Universidad San Francisco De Quito

Universidad San Francisco de Quito

COMMUNITIES AND CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES GAIAS

Professor: Esteban Suárez, Ph.D. ([email protected]; [email protected];)

Prerequisites: General Biology

Objective:

In this course we analyze the interactions between local communities and the conservation of natural resources. By focusing on the positive and negative impacts that protected areas or conservation projects can have on the living conditions or livelihoods of local communities, we will try to come-up with conclusions about the economic, social, or environmental conditions or factors that strengthen the positive effects that conservation can have on local people, while minimizing its potential impacts. By implementing a field exercise related to environmental and conservation issues in Galápagos, we will also study participatory tools and strategies that can be used to promote local involvement in the design of conservation or development initiatives that respond to local needs and perspectives. Special emphasis is given to the development of conceptual maps and monitoring frameworks for the analysis of environmental issues and the design and implementation of projects, under the paradigm of adaptive management.

Teaching approach:

Students will attend lectures and read assigned materials carefully before coming to class. In addition to lectures, the students will prepare and lead discussions based on a set of papers related to the interactions between conservation and local livelihoods. During these discussions students are expected to present the topic in a critical and coherent manner, and promote an active discussion involving the whole class.

Lectures and discussions will be complemented with a field exercise intended to exemplify the development of conceptual models and monitoring frameworks, as a tool to promote local involvement in conservation initiatives. Students are expected to actively participate in these field activities.

Brief description of assignments and course work:

1.- Class discussion: each class discussion will be lead by a group of two students. Each group will have 30 to 40 minutes to present their topic and promote an active discussion involving the whole class. The topics for the discussions and the order in which these will be presented will be randomly assigned to the groups. Each group must review the assigned papers and prepare a presentation highlighting the main topics or controversies represented by the papers. While grading this assignment, emphasis will be put on the clarity of the presentation, the thoroughness of the information reviewed, and the ability of each group to lead and promote a critical and lively discussion among the class.

2.- Field trip and final report: during a field trip to nearby areas, the students will collect first- hand information about local livelihoods and/or local conditions in areas experiencing conflicts

1 related to conservation of native biodiversity. With this information, students will develop conceptual models to visualize the complex nature of these interactions and develop strategies or potential conservations initiatives. This exercise will result in a final report and an oral presentation, which will serve as the final exam for the class.

Grading:

Attendance and class participation 20% Class discussion 10% Field trip participation 25% Oral presentation on conceptual models 20% Final Report 25%

Scale: A=100-91, B=90-81, C=80-71, D=70-61, F=<60