Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) 1

In 2014 the ELD Initiative successfully launched its first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) with more than 1500 registered participants. A subsequent and equally successful course was offered in 2015.

The MOOCs are web-based intensive courses with flexible participation, video lectures and offline reading material.

While all information and materials of the courses are still openly accessible and free of charge, it is not possible anymore to hand in assignments or receive certificates.

Prerequisites

  • There are no participant prerequisites for this type of online course beyond interest in the topic
  • MOOCs are entirely free of charge, and open to any interested party
  • Participants can be located anywhere, work in any sector, and have any background

MOOC 1 - The Economics of Land Degradation – Assessing the socio-economic benefits of land ecosystems

Introduction

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The first ELD MOOC brought together decision-makers, managers, supervisors, seniors as well as education and research professionals from international organizations, governments, private sector and NGOs etc. The course demonstrates how to assess the economic benefits of land as a first step towards preventing degradation. It introduces methods of economic analysis and valuation to help manage land sustainably and efficiently. Course participants learn problem-solving using economics approaches and methods.

Contents

Module 1: What is the value of your land?

Module 2: Which services does your ecosystem provide?

Module 3: Who benefits? Who pays?

Module 4: Economic tools for valuation

Module 5: Your new scenario

Module 6: A research plan

Module 7: Carry out the research

Module 8: Continue your research

Module 9: Your Choice

Module 10: Finalizing your project

After finishing the course, participants are able to: 

  • Explain why economic analysis can be a useful tool for decision-makers
  • Describe the steps behind each valuation method, underlying assumptions and methodological and empirical limitations
  • Identify a suitable method for valuation of a non-marketed good or service
  • Critically assess the choice of valuation method, its application and results for an existing valuation study
  • Run simple cost-benefit-analyses
  • Develop simple research designs for economic assessments

Recordings of the course webinars are still openly accessible!