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    Item type:Publication, Access status: with files ,
    Lessons learnt in creating and operating the RECONECT nature-based solutions massive open online course
    (Cambridge University Press (CUP), 2026-01-26)
    Penny, Jessica Sarah
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    Lewis, Gareth
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    ; ;
    Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have emerged as powerful educational tools for disseminating complex scientific knowledge. This study examines the RECONECT MOOC, an innovative online learning platform designed to educate stakeholders about nature-based solutions (NbS) for hydrometeorological risk reduction. Developed by a multidisciplinary team of international experts, the course drew on diverse professional and geographical perspectives, across a range of national and sectoral contexts. Its primary aim to bridge the knowledge gap in climate adaptation strategies across diverse professional sectors. The research investigated the effectiveness of interactive, multimedia-based learning approaches in communicating advanced NbS concepts. Using the Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) framework, the course integrated multiple learning methods, including reading, listening, inquiry-based learning, discussion forums and practical application exercises. The MOOC was divided into six modules and targeted local authorities, policymakers, academics, postgraduate students and other stakeholders interested in climate resilience. Findings revealed that 90% of participants gained additional NbS knowledge, 69% reported a shift in perception and 62% felt confident applying what they learned. Participants valued the interactive resources and flexible, self-paced format. Overall, the study demonstrates that MOOCs can effectively support scientific knowledge dissemination and strengthen understanding of complex environmental solutions.
    Publicationtype: Journal Article
      19  7
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    Item type:Publication, Access status: with files ,
    Innovating nature-based solutions: learnings from the EU Horizon 2020 RECONECT project
    (IWA Publishing, 2024-06-01) ; ;
    Draper, Kate
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    Fonseca, Alvaro
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    This paper proposes a specialised framework that integrates the Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and the Commercial Readiness Index (CRI) to assess learnings from a Horizon 2020 (H2020) project on innovation development via the selection and enhancement of supporting tools and technologies for Nature-based Solutions (NbS) implementation and evaluation. We developed and applied the methodology to scout NbS-related innovations that are at a certain TRL and had the potential for commercial exploitation, and then included tailored activities to help these solutions to reach at least CRI-1 (i.e. have the business model outlined, initial market research done, business case formulated). The tools and technologies were assessed through a lens of innovation, explication, and upscaling. As a result, novel guidelines tailored for NbS innovations were established to introduce a participatory approach in TRL and CRI evaluations to support commercial exploitation for upscaling NbS into mainstream society through market uptake of H2020 frameworks.
    Publicationtype: Journal Article
      25  41
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    Item type:Publication,
    A new flood risk assessment framework for evaluating the effectiveness of policies to improve urban flood resilience
    To better understand the impacts of flooding such that authorities can plan for adapting measures to cope with future scenarios, we have developed a modified Drivers-Pressures-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework to allow policy makers to evaluate strategies for improving flood resilience in cities. We showed that this framework proved an effective approach to assessing and improving urban flood resilience, albeit with some limitations. This framework has difficulties in capturing all the important relationships in cities, especially with regards to feedbacks. There is therefore a need to develop improved techniques for understanding components and their relationships. While this research showed that risk assessment is possible even at the mega-city scale, new techniques will support advances in this field. Finally, a chain of models engenders uncertainties. However, the resilience approach promoted in this research, is an effective manner to work with uncertainty by providing the capacity to cope and respond to multiple scenarios.
    Publicationtype: Journal Article
      129
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    Item type:Publication,
    A framework for flood impact assessment in urban areas
    Urban flooding affects millions of people worldwide, and with urban populations projected to grow, this problem is likely to become more pressing in the future. Increasing urban flood resilience through the implementation of resilience strategies is a way to improve the management of flood risk. So that the effectiveness of various resilience strategies can be evaluated, it is vital that the impacts of flooding can be assessed in a comprehensive and consistent manner. To this end, a framework has been developed that will incorporate all the major impacts of floods. It has long been noted that the development of such a framework is fraught with difficulties, but it is necessary if we are to make progress in understanding the wider impacts of flooding. In this paper, the developing flood impact assessment framework is outlined, as well as laying out the principles that will underpin future research. © 2013 IAHS Press.
    Publicationtype: Conference Paper
      131