Valuing Biological Resources and Ecosystem Services

Recommended Prerequisites

Ecology.

Teaching Methods

The course unit will be taught in a two-week intensive module. The theoretical contents of the curricular unit will be exposed through presential classes, using illustrated contents, and, whenever possible, with practical cases. Students will be motivated to apply the skills acquired through practical activities, including the analysis and discussion of case studies. The evaluation also includes the presentation and group discussion of topics of interest based on several articles in international scientific journals.

Learning Outcomes

In this curricular unit, students should know and understand the concepts, values and threats to biological resources and ecosystem services, focusing on the problems of environmental degradation and the problematic of their conservation. It is also a goal that students acquire knowledge about the methodologies for calculating ecosystem services. Some legal concepts on biodiversity conservation will be introduced as well as basic ecosystem services management tools and ecological monitoring and restoration techniques.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Basic concepts: Concept of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Types of ecosystems and their services. The origins of the problem of environmental degradation and the loss of biodiversity. Threats to biological resources and biodiversity;

Ecosystem Services and Biological Resource Management: Main legislation and main international agreements. The relationships between the various ecosystem services. Economic evaluation of ecosystem services. Basic tools for managing ecosystem services;

Integrated monitoring of biodiversity and ecosystem services: Assessment of biodiversity and ecosystem services. How to protect biodiversity? Ecological restoration and ecosystems and their services.

Head Lecturer(s)

João Carlos Mano Castro Loureiro

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Resolution Problems: 20.0%
Research work: 30.0%
Exam: 50.0%

Bibliography

Shroter, M., Bonn, A., Klotz, S., Seppelt, R., Baessler, C. (2019). Atlas of Ecosystem Services: Drivers, Risks, and Societal Responses. Springer.

Bouma, J. & P. van Beukering (eds) (2015). Ecosystem services: from concept to practice. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Jacobs, S., N. Dendoncker & H. Keune (2014). Ecosystem services: global issues, local practices. Elsevier, San Diego.

Buhl, J.B., Kraft, S. E. & Lant C.L. (2013). The Law and Policy of Ecosystem Services. Island Press

Young, R. H. & M. Potschin (2013). Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES). Centre for Environmental Management, University of Nottingham.

Ninan (2012). Conserving and Valuing Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity: Economic, Institutional and Social Challenges. Earthscan.