This module examines biodiversity and ecosystem services as both a foundation of the global economy and a strategic business issue. Participants gain an understanding of ecological and economic fundamentals and learn how biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation affect corporate value creation, risk exposure, and long-term competitiveness. The course explores nature-related risks and opportunities, double materiality, and the integration of biodiversity into corporate strategy, governance, and risk management. It also introduces biodiversity-based business models such as nature-based solutions, data and AI applications, restoration, tourism, and emerging biodiversity credit markets, supported by practical case studies. No prior knowledge of ecology is required.
- Understand and explain the fundamental concepts of biodiversity, ecosystem services, and natural capital, and their economic relevance for the global economy, businesses, and financial systems
- Analyze biodiversity-related risks, dependencies, and impacts across different economic sectors and corporate value chains
- Apply the concept of double materiality to identify and prioritize biodiversity topics relevant to corporate strategy
- Evaluate strategic approaches, data sources, partners, and governance mechanisms for managing biodiversity within companies, along value chains, and across markets
- Identify and assess biodiversity-based business models and opportunities for value creation aligned with a nature-positive outcome
This course is part of the prestigious part-time Goethe MBA Digital Transformation | Data Science | Sustainability program, conducted in English on Fridays and Saturdays on Campus Westend. It offers a valuable opportunity to network and gain expertise without committing to a full degree program. Upon completion, participants receive a Certificate of Participation. This course may be credited towards the Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Sustainability & ESG when completed together with the other required courses within one academic year. As the number of seats is limited, we recommend to register early. If you're a GBS or Goethe University alum, explore our attractive alumni discount options.
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Dr. Frauke Fischer
Dr. Frauke Fischer is a biodiversity expert, scientist, author, and consultant. She earned her PhD in zoology and founded Agentur auf!, Germany's first biodiversity-focused consultancy. As co-founder of PERU PURO, she promotes sustainable trade in coffee and cocoa. Dr. Fischer has published more than 80 scientific articles, authored popular science books, and co-hosts the award-winning podcast tierisch!. Her work has received numerous awards, underscoring her impact on conservation and sustainability.
Candidates with an undergraduate degree (i.e., bachelor or equivalent) of 180 credit points (CP) based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) can apply for our Open Programs. The allocation of credit points for work experience will appear on the Academic Transcript of Records and be titled ‘Prior Learning Assessment’.
Open Program applicants must submit a recent proof of English language proficiency at the higher B2 level per the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The GBS Office of Admissions will accept test results of the following tests, taken no longer than two years ago upon the date of submission:
- TOEFL iBT®
- TOEFL iBT® Home Edition
- IELTS
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English
- English Language Level Test (ELLT) - Oxford International Digital Institute
Applicants may request a waiver of proof of proficiency in English in case one of the following conditions applies. The applicant
- is a native speaker of English;
- has graduated from an international baccalaureate program
- has completed their undergraduate or master-level studies in a program taught entirely in English;
- has worked in an English-speaking country for at least one year.
If the applicant has not taken any of the above tests when submitting the application, the applicant can upload a confirmation of the test registration to the online admissions portal.
Applicants who submit a language certificate older than two years but without an expiry date will be invited for an additional interview with a native speaker of English.
Proof of relevant post-undergraduate work experience of at least one year is to be submitted, e.g., a performance review, reference letter, or written confirmation from your employer.