Global Biodiversity Conservation

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Discuss global patterns of biodiversity at genetic, species and ecosystem levels.
2. Discuss the causes of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, and evaluate their implications.
3. Critically discuss the approaches to valuing biodiversity and ecosystem services and their role in targeting conservation actions.
4. Identify and critically evaluate conservation policies at the local, national and global level.
5. Apply and Evaluate methods for measuring and monitoring biodiversity.

The module considers the nature and extent of biodiversity from the level of genetic diversity to ecosystems. Methods of measuring and monitoring change in biodiversity at different levels are introduced. Rates of biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation and the ecological implications in conjunction with factors creating change are discussed. Approaches to determining the use and values of biodiversity and associated ecosystem services are outlined. The role of local communities / indigenous peoples and the use of Traditional Knowledge in the conservation of global biodiversity is assessed. International policies, treaties and systems for conserving biodiversity are critically appraised. Predicting future trends in biodiversity and options for reducing loss are discussed.

Definitions and patterns of biodiversity.
Measuring biodiversity and monitoring change.
Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem change.
Implications of biodiversity loss.
Valuing the benefits of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Role of traditional ecological knowledge in biodiversity conservation.
Community involvement in biodiversity conservation-case studies.
Global biodiversity policies
Predicting future trends in biodiversity.
Options and prospects of reducing biodiversity loss.

This module is at CQFW Level 6