Format: Hybrid and Face-to-Face
New Certificate Programmes in Environment and Development
The Department of Environment and Development is excited to introduce a series of certificate programmes for 2025. These programmes are specifically designed for professionals aiming to deepen their theoretical and practical expertise in key environmental and developmental areas. Our goal is to enhance the capabilities of practitioners, enabling them to implement more effective initiatives based on the latest research and best practices.
Participants will have the distinct advantage of studying alongside MA students as part of the 2025-2026 cohort. This collaborative on-campus experience is designed to foster a rich learning environment at UPEACE, enhancing participants’ values, knowledge, and skills essential for nurturing sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
Choose from the following certificate programs:
- Certificate in Environment, Development, and Peace
- Certificate in Indigenous-led Conservation & Peace
Graduates of these programs will emerge with a profound understanding of environmentally sustainable practices and the socio-economic factors influencing development. They will be equipped with strategies for addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices, empowering them to consult on existing initiatives and collaborate on innovative solutions.
Join us in advancing sustainable development and environmental justice through education and transformative learning!
Certificate in Environmental, Development, and Peace
Programme Overview
Admissions and Fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Programme Overview
Certificate in Environment, Development, and Peace
Modality – Face-to-Face
Programme Overview
The certificate in Environment and Development is a 12-credit interdisciplinary program, designed to provide present and future professionals and decision makers with up-to-date resources and skills to address the challenges and opportunities of environment and development issues in the broader context of peace and conflict, environmental and human justice, natural resource management, and global and local sustainability.
The certificate in EDP focuses on the human dimensions of the environment-development nexus, highlighting the connections between local perspectives and broader processes at the national, regional, and global levels and emphasizing the importance of political economic structures and inequity as a key driver in environmental conflict and global environmental change. We emphasize deep critical analysis to ensure that we address the root causes of environment and development challenges and to guarantee that solutions discussed are rooted in equity, justice, intersectionality, and human and nature rights.
Courses are structured as 2- or 3-week intensive courses. Participants will take one course at a time, consisting of daily 3 hours class time, plus reading and preparation and eventual field visits. Our courses make use of a diversity of guest speakers and field visits within our unique location in Costa Rica to situate our learning in on the ground realities.
12 Mandatory credits: students must take the following courses:
- UPM 6001 UPEACE Foundation Course (3 credits)
- DED 6007 Environment, Conflicts, and Sustainability (3 credits)
- Either DED 6038 Water Security and Peace or DED 6022 Sustainable Agriculture (3 credits)
- Either DED 6097 Coastal Resources Management or DED 6034 Forests, Forestry, and Poverty (3 credits)
2 Optional credits:
- UPM 6003 The United Nations System and UPMUNC
The courses taken in this certificate program may be applicable to a master’s degree within the department. If you are interested in exploring both a certificate and one of our master’s programs, please reach out to Darby McMakin here.
Certification Programme Schedule
This certificate programme will begin on 25 August 2025. Please consult the full schedule here.
Admissions and Fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the start date for this programme?
The start date is 25 August 2025.
How much does this programme cost?
The cost of the programme is USD$5,700 (USD$6,650 if you choose to take the optional UN System course).
Can I pay for this programme in instalments?
Yes, this programme can be paid in 2-3 instalments.
Is this programme available online?
No. This is a synchronous face-to-face program.
What is the duration of this programme?
The duration of this programme is one semester, from August through December of the same year.
Is this programme offered part-time or full-time?
This is a full-time programme.
Can the credits earned in this programme be applied towards at master’s degree at UPEACE?
Yes. Students who complete this certificate may apply the credits earned towards an M.A. in Environment, Development, and Peace at UPEACE. After completing the certificate, students can apply to the MA in Environment, Development, and Peace programme and pay the additional tuition and fees. For more information, please reach out to dmcmakin@upeace.org
Where is the campus located and what are the nearby towns like?
The campus is located in El Rodeo de Mora, in the province of San José, Costa Rica. This is a rural área located 7 kilometres from the town of Ciudad Colón. Ciudad Colon is a small town with all services (banks, coffee shops, two large supermarkets, farmer’s markets, a park, multiple gyms, a swimming pool, and other stores). This town is around 15 kilometres from a large shopping mall and 20 kilometres from the capital city of San José.
Is the campus accessible by public transportation?
UPEACE provides students with several shuttles throughout the day from Ciudad Colón to campus and back, free of charge.
Is the accommodation included in the tuition fee?
Accommodation is not included in the tuition fee and needs to be covered by the student.
What does the housing situation close to the campus look like?
Once you are accepted into the programme, you will receive access to our housing platform, where you can find different accommodation options that best fit your needs and budget, either in El Rodeo (closest to UPEACE) or in the town of Ciudad Colón. Suggested housing accommodations include a room with a host family, a studio, an apartment, or a House, which could be shared with other UPEACE students. For further questions regarding housing, please contact our Housing Officer, Alvaro Castro, at acastro@upeace.org
How do I get started with my visa for Costa Rica?
This is generally case-specific, but in general, once you are accepted in the programme, our visa officer will guide you through the process. For further questions regarding your visa situation, please contact our Visa Officer, Cynthia Díaz, at cdiaz@upeace.org
What is the admissions process for this programme?
Once you submit your application, we will review your package and make sure we have all required documentation. Your file will then be forwarded to the programme evaluators for their review. You will notified of their decisión once they have decided if you’re qualified for admission.
In what language is this programme taught?
The programme is taught in English.
What department does the EDP certificate programme belong to?
This programme belongs to the Department of Environment and Development.
Where do students work after graduating?
Our Alumni work in a variety of fields and organizations, including the private sector, government organizations, the United Nations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academia.
Are there field visits included in this programme?
Yes, most of our courses include field visits. Some are day trips; some can be overnight.
On these field visits, students get the opportunity to visit different communities and projects throughout the country and gain hands-on learning experiences with our diverse and interdisciplinary community of collaborators in the field.
Where are the professors in the programme from?
Our resident and visiting faculty members come from a variety of countries and backgrounds, including the UK, Canada, Costa Rica, Brazil, India, Germany, and the United States.
Certificate in Indigenous-led Conservation & Peace
Programme Overview
Admissions and Fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Programme Overview
Certificate in Indigenous-led Conservation and Peace
Modality – Hybrid, a combination of in–person and online courses
Programme Overview
According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), our generation faces a “triple planetary crisis”: climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Our generation is also experiencing social and political instability, including conflict, violence, and significant social upheavals at local, regional, national, and global levels.
The long-lasting geopolitical tensions around the world point to the need for new solutions deeply rooted in genuine human connections, reconciliation, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous knowledge systems. Since the time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have cared for the lands, waters, and life on earth. Indigenous-led conservation, governed by Indigenous worldviews and Ways of Knowing and Being, offer a holistic solution for this complex problem.
This programme will explore subjects connecting inter- and intra-national dispute transformation, nature conservation, climate resiliency, and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) through the lens of Indigenous worldviews and Ethical Space. Examples of Indigenous–led land governance models from around the world will be highlighted, such as Salween Peace Park in Burma and Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks in Canada. The Tla-o-qui-aht Tribal Parks’ governance model employs the Nuu-chah-nulth philosophy, hishuk’ish tsawalk, which translates to “everything is one, and everything is interconnected”. This programme will bring Indigenous approaches to the forefronts of conflict transformation and conservation planning.
In Partnership with the IISAAK OLAM Foundation
The IISAAK OLAM Foundation (IOF) shares knowledge and builds capacity for Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs). IOF manifests its purpose by incubating programs. Our programs and collaborations support Indigenous leadership in the conservation of biological and cultural diversity, the development of sustainable and resilient communities, reconciliation between Indigenous and newcomer societies, and innovative solutions for (re)connecting people with their environment. Our ultimate purpose is to support the establishment and long-term capacity of IPCAs and to educate people about their value and relevance. Learn more about the IISAAK OLAM Foundation at: www.iisaakolam.ca
Courses
Some courses are structured as 2- or 3-week in-person intensive courses. Other courses are a combination of asynchronous and synchronous online sessions. Our courses make use of a diversity of guest speakers and field visits within our unique location in Costa Rica to situate our learning in on the ground realities.
12 Mandatory credits: students must take the following courses:
- Introductory Seminar (online)
- Comparative Peace Processes (in person)
- Conservation through Reconciliation (online and in person)
- Indigenous Perspectives on Environment and Development (online and in person)
- Indigenous Peoples Rights (in person)
- Contemporary Topics in Indigenous Rights (online)
- Final certificate reflection (online)
The courses taken in this certificate program may be applicable to a master’s degree within the department. If you are interested in exploring both a certificate and one of our master’s programs, please reach out to Darby McMakin (dmcmakin@upeace.org)
Certification Programme Schedule
This certificate programme will begin in January 2026. Please consult the full schedule here.
Admissions and Fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the start date for this programme?
The start date is January 2026.
How much does this programme cost?
The cost of the programme is USD$5,700.
Can I pay for this programme in instalments?
Yes, this programme can be paid in 2-3 instalments.
Is this programme available online?
No. This is a synchronous face-to-face program, with a few courses taken online.
What is the duration of this programme?
The duration of this programme is one semester, from January through May of the same year.
Is this programme offered part-time or full-time?
This is a full-time programme.
Can the credits earned in this programme be applied towards at master’s degree at UPEACE?
Yes. Students who complete this certificate may apply the credits earned towards an M.A. in Environment, Development, and Peace at UPEACE. After completing the certificate, students can apply to the MA in Environment, Development, and Peace programme and pay the additional tuition and fees. For more information, please reach out to dmcmakin@upeace.org
Where is the campus located and what are the nearby towns like?
The campus is located in El Rodeo de Mora, in the province of San José, Costa Rica. This is a rural área located 7 kilometres from the town of Ciudad Colón. Ciudad Colon is a small town with all services (banks, coffee shops, two large supermarkets, farmer’s markets, a park, multiple gyms, a swimming pool, and other stores). This town is around 15 kilometres from a large shopping mall and 20 kilometres from the capital city of San José.
Is the campus accessible by public transportation?
UPEACE provides students with several shuttles throughout the day from Ciudad Colón to campus and back, free of charge.
Is the accommodation included in the tuition fee?
Accommodation is not included in the tuition fee and needs to be covered by the student.
What does the housing situation close to the campus look like?
Once you are accepted into the programme, you will receive access to our housing platform, where you can find different accommodation options that best fit your needs and budget, either in El Rodeo (closest to UPEACE) or in the town of Ciudad Colón. Suggested housing accommodations include a room with a host family, a studio, an apartment, or a House, which could be shared with other UPEACE students. For further questions regarding housing, please contact our Housing Officer, Alvaro Castro, at acastro@upeace.org
How do I get started with my visa for Costa Rica?
This is generally case-specific, but in general, once you are accepted in the programme, our visa officer will guide you through the process. For further questions regarding your visa situation, please contact our Visa Officer, Cynthia Díaz, at cdiaz@upeace.org
What is the admissions process for this programme?
Once you submit your application, we will review your package and make sure we have all required documentation. Your file will then be forwarded to the programme evaluators for their review. You will notified of their decisión once they have decided if you’re qualified for admission.
In what language is this programme taught?
The programme is taught in English.
What department does the ILCP certificate programme belong to?
This programme belongs to the Department of Environment and Development.
Where do students work after graduating?
Our Alumni work in a variety of fields and organizations, including the private sector, government organizations, the United Nations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academia.
Are there field visits included in this programme?
Yes, most of our courses include field visits. Some are day trips; some can be overnight.
On these field visits, students get the opportunity to visit different communities and projects throughout the country and gain hands-on learning experiences with our diverse and interdisciplinary community of collaborators in the field.
Where are the professors in the programme from?
Our resident and visiting faculty members come from a variety of countries and backgrounds. We have professors from Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation, Costa Rica, Nepal, Canada, Ecuador, and India.