Overview

Introduction to environmental management and conservation (why is it important, who does it and where does it occur). The concepts of landscape multipurpose land-use, interpretation and evaluation. Environmental ethics, conflicts and rights. Introduction to marine conservation issues and to agri-environment schemes. There will be a field trip to view examples of conflicts between conservation and other land uses. Methods to assess impacts on the environment (e.g. carbon footprints, environmental impact assessment). A look at the tools available to reduce environmental impacts, and the importance of good environmental management. There will be a field trip to see how the impacts of large industrial projects are being managed and reduced. Economics and the environment: what’s the relationship? The economic problem and the importance of economics. How individual decisions add up to form social phenomena. Fundamentals of economic analysis. Markets, market failures and interventions. Institutions, incentives and interventions by governments. Growth and trade. Using economic analysis to understand the world and inform decisions. There will be a field trip to illustrate economic issues in the environment.

This module will explore the many different aspects of environmental management and conservation (who does it and where does it occur?), focusing on the main influences and drivers for decision-making. The module will first introduce some of the methods used by environmental managers to mitigate and assess impacts on the environment due to development (e.g., carbon footprints, life-cycle assessment, and environmental impact assessment). It then introduces conservation issues, emphasising its theoretical and practical importance. This section will explore the concepts of multipurpose land-use, interpretation and evaluation, environmental ethics, conflicts and rights, through a series of case-studies. The last section of the module will explore the importance of economics in determining how the environment is used. This includes an introduction to the fundamentals of economic analysis to understand the world and inform decisions (e.g., how individual decisions add up to form social phenomena). This will be proceeded by an introduction to environmental economics that includes economic instruments such as Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES). Students will develop an understanding of the roles of institutions, incentives, and interventions by governments; markets and market failures; growth and trade. They will learn to use basic economic analysis to understand the world and inform decisions. Accompanying field trips will aid in the practical understanding of some of the components of this module

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (Grade D- to D+) The student displays a basic understanding of the principles and practices of environmental management and conservation. Most of the key issues are identified but there may be some omissions or gaps in understanding. Links between theory and practice are not fully developed. Essay/Report: Covers the fundamentals of the chosen topic but is based mainly on material provided during the module, shows little evidence of supplementary reading, and lacks originality.

Good (Grade C- to B+) In addition to the above, the student should demonstrate an understanding of the principles of environmental management and conservation and the relevant policy and legislative frameworks within which they operate. Key issues are identified with limited gaps or omissions in understanding, and links between theory and practice are well-developed. A basic understanding of how environmental auditing and assessment influence current practice by private and public bodies. Evidence of effort to produce a well-structured report/essay on a given topic with proper citations and referencing. The student can demonstrate a good grasp of basic economic analyses. Essay/Report: A reasonably well-argued essay/report showing good understanding and knowledge of the chosen topic, evidence of supplementary reading, and some original thought.

Excellent (Grade A- and above) In addition to the above, the student demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of the different aspects of environmental management and conservation. Key issues are identified with no major areas omitted. The student demonstrates an ability to critically analyse and evaluate relevant information, effectively linking theory and practice. Evidence of considerable effort and thought to produce a report/essay of high standard, demonstrating an excellent grasp of all major issues. An ability to conduct basic economic analyses to a high standard. Essay/Report: A very well-argued essay/report showing excellent understanding and depth of knowledge of the chosen topic, evidence of substantial supplementary reading, and much original thought.

Learning Outcomes

• Comprehend the institutional framework within which land is managed for environmental purposes in China and the UK and in the wider context

• Critical understanding of the issues associated with multipurpose land use

• Demonstrate writing a structured written report and essay from a range of sources

• Interpret and summarise the interdisciplinary nature of conservation

• Interpret the application of techniques to manage the impacts of development on the environment

• Understand fundamental economic concepts and be able to use these concepts to analyse contemporary environmental issues