Ecosystems regulate and maintain the conditions on earth suitable for life, providing us with oxygen, food, water and other resources. They are also essential to our cultural and social experience. Never before has our impact on ecosystems been greater. The dilemma? How do we sustain the ecosystems that sustain us?

Take this course and develop your understanding of: how ecosystems work, including the role of biodiversity, what ecosystems do for us, approaches to minimising our impacts, impacts on and implications for local communities and global sustainability, and how to contribute effectively to ecological sustainability and social justice. Certificate of Professional Development offered through a partnership between CHE and the Dept of Geography & Sociology, University of Strathclyde.

Why Sustaining Ecosystems?

It is essential that an understanding of ecosystems functions and the implications for local communities and global sustainability are appreciated by more people - not just  'professional  ecologists'. This course is for people who want to develop their ecological knowledge and insight and to apply this through their life and work. The course is especially relevant to people working in public agencies, local authorities and businesses seeking to address new biodiversity obligations.

The course is based around two intensive two-day workshops (Thursday and Friday) with additional private study. The workshops include presentations, case studies, practical exercises, specialist guest speakers and visits. By working in small groups, using a participative approach, sharing experiences and knowledge, you will on completion of the course be able to:

• To identify and critically evaluate concepts of ecosystem 'health' and   'sustainability', including the significance of biodiversity and ecosystem 'services'.
• To analyse key ecological issues in developing more sustainable approaches to land and water use, and evaluate indicators of ecological sustainability in relation to a number of criteria.
• Appreciate and critically reflect on ecosystem sustainability issues in relation to social and cultural values.
• Critically assess research and development material within this field.
• Communicate effectively with both professionals  and other stakeholders such as e.g. academics, advisory staff, foresters, fishermen, land managers, planners.
• Develop and/or facilitate  environmental projects with a broad range of stakeholders. 

Course Content

Introduction: Review concept of ecosystem and ecosystem services. Introduce concepts of ecosystem health and ecosystem sustainability.

Biodiversity and ecosystem processes: What do we mean by biodiversity?  How do we measure it? In what ways might reductions in biodiversity impact ecosystem function? Ecosystem case study.

Ecosystem 'services': What are ecosystem services? Overview of: Regulatory and homeostatic, Products, Cultural and Social services. What are the links between ecosystem integrity/services and livelihood?

Human impacts: In what ways have human activity disrupted ecosystems? Selected examples: e.g. Appropriation of bioresources, habitat loss, pollution, over-fishing, introduced species, salination etc.
 
Ecosystem 'health' and sustainability: How do we measure ecosystem health and ecological sustainability? What criteria and indicators can be used?

Engagement with nature: How do the ways in which we understand and relate to earth influence the ways in which we seek to manage ecosystems? What are the implications of this for management strategies?

Ecology and Action - Case studies: What interventions might be appropriate to ameliorate / restore ecosystems? This part of the course will  consist of  visits, presentations and discussions with practitioners and will focus on specific projects. Example projects: Urban ecology initiatives: Glasgow's urban orchard,  Stewardship scheme in Scotland, Woodland restoration: Carrifran project.

Personal Strategies: Developing personal action plans, selecting strategies and tools, appropriate to specific situations and individual needs.

Reports and Presentation: You will apply and explore these issues by writing a report about an issue of particular interest to you; making a presentation about your findings to the group; and writing a short report on a visit to, or work with, an environmental project.

Course Leader

Dr Jennifer Batty is a Fellow of CHE with a background in research and teaching on human impacts on wildlife and ecosystems in Europe, North America and Australia.

Course Details

Award: Successful completion of the course leads to the award of a Certificate of Professional Development by the University of Strathclyde.

Dates: This course is next scehduled for Autumn 2008, but can also be offered before then subject to demand - please contact us if you are interested.

Location: to be confirmed.

Fee: The course fee is £495. This covers the cost of participation, but not food or accommodation.

Offer: Book two people from the same organisation on the same course and the second person pays 50% of standard fee.

Sustaining Ecosystems CPD,

Dept of Geography & Sociology,

University of Strathclyde,

Graham Hills Building,

50 Richmond Street,

Glasgow G1 1XN

Further information: If you have specific questions about the application process, call 0141 410 1100 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it If you have questions about the content of the course, contact Jennifer Batty on 0131 667 7762 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it