Urban EbA eLearning Platform

Welcome and Namaste, all our Sessions are available in English and Nepali

Context

The Kathmandu Valley is experiencing rapid and largely unplanned urbanisation, resulting in significant ecosystem degradation and increasing exposure to climate risks such as flooding, landslides, droughts, and urban heat island effects. These challenges are compounded by climate change and inadequate integration of risk-sensitive urban planning, placing growing pressure on vulnerable communities and urban systems.

In response, the Government of Nepal, with support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), NAST and UNEP, is implementing the “Urban Ecosystem-based Adaptation for Climate-resilient Development in the Kathmandu Valley” project. Executed by KVDA with technical support from UN‑Habitat Nepal, the project aims to build climate resilience through ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA), including nature-based solutions such as urban greening, flood management, and groundwater recharge, while mainstreaming EbA into urban planning and governance systems.

Recognizing significant institutional capacity gaps, UN‑Habitat Nepal has developed a comprehensive Urban EbA curriculum. To enhance accessibility, scalability, and long-term impact, these materials are being transformed into an interactive, self-paced e-learning platform to support continuous capacity development among everyone interested.

Delivery

Self-paced online

Language

English & Nepali

Sessions

6 Non technical and 2 technical sessions

Accessibility

WCAG 2.1 AA

Certificate

On full completion

Learning objectives

Explain Urban EbA and the value of nature in cities, and the rationale for ecosystem-based approaches in addressing urban climate risks such as flooding, landslides, heat island effects and soil erosion.
Describe the causes and sectoral impacts of climate change, with a focus on urban settlements in the Kathmandu Valley.
Identify key national policies (Climate Change Policy, NDC, NAP, DRR) and international frameworks (UNFCCC, COP, SDGs) relevant to climate action.
Apply concepts of hazard, exposure, sensitivity, vulnerability and risk, and interpret Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) findings and risk mapping.
Use community engagement tools, the five-step EbA design process, and cost-benefit analysis to prioritise and select appropriate EbA interventions.
Identify entry points for integrating EbA into Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and municipal planning processes.