Systematic planning tools for the conservation of biodiversity in the European seas

2 ECTS

Short description

Systematic conservation planning provides a framework for identifying conservation priorities, whereby goals and constraints of the problem, both conservation and socio-economic, are explicitly stated, allowing identification of trade-offs and conflicts, and assisting to find a resolution. Systematic conservation planning has spawned a number of decision support tools to facilitate the process, and these have successfully been applied both in the terrestrial and the marine realm.

The course will cover concepts of systematic conservation planning relating to the marine environments of Europe, while placing special emphasis on how to make the best use of these tools, given the particular circumstances that conservation practitioners and biodiversity academics are faced with in their own areas of study.

Venue and dates

Department of Marine Ecology at Tjärnö, Strömstad. September 21-26, 2009.
Travel to the area: the island of Tjärnö (Strömstad county), on the Swedish west coast, is located approximately 150 km north of Gothenburg, and 150 km south of Oslo. A regional network of public transportation, including coaches and trains (Västtrafik), facilitates travel to the area. A smaller airport is located in the vicinity of Strömstad, at Rygge (Norway).

Further information

Aim of the course

The course seeks to equip participants with the necessary knowledge to use systematic planning tools for the purpose of increasing the efficacy of marine conservation areas in achieving their goals, whether they be related with conservation of species, improved livelihoods, or scientific research.

Target group and entry requirements

We invite applications from graduate students and postdocs with an interest in marine conservation and spatial planning. Knowledge of systematic conservation planning concepts and GIS is advisable. Students are highly encouraged to bring their own datasets to work with during the course. Both students of social and natural sciences are welcome.
Max. enrolment: 20

Coordinating host

Genoveva Gonzalez Mirelis

Teaching staff includes

Jeff Ardron, Director High Seas Program, Marine Conservation Biology Institute
Lindsay Kircher, The Ecology Center, University of Queensland
Åsa Andersson, WWF-Sweden
Per Nilsson, Marine Ecology, University of Gothenburg
Per Jonsson, Marine Ecology, University of Gothenburg

Course format

The course will be composed of a series of lectures and demonstrations in the lab (see “Themes and Topics” for more details. Program to be posted shortly).

Costs

Successful applicants will have free course attendance, local transport, accommodation and catering, but must be prepared to share a room!

Application and Inquiries

Applications to the course are welcome until August 21. Include: a short resume, description of your current position, description of the graduate program you are enrolled in, and a justification to why the course is relevant to you (Max: 2 pages). Don’t forget to indicate how familiar you are with GIS as well as with systematic conservation planning concepts and/or tools. Please also indicate whether you will be able to bring your own laptop. If needed, you may include a separate section on logistical details that might be of importance (special dietary needs, etc). Applications must be sent directly to:
Genoveva Gonzalez Mirelis, gegm@marecol.gu.se