Prospectus

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Sustainable Resource Management

Course
2013-2014

Tag(s)

[BSc] S

Admission Requirements

The are no requirements, however it is advised to have completed Global Challenges 2: Earth

Description

This course focuses on the challenges that are faced in sustainably managing resources throughout the world, with a special focus on natural resources. First, students will be provided with a conceptual framework for sustainable resource management. This framework will be placed in the context of global changes, human needs and impacts, and the need to change our current practices in resource management.

Next, we will cover how natural resources can be managed sustainably, drawing from examples from across the globe. We will discuss the challenges we currently face in managing these resources and the opportunities available to manage them sustainably. Topics include marine and freshwater systems, forest systems, food production systems and urban developments.

Finally, student learn on how to develop quantitative methods to determine whether natural resources are managed sustainably, and will learn how different environmental impacts or exploitation regimes can affect the long term availability of these resources.

Course Objectives

This course focuses on the challenges that are faced in sustainably managing resources throughout the world, with a special focus on natural resources. First, students will be provided with a conceptual framework for sustainable resource management. This framework will be placed in the context of global changes, human needs and impacts, and the need to change our current practices in resource management.

Next, we will cover how natural resources can be managed sustainably, drawing from examples from across the globe. We will discuss the challenges we currently face in managing these resources and the opportunities available to manage them sustainably. Topics include marine and freshwater systems, forest systems, food production systems and urban developments.

Finally, student learn on how to develop quantitative methods to determine whether natural resources are managed sustainably, and will learn how different environmental impacts or exploitation regimes can affect the long term availability of these resources.

Mode of Instruction

This course will consist of lectures and class discussion on current topics in natural resource management. Students are expected to actively contribute during these discussions. In addition, students are required to complete individual and group assignments. To facilitate completion of these assignments, there will be time set aside during lectures to discuss and work on assignments (the remainder of the work is conducted outside class hours).

Assessment

Assessment:
Percentage:
Deadline:

Literature

  • Chapin III, F.S., G.P. Kofinas and C. Folke, 2009. Principles of Ecosystem Stewardship, Springer Publisher (ISBN: 978-0-387-73032-5), 402 pp.

  • Additional reading material and assignments will be handed out in class our posted on Blackbord

Contact Information

Dr.Thijs Bosker, t.bosker@luc.leidenuniv.nl

Weekly Overview

Week 1: Introduction, and conceptual framework on sustainable resource management

Week 2: Conceptual framework cont’d; Wildlife and fisheries management (including discussion of a quantitative model for use in the first assignment)

Week 3: Food production for a growing global population

Week 4: Water: managing freshwater, estuaries and oceans
Individual assignment due

Week 5: Forest and drylands

Week 6: Energy production and mining
Final group report due

Week 7: Humans and exploitation of resources: towards ecosystem stewardship?
Group presentations

Week 8: Final exam

Preparation for first session

None required