Etuna Lomadze, from Batumi, Georgia

Etuna Lomadze is an alumna of Lund University’s (LU) capacity development programme Innovation in Governance for Urban Nature-based Solutions (October 2020 – June 2021). With the knowledge gained, she hopes to create and inspire more avenues to bring nature back to her hometown.

What did you gain from the programme?

"Most importantly, I gained the knowledge necessary to develop a project targeted to the specific challenges of my hometown, Batumi, Georgia, which faces significant urbanization pressure. Increasingly popular nature-based Solutions (NBS) are still new for the Eastern Partnership countries, and my project showcases the multiple benefits of NBS in meeting our challenges, which include competing land use priorities and limited green space availability and accessibility.

Particularly useful were the combined modules on innovation and governance, focused on how NBS can contribute to sustainability goals in cost-effective and technically sound ways, and how administrations can forge partnerships to apply NBS in cities. I also gained valuable insights from analysing the external business and social environment on current and future needs for innovation in leadership.

Last but not least, the programme offered a wonderful community of encouraging peers and professionals to exchange ideas with for eight months!"

How has your participation in the programme impacted your professional goals?

"The programme inspired me to follow my professional development objectives and recently I’ve been selected for another Swedish Institute-financed program, SI Academy for Young Professionals, where I’m taking part in the Sustainable Public Management module at Malmö University. I would like to extend my gratitude towards SI for offering such valuable professional development opportunities to young people and partner countries."

Why should people apply to this programme over others with similar topics?

"The programme provides multiple resources to support the learning process, including individual and group work, lectures and discussions, online videos and readings, case studies and simulation games that place you in real-world challenges. A facilitated online exchange enables participants to interact and work collaboratively while the supportive and friendly team of lecturers and program organisers offer guidance on how to maximize the benefits of participation. All learning takes place in a constructive environment, where individual learning preferences are considered and respected."