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Self-paced distance learning courses

2025-2026 Natural &Cultural Heritage Approaches in BRs & other designated areas in the Mediterranean


Description
Full tittle: Integrated Natural and Cultural Heritage-Based Approaches for Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves and Other Designated Sites

The online course in a nutshell :

DURATION: Three weeks, starting from 19 January to 8 February 2026.

FORMAT: Asynchronous (self-paced) and synchronous sessions (three weekly live meetings, every Friday).

FOR WHOM: Anyone with an interest, study or work on BRs, Geoparks, Heritage Sites, Protected areas, and an interest in linking natural and cultural heritage approaches and education can take part.

COMMITMENT: The total training time for learners is approx. 10-12 hours (3~4 hours/week).

CLASS SIZE: Approx. 100 online learners.

LANGIAGE: English.

CERTIFICATION: Learners who successfully complete 80% of the course assignments will get the certificate co-signed by the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe and the UNESCO Chair & Network on Sustainable Development Management and Education in the Mediterranean.

Cost: Thanks to the kind contribution of the co-organizers the course is free of charge for all participants!
Content
  • Welcome & framework by the Scientific Coordinator!
  • Welcome from the Chair of the Local Asterousia Commitee
  • Logistics, completion rules, housekeeping notes
  • Participant's expectations
  • Phase A input: A teaser
  • WEEK 1: Introduction - The wide picture, UN frameworks, SDGs, MAB Programme
  • Orientation - Week 1
  • Participants' Reflections on Sustainability
  • The SDGs framework (or Agenda 2030)
  • The Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)
  • The Pact for the Mediterranean
  • The MAB Programme of UNESCO and its Biosphere Reserves-Samuel Partey
  • The MAB Programme and the functions of its Biosphere Reserves-Martin Price
  • UNESCO designated Sites & Global UNESCO Navigator
  • Success factors in obtaining the status & operating a BR-Michael Scoullos
  • The Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan for UNESCO's MAB Programme (2026-2035)
  • From environmental to sustainable development management
  • Sustainable Development projects in selected UNESCO Sites
  • Meet the Asterousia Biosphere Reserve
  • 1st Meet the Expert session 23/01/2026
  • References - Week 1
  • Evaluation - Week 1
  • WEEK 2: LINKS WITH HERITAGE & CULTURE (TANGIBLE & INTANGIBLE) & CASE STUDIES
  • Orientation - Week 2
  • What is Heritage to you ?
  • Heritage according to UNESCO
  • UNESCO Sites as Sustainability and Heritage Labs in the Mediterranean
  • Heritage & ecosystem integrity
  • The Mediterranean diet in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage
  • The Mediterranean region: a case of living heritage
  • Case study: The natural and architectural ensemble in the city of Jajce
  • Case study: The case of Dance Festival in Cilento and Vallo di Diano (Italy)
  • Case study: "The postman's road in Sfakia", Crete Greece
  • Case study: Eco-linguistic Analysis, using the case of a BR in Ecuador
  • Case study-Venice: Synergies &trade-offs in facing sea level rise &over tourism
  • Case study: Hydria: A virtual museum on Water Heritage in the Mediterranean
  • 2nd Meet the Expert session 30/01/2026
  • References - Week 2
  • Evaluation - Week 2
  • WEEK 3: AWARENESS RAISING, PARTICIPATION, EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
  • Orientation - Week 3
  • Envisioning Education for Sustainable Development
  • Policy Frameworks for Education for Sustainable Development
  • UNESCO sites for Education for Sustainable Development
  • MEdIES' Resources on Cultural Heritage
  • Webinar:The SIDUMEF project for Intercultural Dialogue through ESD on Food
  • Case study: Cognitive mapping of the Asterousia BR socio-ecological system
  • Case study: Human Libraries at the Museo del Mare di Capoliveri
  • Case study: Linking the UNESCO Sites in Crete
  • Citizen Science approaches
  • Case study: Effective public engagement in Cabo Pulmo BR
  • Case study: Vhembe Biosphere Reserve Be-Resilient
  • Case study: PEACE Psychometric Evaluation of Connection to Environment
  • What is your favorite project or material linking Natural & Cultural Heritage?
  • Webinar: Effective Environmental Communication
  • Webinar (by UNESCO): Natural sites as learning spaces for ESD
  • 3rd Meet the Expert session 06/02/2026
  • References - Week 3
  • Assignment 2026
  • Formal Evaluation of the E-course
  • End Notes
  • EXTRAS
Completion rules
  • All units must be completed
  • Leads to a certificate with a duration: Forever
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