Overview

Forest ecosystems: ecosystem theory and processes; genetic diversity in forest ecosystems. Anthropogenic impacts: increases in temperature, fire frequency, ozone and carbon dioxide levels; soil acidification and nitrogen deposition. Climate change impacts on tropical forests. Ecosystem services from forests: provisioning, regulating, cultural and supporting services. Valuing forests and forest ecosystem services; payment for ecosystem services (PES).

Indicative Content – Forest ecosystems: ecosystem theory and processes; genetic diversity in forest ecosystems. Anthropogenic impacts: increases in temperature, fire frequency, ozone and carbon dioxide levels; soil acidification and nitrogen deposition. Climate change impacts on tropical forests. Ecosystem services from forests: provisioning, regulating, cultural and supporting services. Valuing forests and forest ecosystem services: conventional methods – market value, NPV, etc.; cost-benefit analysis; payment for ecosystem services (PES).

Assessment Strategy

Threshold Grade D- to D+

Seminar presentation covers several of the main points of the set paper but omits some important details. Slides are readable and the talk is audible, but there is little engagement with the audience. Some, but not all, of the questions asked by the audience are answered satisfactorily. The valuation report includes a conventional forest valuation and an attempt to value individual forest ecosystem services but contains some numerical and other errors. Exam answers show a basic understanding of forest ecosystems, their biogeochemistry and stability, and of forest ecosystem services.

Good Grade C- to B+

Seminar presentation covers all the main points of the set paper but omits some minor details. Slides are clear, the talk is audible, and there is a good attempt to engage with the audience. Most of the questions asked by the audience are answered satisfactorily. The valuation report includes a conventional forest valuation and a valuation of many individual forest ecosystem services, with few numerical errors. Exam answers show a good understanding of forest ecosystems, their biogeochemistry and stability, and of forest ecosystem services.

Excellent Grade A- to A**

Seminar presentation covers all the main points of the set paper in as much detail as time allows. Slides are of a high professional standard, the talk is audible, and there is excellent engagement with the audience. All of the questions asked by the audience are answered in detail. The valuation report includes a conventional forest valuation and a complete valuation of individual forest ecosystem services, with very few numerical errors. Exam answers show a comprehensive, detailed understanding of forest ecosystems, their biogeochemistry and stability, and of forest ecosystem services.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically discuss the concept of forest ecosystem services.

• Critically discuss the concepts of ecosystem stability and the destabilisation effects of environmental pollutants and climate change.

• Describe and appraise conventional and emerging methods for valuing forests and forest ecosystem services.

• Describe biogeochemical processes in the context of forest ecosystems.