The Gestion et Politique de l'eau (Water Resources Management and Policy) course, offered by the University of Geneva through Coursera, is a comprehensive online program designed to deepen understanding of water resource governance and management. This five-week MOOC, supported by the Geneva Water Hub and funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), addresses modern challenges like climate change and human impacts on the water cycle. Accessible to global learners without prerequisites, it is ideal for those interested in water governance, requiring approximately 18 hours of study.

Core Content

The curriculum is structured into five modules, covering the fundamentals of water as a resource, its governance, and associated challenges. Module 1 defines water as a common resource, drawing on Elinor Ostrom’s work and exploring management models like state, market, and community-based systems, with Latin American case studies. Module 2 examines property rights and public policies for water use coordination. Module 3 introduces Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Nexus. Module 4 focuses on watershed-based management, using cases like the Rhine River and Swiss practices. Module 5 addresses water-related conflicts and cooperation, introducing hydro-hegemony through the Nile River Basin case and exploring institutional mechanisms like the Senegal River Development Organisation and Mekong River Commission.

Key Skills

Participants will develop skills to identify key water governance challenges, understand environmental, institutional, and political variables, and apply management strategies like IWRM and watershed-based approaches. The course equips learners to analyze water-related conflicts, propose cooperative solutions, and navigate international water law frameworks. Through quizzes and case studies, participants gain practical experience in crafting strategies for sustainable water management, enabling them to address real-world water challenges effectively.

Target Learners

This course is tailored for professionals, policymakers, researchers, and students interested in the water sector, including those in environmental science, governance, or international development. It is particularly suited for those new to water management, seeking to understand governance frameworks or address climate-related water challenges. Its global perspective and lack of prerequisites make it accessible to a worldwide audience committed to sustainable water resource management.

Learning Format

Hosted on Coursera’s platform, the course is self-paced, spanning five weeks with 3–4 hours of study per week. It features engaging video lectures, readings, interactive quizzes (requiring 80% correct responses per module), and discussion forums, supported by University of Geneva researchers and practitioners. Available in French with English subtitles, it includes case studies and contributions from global experts. Learners can audit for free or opt for a paid certificate (approximately €45) from Leiden University and Coursera, enhancing professional credentials.

Additional Benefits

The course delivers measurable learning outcomes, enabling participants to apply water governance principles to challenges like climate adaptation or transboundary cooperation. Backed by the University of Geneva and the Geneva Water Hub, it offers credible content aligned with global water management standards. Learners join a global community, gaining insights from international case studies like the Nile and Mekong basins. The certificate boosts career prospects in environmental policy, water management, and sustainability, equipping graduates to drive impactful, cooperative water solutions.

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