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Simon W. Moolenaar, Isabel C Barrio, Joris De Vente, Rob van Tulder, Berglind Orradóttir, Steve Kennedy, and Thorunn Petursdottir

Land degradation is a widespread problem across the globe with serious consequences for the environment and all of society. Worsening land degradation caused by human activities is undermining the well-being of two-fifths of humanity, driving species extinctions and intensifying climate change. But there’s a huge potential for restoring landscapes: around two billion hectares of land, about two times the size of China, can be restored.

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Land degradation is a widespread problem across the globe with serious consequences for the environment and all of society. Worsening land degradation caused by human activities is undermining the well-being of two-fifths of humanity, driving species extinctions and intensifying climate change. But there’s a huge potential for restoring landscapes: around two billion hectares of land, about two times the size of China, can be restored.

In this MOOC we focus on the potential of business model innovation for the challenge of large-scale landscape restoration. We take a partnership approach and make a bridge between ecology and economy. Learners get to design their own innovative business model for landscape restoration with 4 returns: return of natural capital, return of social capital, return of inspiration and return of financial capital. You move from ideation towards successful implementation. Each step is illustrated with three real-life cases of landscape restoration in Spain, Iceland and Portugal.

We highlight the following elements over a period of 8 weeks:

1. Vision Formulation

2. Systems Analysis

3. Stakeholder Analysis

4. Opportunity Analysis

5. Business Model Design

6. Solution Validation

7. Assessment & Monitoring

8. Reflection & Iteration

This MOOC provides you with a meaningful opportunity to start contributing to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (https://www.decadeonrestoration.org/ ), which aims to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean. Your participation is more relevant now than ever!

This MOOC builds on the MOOC "A Business Approach to Sustainable Landscape Restoration" but can also be followed as a stand-alone. In the first MOOC you get comprehensive knowledge of landscape degradation and landscape restoration from both the perspective of natural science and from an economics and management perspective. (https://www.coursera.org/learn/landscape-restoration-sustainable-development/home/welcome )

These MOOCs are designed by ENABLE, a consortium of: Erasmus University Rotterdam, Commonland, United Nations University Land Restoration Training Programme, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC-CEBAS), and Nova School of Business & Economics. ENABLE was co-funded by the Erasmus+-programme of the European Union.

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Syllabus

Vision Formulation
Welcome to this 8-week course on ‘Business model innovation for sustainable landscape restoration’! Your teachers will introduce you to the process of business model innovation, the concept of landscape restoration and to 3 real-life cases of landscape restoration projects. For each step of the innovation process, we zoom in on those landscapes to show you how the theory looks in practice. By doing this, you will apply the “4 returns” thinking (returns of inspiration, natural capital, social capital and financial capital). Week 1 introduces you to the problem of landscape degradation and the process of landscape restoration. You will also learn about the role of business models in landscape restoration and how important visions are for sustainable business model innovation. We will introduce you to our 3 practical example cases of landscape restoration. Each of these cases has encountered different problems related to landscape degradation and formulated innovative solutions by using the approach set out in this MOOC: the power of sustainable business models to successfully restore natural environments. You will choose a land degradation challenge and formulate a vision and key question.
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Systems Analysis
Week 2 is all about systems thinking and systems analysis. In our practical example cases you will see how diversified crop systems can help in Spain, and how birch woodlands can improve the resilience of the system in Iceland. You will learn how to conduct a systems analysis for your chosen landscape degradation challenge by identifying boundaries and key factors, creating a system map, constructing a central narrative and determining points of intervention.
Stakeholder Analysis
In this week you will learn what stakeholders are and why they are important. You will see the application of the main concepts in two of our landscape examples. At the end of week 3 you can conduct your own stakeholder analysis of your chosen landscape degradation challenge.
Co-Creation and Opportunity Analysis
In week 4 we enter the second phase of the sustainable business model innovation process: designing. In this phase we move from forming an understanding of the problem and what means we have available, to generating ideas for new business model solutions. Now you will actually start working with your stakeholders to analyse opportunities for value creation based on common goals and commitment. In week 4, the focus is on co-innovation networks and captured and destroyed value. You are going to build your co-innovation network, validate your current understandings, identify opportunities to add value and generate first business model ideas.
Business Model Design
In week 5 you will learn about business models and the triple-layered business model canvas. You will also see the triple-layered business model canvas applied to all of our three cases. You reach the point now where you will select a business idea and complete your own triple layered business model canvas.
Solution Validation
Week 6 is about assumptions and methods and how to validate them. You will see what methods the practical example cases in Spain and Portugal used. This week then allows you to start testing your own business idea on a small scale. You will identify your own key assumptions, design the testing of those assumptions and actually test them. At the end you will iterate or pivot your business model.
Assessment and Monitoring
In week 7 we enter the third phase of the sustainable business model innovation process - implementing. In this phase your business model moves from being a design concept to an implemented practice that is helping to restore landscapes. We will consider how we will manage the finances, understand if we our business model is delivering its intended value, and forecast potential outcomes. We will also reflect on our constructed business models to consider how they could be scaled-up or scaled-out, and what next actions we need to take to make them a reality. You will learn about assessment and monitoring tools such as financial analysis, 4 Return Model (20 years outcomes & value creation in 3 zones), key performance indicators and scenario analysis. The cases in Portugal and Iceland serve as examples of how these can be implemented. You will make a financial analysis of your business model, set specific KPIs to measure the success of your business model for four returns in 20 years, evaluate how you can involve the stakeholders that are impacted through the 4 returns and do a Scenario Analysis.
Reflection and Iteration
In this last week you will learn about key leadership principles, our Community of Practice and the nexus challenge of the SDGs. You will read about the application of concepts in practice in all of our landscapes. You will review your exercises of the past weeks, reflect about what you learned and forecast your next actions. If you want you can also connect to a global community of practitioners.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Teaches learners the theoretical and practical components of landscape restoration
Strengthens foundation knowledge of ecology, economics, and management of landscape restoration
Develops learners' abilities to formulate visions, analyze systems, engage stakeholders, and conduct business model design
Taught by instructors who are recognized for their expertise in landscape restoration, ecology, economics, and business management
Connects learners to a community of practitioners working in landscape restoration
Provides learners with tools and resources to apply the concepts of sustainable business model innovation to their own projects

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Reviews summary

Valuable course for sustainability innovation

Learners say this course is very well structured, engaging, inspiring, and useful. The majority of students highly recommend it. Students particularly enjoyed the modules on financial capital and social capital. The weekly exercises and reading assignments were praised for fostering critical thinking and collaboration. Students also appreciated the diversity of learning materials including videos, readings, and quizzes. However, some students mentioned challenges with unclear evaluation criteria and limited involvement from course instructors. Overall, this course is well received by learners and is likely to provide valuable insights for those interested in business model innovation and sustainable landscape restoration.
Students appreciate the variety of materials including videos, readings, and quizzes.
"T​his course is incredibly well structured, includes a perfect balance of theory, real-life examples and practice. The materials (both written and visual) are of very high quality, the learning objectives clear and overall an inspiring and radically useful courc¡se."
Weekly exercises and peer review foster engagement and critical thinking.
"I loved weekly exercises that forced one to think and draft."
"Reading exercises submitted by peers and giving remarks was very interesting, as it gave one a glimpse of land degradation problems in other parts of the world."
Students raise concerns about unclear evaluation criteria and long wait times for feedback.
"Waiting for somebody just only to evaluate my assignment. It is full of uncertainty. I wish that the evaluation in every week is not all by ESSAYS."
Students express disappointment with the lack of involvement from course instructors.
"The lack of involvement from the course coordinators was very disappointing. I expected them to lead discussions with all of the participants, or at least within the groups."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Business Model Innovation for Sustainable Landscape Restoration with these activities:
Review Principles of Ecology and Ecosystem Restoration
Sharpen your understanding of the ecological principles that underpin landscape restoration.
Browse courses on Ecology
Show steps
  • Review key concepts in ecology.
  • Explore different strategies for ecosystem restoration.
Practice Systems Thinking and Analysis
Strengthen your systems thinking and analysis skills, which are essential for understanding and addressing complex landscape degradation challenges.
Browse courses on Systems Thinking
Show steps
  • Identify a real-world problem that you are interested in.
  • Map out the system that is related to the problem.
  • Identify the key stakeholders and their roles in the system.
  • Analyze the system to identify leverage points for change.
Participate in a Discussion Forum on Landscape Restoration
Engage with your peers and share your knowledge and experiences in landscape restoration through online discussion forums.
Browse courses on Landscape Restoration
Show steps
  • Find a discussion forum or online community focused on landscape restoration.
  • Join the forum and participate in discussions.
  • Share your own insights and experiences on landscape restoration.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Follow Tutorials on Landscape Restoration Techniques
Expand your knowledge and skills in landscape restoration by following online tutorials and resources.
Browse courses on Landscape Restoration
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on landscape restoration techniques.
  • Watch or read the tutorials to learn about different methods and best practices.
Design a Business Model for a Landscape Restoration Project
Apply the concepts learned in Module 5 to design a business model for a landscape restoration project.
Browse courses on Business Model Canvas
Show steps
  • Identify a specific landscape degradation challenge to focus on.
  • Conduct a stakeholder analysis to identify key stakeholders and their interests.
  • Develop a value proposition for your business model.
  • Create a business model canvas for your business model.
  • Test your business model by interviewing potential customers or stakeholders.
Develop a Business Plan for a Landscape Restoration Project
Challenge yourself by developing a comprehensive business plan for a landscape restoration project, incorporating the concepts learned throughout the course.
Browse courses on Business Plan
Show steps
  • Define the goals and objectives of your landscape restoration project.
  • Conduct a market analysis to identify your target market and competition.
  • Develop a marketing and sales strategy to reach your target market.
  • Create a financial plan to outline the costs and revenue projections for your project.
  • Develop an implementation plan to outline the steps needed to implement your project.
Review Business Model Generation
Increase your knowledge about business models and value proposition design, a key topic discussed in Module 5.
Show steps
  • Read chapters 1-3 of the book.
  • Create a business model canvas for your own business or a business you are familiar with.
Write a Blog Post About a Landscape Restoration Project
Share your knowledge and promote awareness about landscape restoration by writing a blog post about a specific project.
Browse courses on Landscape Restoration
Show steps
  • Choose a landscape restoration project that you are interested in.
  • Research the project and gather information about its goals, methods, and outcomes.
  • Write a blog post about the project, highlighting its importance and the benefits of landscape restoration.

Career center

Learners who complete Business Model Innovation for Sustainable Landscape Restoration will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Land Restoration Specialist
A Land Restoration Specialist restores degraded land to its natural state. This course may be useful in providing knowledge of business models for sustainable landscape restoration, as well as helping to build a foundation in land restoration.
Ecologist
An Ecologist studies the relationships between organisms and their environment. This course may be useful in helping to build a foundation in ecology, as well as providing knowledge of business models for sustainable landscape restoration.
Environmental Engineer
An Environmental Engineer designs and implements solutions to environmental problems. This course may be useful in helping to build a foundation in environmental engineering, as well as providing knowledge of business models for sustainable landscape restoration.
Environmental Scientist
An Environmental Scientist studies the environment and develops solutions to environmental problems. This course may be useful in helping to build a foundation in environmental science, as well as providing knowledge of business models for sustainable landscape restoration.
Landscape Architect
A Landscape Architect designs and plans outdoor spaces. This course may be useful in providing knowledge of business models for sustainable landscape restoration, as well as helping to build a foundation in landscape architecture.
Conservation Scientist
A Conservation Scientist studies and protects natural resources. This course may be useful in helping to build a foundation in conservation science, as well as providing knowledge of business models for sustainable landscape restoration.
Agroforestry Specialist
An Agroforestry Specialist combines agriculture and forestry to create sustainable land-use systems. This course may be useful in providing knowledge of business models for sustainable landscape restoration, as well as helping to build a foundation in agroforestry.
Environmental Economist
An Environmental Economist applies economic principles to environmental issues. This course may be useful in providing knowledge of business models for sustainable landscape restoration, as well as helping to build a foundation in environmental economics.
Sustainability Consultant
A Sustainability Consultant helps organizations to develop and implement sustainable practices. This course may be useful in providing knowledge of business models for sustainable landscape restoration, as well as helping to build a foundation in sustainability.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst analyzes business needs and develops solutions. This course may be useful in providing knowledge of business models for sustainable landscape restoration, as well as helping to build a foundation in business analysis.
Project Manager
A Project Manager plans and executes projects. This course may be useful in providing knowledge of business models for sustainable landscape restoration, as well as helping to build a foundation in project management.
GIS Specialist
A GIS Specialist uses geographic information systems to analyze and visualize spatial data. This course may be useful in providing knowledge of business models for sustainable landscape restoration, as well as helping to build a foundation in GIS.
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist analyzes data and develops solutions. This course may be useful in providing knowledge of business models for sustainable landscape restoration, as well as helping to build a foundation in data science.
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst analyzes financial data and makes recommendations. This course may be useful in providing knowledge of business models for sustainable landscape restoration, as well as helping to build a foundation in financial analysis.
Investment Analyst
An Investment Analyst analyzes investment opportunities and makes recommendations. This course may be useful in providing knowledge of business models for sustainable landscape restoration, as well as helping to build a foundation in investment analysis.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Business Model Innovation for Sustainable Landscape Restoration.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of landscape ecology, which is essential for understanding the ecological processes that shape landscapes. It offers insights into how to design and implement landscape restoration projects that are ecologically sustainable.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ecological principles that underpin sustainable landscape restoration. It offers insights into how to design and implement restoration projects that are ecologically sound and contribute to sustainable development.
This journal publishes high-quality research on sustainable development and world ecology. It offers insights into the latest research and developments in the field and valuable resource for anyone interested in landscape restoration.
This journal publishes high-quality research on ecological applications, including landscape restoration. It offers insights into the latest research and developments in the field and valuable resource for anyone interested in landscape restoration.
Offers a comprehensive overview of regenerative design principles and practices, which are essential for creating sustainable and resilient landscapes. It provides guidance on how to design and implement regenerative systems in a variety of contexts.
Provides a practical framework for business model innovation, which is essential for creating sustainable landscape restoration businesses. It offers a step-by-step guide to developing and evaluating new business models.

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