Mountain Environments

Year
0
Academic year
2021-2022
Code
01013825
Subject Area
Área Científica do Menor
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
6.0
Type
Elective
Level
1st Cycle Studies

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

Classes are of a theoretical and practical nature.  Within the theoretical component of this class, the professor will give lectures and lead discussions of essential concepts and understanding of the various subjects covered in this class.  The practical component is comprised of the development of a research project, ie a case study on a mountain environment, an integrative perspective and application of theoretical concepts.  The evaluation of this component includes the presentation and discussion of a work plan by students, oral presentation, a final project and a written report.

Learning Outcomes

The mountain territories are of great diversity and specificity, both from a physical and natural perspective and in terms of recent socio-economic trends.  Students will gain an understanding of the physical characteristics, factors and players involved in these areas, understand their complex interrelationships and understand their implications in human and environmental terms are key issues to be addressed in this class. In addition, we intend to introduce and discuss the concept(s) of mountain, learn and understand the diversity of mountain areas in Portugal and understand the interrelationship between biotic components, abiotic and the human role in its evolution and spatiotemporal organization.  Finally, we intend to discuss the main problems affecting these regions and learn about and present tools and strategies targeted to conservation and sustainable management of these territories.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Concept(s) of mountain; Diversity of mountain areas; The territory of mountains in Portugal in the European mountains context.

2. Diversity and specificity of the physical and natural mountain areas: geological; geomorphological; climate; water resources and plant landscapes.  Current geodynamic processes and altitudinal organization of geoecological floors.

3. Socio-economic dynamics of mountain areas: traditional land management and its disintegration.

4. Current issues of mountain areas: Penalizing factors of development; Conflicts between land use-overvaluation of tourism (benefits vs. negative impacts.); Major natural hazards; Functions, challenges and potential.

5. Planning and management of mountain areas: from sustainability of land use to nature conservation.  Policies and strategies for conservation and regional/local sustainable development.

Assessment Methods

Continuous Assessment
Research work: 40.0%
Frequency: 60.0%

Bibliography

Aguiar, C., et al. (2009), Montanha. Ecossistemas e Bem-Estar Humano. Avaliação para Portugal do Millennium Ecosystem Assessment.

Copus, A. & Price, M. (2002), A Preliminary Characterisation of the Mountain. Areas of Europe. Une cartographie statistique des zones de montagne européennes.

Lourenço, L., et al. (2014), Environmental concerns of portuguese mountains: a case study in the central mountains. In: Mountains: Geology, Topography and Environmental Concerns, A. Bento-Gonçalves & A. Vieira (Eds), Nova Science Publisher, pp. 195-211.

Price,M. F, et al. (2004), Key Issues for Mountain Areas, United NNations University Press, 273 p.

Roux, C. (2004), Regards croisés France-Portugal: la confrontation de deux mo dèles d`agriculture de montagne. Sud-Ouest Européen, 18, Toulouse.

Tomás, P. M. C. (2005), Património cultural e trajectórias de desenvolvimento em áreas de montanha: o exemplo da Serra da Lousã., Coimbra.

http://www.mrd-journal.org/