New ᴇNᴀBʟS Resources Support Teachers in Bringing Nature-Based Solutions into Learning

eNaBlS banner for its educational material

Written by: Julia Fellinger, 3s

As Europe faces growing environmental and climate challenges, education plays a key role in preparing learners for a greener future. To support this transition, the ᴇNᴀBʟS project has developed a Teacher Training Guide together with two adaptable TVET learning modules that help educators introduce Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in engaging, practical, and learner-centred ways.

The resources were created for teachers and trainers in vocational education and training (VET) and adult education. Recognising that learners come from diverse backgrounds and educational contexts, the materials are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing educators to tailor activities to different age groups, skill levels, and subjects.

At the heart of the Teacher Training Guide are three pedagogical principles that emerged from community feedback and learning activities implemented across the ᴇNᴀBʟS partnership: walking pedagogy, challenge-based learning, and tactile learning. These approaches encourage learners to explore real-world environments, engage in problem-solving, and learn through hands-on, multisensory experiences. The guide also provides practical activities and chapter summaries inspired by the ᴇNᴀBʟS Living Lab work carried out by project partners. Each activity is furthermore designed to incorporate at least one of the twelve ‘competences for sustainability’ of the European sustainability competence framework GreenComp.

The first learning module,“Fundamentals of NBS for VET”, introduces learners to key NBS concepts through a guided exploration of a public green space. Designed primarily for initial VET learners, the module combines observation, experimentation, discussion, and collaborative design. Learners investigate biodiversity, water and soil processes, climate impacts, and real-life examples of NBS before working together to redesign a space affected by biodiversity loss.

The second module,“NBS in Practice: Municipal Development”, focuses on how NBS can be applied in local planning and development. Aimed at continuing VET and adult learners, it uses a “Climate Walk” format in which participants visit real sites and engage with municipal stakeholders and practitioners. Through discussions and planning exercises, learners explore how NBS can address challenges such as urban heat, flooding, biodiversity loss, sustainable mobility, and the design of inclusive public spaces.

Together, the Teacher Training Guide and the two modules provide educators with ready-to-use resources for integrating Nature-Based Solutions into teaching and training. By combining theory with observation, experimentation, and real-world problem-solving, these materials help learners understand not only what NBS are, but also how they can contribute to more sustainable and resilient communities.