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Abstract
This course introduces students to a socio-ecological system that combines high depopulation rates and corruption with extraordinary cultural and biological diversity that are at risk of loss. This system is explored with local stakeholders and in the field, analysed by a conceptual model and measures are identified that support both conservation and development goals for the region.
Objective
By visiting this course, the students are able to: a) Use a conceptual model to analyse an unfamiliar socio-ecological system with regards to its main drivers and their interrelatedness. b) Establish basic strategic elements of a development plan. c) Identify realistic measures towards sustainability respecting system-inherent limitations. d) Apply, contextualize and integrate subject-specific knowledge on an interdisciplinary real world problem.
Content
Eastern Serbia offers economic, ecological and social characteristics that are greatly distinct to the ones predominant in Central European socio-ecological systems: Following epochs of communism and war, Eastern Serbia faces some of the highest rural depopulation rates in Europe and consequently suffers from land abandonment. The still rich rural culture and many traditional agricultural practices are expected to be lost if no measures are taken. At the same time, the region still holds a high biodiversity with a high number of endemic species and many species which have long been extinct in other parts of Central Europe. These ecological values are under high threat of being lost as a consequence of the depopulation processes. In the course, the multiple facets of this unfamiliar socio-ecological system are investigated based on interviews with local stakeholders and experts. In short excursions, land-use activities, biodiversity as well as cultural and touristic assets are explored. The gathered information is used to identify the most prevalent drivers of the socio-ecological system with the help of a simple conceptual model. Based on this model and on additional strategic analyses, goals and measures can be deduced that span the competing fields of conservation and development and aim at developing the region towards sustainability. These measures are evaluated, elaborated and discussed with local people. Finally, the results are summarized in a report for the local stakeholders.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Ivanov S. & F. Knaus 2012: Stara Planina. A brief introduction. Unpublished. 24p.
Literature
Adams W.M. et al. 2004: Biodiversity Conservation and the Eradication of Poverty. Science 306: 1146-1149. Chan K.M.A. et al. 2007: When agendas collide: Human welfare and biological conservation. Conservation Biology 21(1): 59-68. FOS 2009: Using Conceptual Models to Document a Situation Analysis: An FOS How-To Guide. Foundations of Success, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. 21p.
Learning Materials (Links)
- Main link
- homepage
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Every two years
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| practical/laboratory course |
Applied Ecosystem Management (Field Course in Serbia)
Does not take place this semester.
|
No time listed | 60 h semesterly |