Module Code and Title:       BDC202          Biodiversity Conservation and Management II

 

Programme(s):                      BSc Environmental Management

 

Credit Value:                         12

 

Module Tutor(s):                   Deki Phuntsho Yonten (Coordinator)

Bach-Lien Ngo

Nima Wangmo

GP Sharma

 

General objective(s) of the module:

 

The module focuses on the applied aspects of the field of biodiversity. It aims to portray the importance of plant and animal genetic resources of Bhutan and the management aspects of horticultural crops, vegetables and aromatic and medicinal plants. An important aspect of biodiversity management that is emphasized is the concept of community-based natural resources management (CBNRM). The module will also introduce students to the history, concepts, principles, marketing, planning and management of ecotourism activities and development which promote cultural and environmental awareness and local economic benefits.

 

Learning outcomes – Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

 

• Describe common conservation approaches.
• Explain the significance of CBNRM and its respective advantages and disadvantages from environmental, economic and social points of view.
• Identify the wild species that are threats to crops and properties, and related control measures.
• Identify the legal, social, cultural, and political institutions that affect wildlife conservation and management.
• Evaluate the efficacy of conservation efforts in Bhutan.
• Evaluate tourism development in Bhutan and propose potential suggestions and recommendations.
• Define ecotourism and identify ways in which it attempts to overcome the negative impacts of tourism.
• Explain the importance of bioprospecting, biosafety, GMO and Intellectual property rights.
• Highlight the biodiversity conservation efforts taken by various international and national organizations.

 

Learning and teaching approaches used:

 

The module will be conducted over 15 teaching weeks as follows:

·         3 hrs/wk lecture & discussions.

·         1 hr/wk basic forest measurement work (shared with the GIS module this semester), apiculture, and making herbarium specimens.

·         4 hrs/wk outside of class, on average, for independent study.

·         A full block-week study tour shared with other modules in this semester, including a trip to the Royal Botanical Gardens and a visit to RNR-RDC Yusipang to understand the system of research under RNR sector in Bhutan. During this time, students will have to keep a journal of their biodiversity observations and measurements.

 

Assessment:

 

Semester-End Examination (SE):            40%

Continuous Assessment (CA):     60%

CA Assessment	Weight	Assessment Detail
Field study report (from block week)	20%	Journal of the biodiversity observations and measurements from block-week field trips as well as weekly forest measurement work.
Beekeeping practical	10%	Attendance in practical work and field journal.
Individual Assignment	15%	Conservation case study in Bhutan (1500 words).
Midterm Exam	15%

 

Pre-requisite knowledge: BDC201 Biodiversity Conservation and Management I

 

Subject matter:

 

              I.        Conservation approaches

a.    History of biodiversity conservation efforts and approaches

b.    Biodiversity mitigation hierarchy

c.    Conservation at species and population level, opportunities and techniques available for both in situ and ex situ conservation.

d.    Conserving endangered species

e.    Re-introduction of endangered species

f.     Habitat fragmentation: the need for conservation action outside protected areas; habitat restoration

g.    Management and conservation issues at the ecosystem level

                                            i.        Definition, theory and examples of metapopulation

                                           ii.        Protected areas as a conservation tool. Types of protected areas, the criteria for their selection, ICDPS, and management

                                          iii.        Importance of non-protected areas

                                          iv.        Ecosystem service provision and the wider landscape

            II.        Wildlife management in Bhutan

a.    Types of wild animals and habitats

b.    Main conflicts from ungulates, birds, elephants, boar

c.    Conservation and management efforts for avifauna (Bhutan and south Asia)

           III.        Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM)

a.    Definition, importance and  examples

b.    Community mobilization and organization

c.    Biodiversity as an economic commodity

d.    Monitoring of the natural resource base and conflict management

e.    Case studies

          IV.        Emerging issues in the conservation and management of biodiversity

a.    Biosafety and genetically modified organisms (GMOs); Biosafety Bill of 2014 Bhutan

b.    Bioprospecting: definition, benefits and disadvantages

c.    Biopiracy and its effects on biodiversity

d.    Intellectual property rights

e.    Access and benefit sharing from genetic resources and traditional knowledge

f.     Patents, trademark, and copyright

g.    Brief overview of relevant organizations: World Intellectual Property Organization, International Conventions for Biodiversity, CITES, IPP in Bhutan, National Environmental Laws and Policies

            V.        Ecotourism and biodiversity management

a.    General concepts of tourism and its impacts

b.    Ecotourism

                                            i.        Framework for ecotourism

                                           ii.        Commandments of Ecotourism

                                          iii.        Important ecotourism destinations- local, regional and international

                                          iv.        Ecotourism certification and accreditation

                                           v.        Ecotourism - fad and Future

                                          vi.        Ecotourism development guidelines

                                         vii.        Carbon footprint and offsets

                                        viii.        Ecotourism benefits and livelihood for sustainable development in Bhutan

          VI.        Apiary management: brief overview as an example of practical biodiversity management

a.    Importance of bees in ecosystems; bees as environmental indicators

b.    Beekeeping introduction and intervention in Bhutan

c.    Types of honey bees in Bhutan

d.    Apiary management: Hive Management; seasonal aspects; honey flow

e.    Research and enhancement of beekeeping in Bhutan

 

Essential Readings:

 

1.    Begon, M, Townsend, C.R. and Harper, J. L. (2005). Ecology: From Individual to Ecosystems, 4th Ed., Willey-Black, USA, New Zealand.

2.    Chapman, J. L. (1997). Biodiversity: The Abundance of Life. Cambridge University Press.

3.    Gurung, D.B. (2008). Benefits of Ecotourism to the Local Rural Communities Living Inside the Protected Areas of Bhutan, PhD Thesis, ETH, Zurich, Switzerland.

4.    Matheson A. And Reid, M. (2011). Practical Beekeeping in New Zealand, 4th Ed. P.D Hasselberg, Government printer, Wellington, New Zealand. (eBook).

5.    Maurer, F. Beekeeping Manual for Beginners, Unpublished, Baplathang, Bumthang

6.    Nature Recreation and Ecotourism Development, (2012). Ecotourism Development in the Protected Areas Network of Bhutan, Published by Ministry of Agriculture and Tourism Council of Bhutan, Thimphu.

7.    Ohsawa, M. (1987). Life Zone Ecology of the Bhutan Himalaya, Laboratory of Ecology, Chiba University, Japan. (eBook).

8. Shiva, V. (2009). Biodiversity Conservation: Whose Resource? Whose Knowledge? Indian National Trust For Art & Cultural Heritage.
9. Shiva, V. (2011). Biopiracy: The Plunder of Nature and Knowledge. Natraj Publishers, New Delhi.

10.  Sodhi, N.S. (2010). Conservation Biology for All, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore.

11.  Tsering, D. (2002). Public Biodiversity Policy analysis in Bhutan, A PhD Dissertation submitted to the Institute of Technology, Zurich. Keen Publishing, Thailand.

12.  Wildlife Conservation Division. (2010). Analysis of the Contributions of Protected Areas to the Social and Economic Development of Bhutan. Case Study: Bomdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Ministry of Agriculture. Bhutan.

13.  Wildlife Conservation Division, (2010). Analysis of the Contributions of Protected Areas to the Social and Economic Development of Bhutan. Case Study: Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Ministry of Agriculture. Bhutan.

 

Additional Readings:

 

1. Berg, L.R. Hager, M.C. Hassenzahl, D.M. (2012). Visualizing Environmental Science, 3rd Edition, Wiley in collaboration with NG Society, USA.
2. Cunningham, W. P and Cunningham, M. A, 2004, Principles of Environmental Science: Inquiry and Application. Tata McGraw Hill, New Delhi.
3. Ives, J. D and Messerli B. (1989). The Himalayan Dilemma, Reconciling Development and Conservation, United Nations University Press, Routledge, London, Tokyo, New York.
4. Kaushik, A., Kaushik, C.P. (2009). Perspectives in Environmental studies, 3rd Edition, New Age Int Limited Publisher, New Delhi.

5.    Lindberg, K. & Hawkins, D. (1993). Ecotourism: A Guide for Planners and Managers. The Ecotourism Society.

6. Lhamo, N. (2011). Health Seeking Behaviour Related to Sowa Rigpa in Bhutan, National Institute of Traditional medicine, Thimphu.
7. Miller, G.T., and Spoolman, S.E. (2014). Environmental Science 14th Ed. Cengage Learning, New Delhi:
8. Odum, E.P., 2004. Fundamentals of Ecology (5th Edition) Cengage Learning, Boston, USA and Australia.
9. Pradhan, R. (1999). Rhododendrons of Bhutan, Quality printers Pvt.t Ltd, Kathmandu, Nepal.
10. Stainton, A. (2010), Flowers of the Himalayas: A supplement, Oxford University press, New Delhi.
11. Wright, R.T, and Boorse, D.F., (2011). Environmental Science - Towards a Sustainable Future, 11th Edition, PHI Learning Private Limited, New Delhi.

 

Date last updated: May 30, 2015