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865-0035-00L 1 Credits MSC , WBZ , NDS D-GESS

Biodiversity, Resilient Ecosystems and Sustainable Development

Lecturers & Examiners: Jasmine Neve

Only for MAS/CAS in Global Cooperation and Sustainable Development students, as well as specialists with at least 24 months of practical experience in international cooperation. ETH doctoral students working on topics related to poverty reduction in low- and middle income countries may also be admitted. Registration only through the NADEL homepage.

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:46

Abstract

This course explores the complex relationships between biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable human development. Participants will examine threats, trade-offs and synergies, and gain practical tools to assess ecosystem resilience and develop measures at the interface of sustainable development and conservation.

Objective

Key topics: - Key concepts, international frameworks and agreements. - Environmental ethics and Indigenous perspectives. - Major threats, trade-offs and synergies between human development, biodiversity and ecosystems. - Ecosystem resilience assessment tools. - Solution pathways and project examples. - Nature and finance.

Content

The world is experiencing a dramatic decline in biodiversity, and vast areas of land are being degraded. The loss of nature has far-reaching consequences, threatening livelihoods and economies. This course explores the complex relationships between biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable human development. Participants will be introduced to key concepts, learn about international frameworks and explore the threats, trade-offs and synergies between human development, ecosystems and biodiversity. The course will also introduce practical tools for assessing ecosystem resilience and present case studies of initiatives that balance human development with the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of ecosystems.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC , WBZ , NDS
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: ungraded semester performance

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Biodiversity, Resilient Ecosystems and Sustainable Development Block course: 03.11. - 04.11.2025 Location: CLD A1	No time listed	16 h semesterly

Offered In

Comparative and International Studies Master
- Wahlfächer
MAS in Global Cooperation and Sustainable Development (Die Pflichtfächer des NADEL sind ausschliesslich für Studierende des MAS in Global Cooperation and Sustainable Development und für Fachkräfte der Entwicklungszusammenarbeit (EZA) mit mindestens 2 Jahren Berufserfahrung in der EZA und einem von der ETH anerkannten Abschluss auf Masterstufe zugänglich. Doktorierende, die sich mit empirischer Forschung im EZA-Bereich befassen, können "sur Dossier" zugelassen werden. Die Wahlfächer stehen Masterstudierenden der ETH offen mit Anmeldung/Warteliste. Priorität haben MAS Studierende.)
- Studienreglement 2021
  - Vertiefungsmodule
- Studienreglement 2024
  - Module
CAS in Global Cooperation and Sustainable Development (Findet jedes Frühjahrssemester und jedes zweite Herbstsemester (mit ungerader Jahreszahl) statt.)
- Module