

Activities and Assessment

Total Time

Unit 1 Week 1

Introduction to Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)

  • Definition and significance of Nature-Based Solutions.

  • Global frameworks: IUCN’s NBS standard, SDGs, UN Indigenous Peoples’ Rights.

  • Key environmental and societal challenges addressed by NbS

  • Relationship between NbS and sustainability goals (SDGs, climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation)

  • Indian Tribes & Traditional Epistemologies

4-6 Videos TOTAL – 20 minutes

ACTIVITIES 

• Discussion Forum on: Time-30 minutes for each activity 

• Assignments Time 60 minutes • Assessment Output of Assignment TIME- 30 minutes

Videos - 20 minutes 

• Reading Material - 100 minutes 

• Self-check questions - 30 minutes 

• Discussion - 60 minutes 

• Assignments -60 minutes 

• Assessment and feedback - 30 minutes 

TOTAL- 5 hours

Unit 2 Week 2

Traditional Knowledge and Indigenous Practices in Sustainability

  • Concept and significance of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK)

  • Case studies of indigenous sustainability practices 

  • Ethical considerations and the role of local communities

  • Traditional Technology, Art, Artifacts and Intangible heritage.




4-6 Videos TOTAL – 20 minutes

ACTIVITIES 

• Discussion Forum on: Time-30 minutes for each activity 

• Assignments Time60 minutes • Assessment Output of Assignment TIME- 30 minutes

Videos - 20 minutes 

• Reading Material - 100 minutes 

• Self-check questions - 30 minutes 

• Discussion - 60 minutes 

• Assignments -60 minutes 

• Assessment and feedback - 30 minutes 

TOTAL- 5 hours

Unit 3 Week 3

Ecosystem-Based Approaches to Climate Resilience

  • Role of forests, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems in climate mitigation and adaptation

  • Sustainable land use and regenerative agriculture

  • Community-led climate adaptation strategies

  • Development and Sustainability 

4-6 Videos TOTAL – 20 minutes

ACTIVITIES 

• Discussion Forum on: Time-30 minutes for each activity 

• Assignments Time60 minutes • Assessment Output of Assignment TIME- 30 minutes

Videos - 20 minutes 

• Reading Material - 100 minutes 

• Self-check questions - 30 minutes 

• Discussion - 60 minutes 

• Assignments -60 minutes 

• Assessment and feedback - 30 minutes 

TOTAL- 5 hours

Unit 4 Week 4

Sustainable Traditional Practices

  • Traditional Knowledge systems

  • Pedagogical Principles in Indigenous Knowledge

  •  Ancient water harvesting and conservation systems (e.g., stepwells, johads, qanats)

  • Role of wetlands, rivers, and watersheds in NbS

  • Modern applications and policy frameworks for water sustainability

4-6 Videos TOTAL – 20 minutes

ACTIVITIES 

• Discussion Forum on: Time-30 minutes for each activity 

• Assignments Time60 minutes • Assessment Output of Assignment TIME- 30 minutes

Videos - 20 minutes 

• Reading Material - 100 minutes 

• Self-check questions - 30 minutes 

• Discussion - 60 minutes 

• Assignments -60 minutes 

• Assessment and feedback - 30 minutes 

TOTAL- 5 hours

Unit 5 Week 5

Biodiversity Conservation and Ecological Restoration

  • Sacred groves, traditional conservation areas, and indigenous land management

  • Restoration of degraded ecosystems through NbS

  • Wildlife protection and habitat connectivity

4-6 Videos TOTAL – 20 minutes

ACTIVITIES 

• Discussion Forum on: Time-30 minutes for each activity 

• Assignments Time60 minutes • Assessment Output of Assignment TIME- 30 minutes

Videos - 20 minutes 

• Reading Material - 100 minutes 

• Self-check questions - 30 minutes 

• Discussion - 60 minutes 

• Assignments -60 minutes 

• Assessment and feedback - 30 minutes 

TOTAL- 5 hours

Unit 6 Week 6

Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security

  • Traditional farming techniques (e.g., mixed cropping, permaculture, organic farming)

  • Agroforestry and soil conservation methods

  • Herbal Medicines

  • Vrkshayurveda

  • Traditional Agriculture and Natural Resource Management

  • Food, Health and Nutrition

  • Agro-Techniques and Methods

  • Role of NbS in ensuring food security and climate-resilient agriculture

  • Religion, Spirituality in communities (world view)



4-6 Videos TOTAL – 20 minutes

ACTIVITIES 

• Discussion Forum on: Time-30 minutes for each activity 

• Assignments Time 60 minutes • Assessment Output of Assignment TIME:  30 minutes

Videos - 20 minutes 

• Reading Material - 100 minutes 

• Self-check questions - 30 minutes 

• Discussion - 60 minutes 

• Assignments -60 minutes 

• Assessment and feedback - 30 minutes 

TOTAL- 5 hours

Unit 7 Week 7

Policy, Governance, and Community Participation in NbS

  • Integration of traditional knowledge into modern environmental governance

  • Global and national policies supporting NbS (e.g., UN SDGs, India’s environmental policies)

  • Community-led conservation initiatives and participatory decision-making

  • Indigenous knowledge and Intellectual Property Rights

  • Traditional Entrepreneurship and market

4-6 Videos TOTAL – 20 minutes

ACTIVITIES 

• Discussion Forum on: Time-30 minutes for each activity 

• Assignments Time60 minutes • Assessment Output of Assignment TIME- 30 minutes

Videos - 20 minutes 

• Reading Material - 100 minutes 

• Self-check questions - 30 minutes 

• Discussion - 60 minutes 

• Assignments -60 minutes 

• Assessment and feedback - 30 minutes 

TOTAL- 5 hours

Unit 8 Week 8

Future Directions and Innovations in Nature-Based Solutions

  • Synergies between traditional wisdom and modern technology (e.g., AI, GIS in ecological conservation)

  • Scaling up NbS for urban resilience and sustainable cities

  • Challenges, opportunities, and global perspectives on NbS

4-6 Videos TOTAL – 20 minutes

ACTIVITIES 

• Discussion Forum on: Time-30 minutes for each activity 

• Assignments Time60 minutes • Assessment Output of Assignment TIME- 30 minutes

Videos - 20 minutes 

• Reading Material - 100 minutes 

• Self-check questions - 30 minutes 

• Discussion - 60 minutes 

• Assignments -60 minutes 

• Assessment and feedback - 30 minutes 

TOTAL- 5 hours

Instructor bio

Dr Roli Pradhan

National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research, Bhopal
Dr. Roli Pradhan is a distinguished academician and researcher with expertise in Finance, Credit Risk, Management Accounting, Portfolio Management, and Working Capital Management. She holds an MBA in Finance, is UGC-NET qualified, and Ph.D. in Management. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Pradhan has significantly contributed to academia, research, and administration. She has served as an Assistant Professor at NITTTR Bhopal since 2013, following her tenure at Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) Bhopal and University Institute of Technology-RGPV (UIT-RGPV), Bhopal. Her passion for the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) has led her to design TWO MOOC courses on the subject. Email-rpradhan@nitttrbpl.ac.in, Mobile:9893205011.

Prof. Amitabh Pande is presently heading the position of Director of the National Museum of Mankind, Ministry of Culture, Government of India and working to develop a living museum of its kind in Asia and the world, the presentation of intangible heritage and cultural knowledge. It is spread in 200 acres and has 50-plus community habitats presented by the community curators. 38 prehistoric rock art cave paintings are also located on the campus. Indoor Museum VeethiSankul presents an array of cultural mosaics of India, ranging from evolutionary trends and livelihood complexities to musical displays, mask displays, etc. 29 years of demonstrated history of working in Environment Anthropology and cultural conservation with the Govt of India. Reputed trainer in public policy, SDG & and sustainable development, Negotiation and Social Intelligence, Climate change and adaptation, and cultural conservation. Strong education with a Doctorate in Environmental Anthropology, Public Policy from Hyderabad University, and Physics from Allahabad University.

Contact-91-755-2661458,

Email- dirigrms-mp[at]nic[dot]in

Course certificate

"The SWAYAM Course Enrolment and learning is free. However, to obtain a certificate, the learner must register and take the proctored exam in person at one of the designated exam centres. The registration URL will be announced by NTA once the registration form becomes available. To receive the certification, you need to complete the online registration form and pay the examination fee. Additional details, including any updates, will be provided upon the publication of the exam registration form. For more information about the exam locations and the terms associated with completing the form, please refer to the form itself."

 

Grading Policy:

 

- Internal Assignment Score: This accounts for 30% of the final grade and is calculated based on the average of the best three assignments out of all the assignments given in the course.

- Final Proctored Exam Score: This makes up 70% of the final grade and is derived from the proctored exam score out of 100.

- Final Score: The final score is the sum of the average assignment score and the exam score.

 

Eligibility for Certification:

 

- To qualify for a certificate, you must achieve an average assignment score of at least 10 out of 30, and an exam score of at least 30 out of 70. If one of the 2 criteria is not met, you will not get the certificate even if the Final score >=40/100.

Certificate Details:

 

- The certificate will include your name, photograph, roll number, and the percentage score from the final exam. It will also feature the logos of the Ministry of Education, SWAYAM, and NITTTR.

- Certificate Format: Only electronic certificates (e-certificates) will be issued; hard copies will not be dispatched.

 

Once again, thanks for your interest in our online courses and certification. Happy Learning.

 

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