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Capacity Building Resources
Train the Trainer Program
SBTN’s flagship capacity-building program is our Train the Trainer program. Completion of the Train the Trainer program – including passing the associated knowledge tests – is required for members of the SBTN Service Provider referral program. However, other partners are also encouraged to complete the training.
Wondering what you can expect from participating? Explore this one-page overview of the program and dive into the dropdowns below to get started.
As we are constantly expanding our library capacity-building resources, new resources will also be added and integrated below.
Alongside our Train the Trainer program, SBTN has recorded a ‘Bootcamp’ to help partners engage with companies about SBTN. Where the Train the Trainer program gets more into the technical details of setting targets, this bootcamp is designed to support more high-level conversations.
The Bootcamp covers:
- What SBTN is & how our approach to science-based targets for nature works
- How to prioritize which companies to engage around SBTs for nature
- The business value of the SBTN approach
- Mythbusters: de-mystifying common misconceptions about SBTN
- How companies can get started today
- Next steps and key asks for partners
You can watch the video here and follow along with the slides here. With any questions, reach out to corporate-engagement@sbtnetwork.org.
Additional resources:
- Download the Partner Pitch Deck (Google Slides – Updated Dec 2024). These slides are designed for partners to download and leverage in their own presentations about SBTN & science-based targets for nature.
Key learnings of this module include:
- Mastering the basics of SBTN, SBTs for nature, and the 5-step process
- Understanding key concepts and how companies can apply SBTs for Nature
- How to motivate companies to start setting SBTs for nature
Module Resources:
- Review the one-page overview of the Train the Trainer program
- Access the training slides – (Google Slides – Updated May 2025). These General Overview slides include speaking notes to enhance your understanding.
Additional Resources:
In this module, you’ll learn how to conduct Step 1: Assess.
Key learnings include:
- How to adequately define an organizational boundary
- How to leverage and utilize the Materiality Screening Tool (MST)
- How to incorporate the High Impact Commodity List (HICL) in the assessment
- How to estimate pressures and state of nature
- How to separately assess direct operations and the value chain
- When and how to prepare for exclusions and justifications
Module resources:
- Video Module
- Downloadable presentation slides to accompany the video
- A knowledge test to check your understanding (mandatory for service provider referral program members). Access the knowledge test portal by completing this form. You’ll receive a custom link in your inbox.
Additional resources:
- An additional set of explainer slides for Step 1 – updated October 2025, featuring the latest updates
- Step 1 Technical Guidance V1.1
- Step 1 & 2 Technical Guidance – V1.2 Updates**
- Explore the full Step 1 resource library here
**Since this Train the Trainer module was created, SBTN has released updates to the Step 1 & 2 technical guidance, which introduce new science while enhancing feasibility and clarity. These updates include accelerated pathways – a modular approach to target-setting that helps companies start faster and scale credibly. Find an overview of accelerated pathways here.
In this module, you’ll learn how to conduct Step 2: Interpret & Prioritize.
Key learnings include:
- How to adequately determine target boundaries for each pressure
- How to harmonize and normalize data
- How to create index values for pressures
- How to interpret and rank locations within the target boundary
- How to identify top environmental priority sites
- How to adjust selection based on feasibility and societal factors
Module resources:
- Video Module
- Downloadable presentation slides to accompany the video
- A knowledge test to check your understanding (mandatory for service provider referral program members). Access the knowledge test portal by completing this form. You’ll receive a custom link in your inbox.
Additional resources:
- Step 2 Technical Guidance V1.1
- Step 1 & 2 Technical Guidance – V1.2 Updates**
- Explore the full Step 2 resource library here
**Since this Train the Trainer module was created, SBTN has released updates to the Step 1 & 2 technical guidance, which introduce new science while enhancing feasibility and clarity. These updates include accelerated pathways – a modular approach to target-setting that helps companies start faster and scale credibly. Find an overview of accelerated pathways here.
In this module, you’ll learn how to conduct Step 3: Set targets – Land.
Key learnings include:
- Master the Basics of Step 3 – Land
- Prepare for the No Conversion of Natural Ecosystems target
- Preparing for the Land Footprint Reduction target
- Preparing for the Landscape Engagement target
- Preparing for validation and disclosure
Module resources:
- Video module
- Downloadable presentation slides to accompany the video
- A knowledge test to check your understanding (mandatory for service provider referral program members). Access the knowledge test portal by completing this form. You’ll receive a custom link in your inbox.
Additional resources:
- Step 3 Land – additional explainer slides, updated July 2025
- Explore the full land targets resource library here
Note: at the time of recording this training, the conceptual guidance on remediation of natural land was still under development, but it is now available here.
In this module, you’ll learn how to conduct Step 3: Set targets – Freshwater.
Key learnings include:
- Master the Basics of Step 3 – Freshwater
- How to Conduct Step 3a: Hydrological model selection
- How to Conduct Step 3b: Baseline pressure calculation
- How to Conduct Step 3c: Environmental thresholds identification
- How to Conduct Step 3d: Freshwater target setting
- How to prepare for target validation
Module resources:
- Video Module
- Downloadable presentation slides to accompany the video
- A knowledge test to check your understanding (mandatory for service provider referral program members). Access the knowledge test portal by completing this form. You’ll receive a custom link in your inbox.
Additional resources:
- Step 3: Freshwater Technical Guidance – V1.1
- Explore the full freshwater targets resource library here
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Complete the Knowledge Tests
Have you completed your Train the Trainer knowledge tests yet?
These tests are designed to reinforce your understanding of the content and ensure alignment with SBTN’s approach and methods.
The tests are mandatory for members of SBTN Service Provider Referral Program. Members must complete all modules within 6 months of joining the program.