SASI10
SASI10: Nature-based Solutions (NBS) for Urban Transformation
The SASI10 Nature-based Solutions (NBS) for Urban Transformation is a course for both exchange students and regular students at Lund University. The aim of this course is to learn how NBS can contribute to urban transformation through visions, governance strategies, the engagement of stakeholders, financing mechanisms and business models.
How can we design, implement and manage NBS for urban transformation?
The course delivers knowledge of the concept of NBS and its multiple benefits in an urban context, and how NBS can be assessed, governed, financed and supported by different stakeholders. It also delivers knowledge on the role of policy, tools and (planning) approaches to support effective urban governance for societal challenges.
Course Period
The next planned course opportunity is for autumn semester 2026, from 2nd November 2026 to 11th December 2026. Lessons for the course are planned for Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Course Modules
- Nature-based solutions for urban transformation
- Assessment methods for nature-based solutions
- Governance strategies for nature-based solutions
- Business models for nature-based solutions
- Innovation pathways for nature-based solutions
What do students say about SASI courses at the IIIEE?
"The structure of the course - very solutions-orientated and practical, not just focusing a lot on why we need to change but also how we can do this change process.”
“Having one week-long module for each type of actor was effective and helped to separate the different sections of the course as well as to compare and contrast the different strategy types and levels of responsibility for each kind of actor."
"Teaching - all teachers involved were very engaging, knowledgeable and passionate about the subject, which really enhanced the learning experience"
"Seminar discussions - very engaging, interesting to hear other people's opinions, useful for reflecting on/forming my own opinions on the topics discussed. I found the puzzle particularly interesting to consider what real individuals are willing/able to do and how this varies a lot."
Learning Objectives
On completion of the course the students shall be able to:
- demonstrate the ability to describe basic challenges involved in designing, implementing and integrating NBS in urban environments;
- apply critical thinking perspectives on the relationship between climate change, urban nature and governance innovation;
- describe and contrast basic concepts, strategies and assessment methods that can enable NBS;
- describe NBS and the role of governance and innovation, business models, and assessment methods;
- demonstrate the ability to analyze, evaluate and make critical judgements on strategies and approaches for integrating/working with NBS in cities;
- demonstrate the ability to discuss the needs for multifunctional NBS in cities in the context of societal challenges;
- discuss/outline governance and innovation pathways for NBS.
Key Resources
The course is based on two key readings – Urban Nature: New Directions for City Futures and Urban Nature: Connecting Cities, Sustainability and Innovation. The course also utilises films, podcasts and a mix of short readings to provide a diversity of insights into NBS in the urban context.
What are nature-based solutions (NBS)?
Admission
From autumn 2026 the course may also be available for application via Antagning.se for non-exchange students. If you don't find it there, please contact us for information.
Course syllabus
Read the preliminary official course syllabus for SASI10 here:
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Main teacher
Kes McCormick is a Professor at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and IIIEE at Lund University. He is the lead author for Urban Nature: New Directions for City Futures, the lead creator for the Urban Nature Massive Open Online Course, and co-leader for the Nature-based Solutions Network at SLU.
Teaching and assessment
The course involves lectures, seminars and assignments. Seminars are compulsory, and active participation required to pass the course. Students are awarded one of the following grades: U,3,4,5 - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)