1. Integration of Sustainability in the Master Program ”Biodiversity and Nature Protection” & Reflection and outlook on developing Module C: Environmental Management > Applied Ecology ECODIV seminar, 25 April 2008, St. Petersburg Ckees van Oijen, IVAM UvA BV ECODIV project CD JEP-25246-2004 Who is afraid of Red, Green and Blue?

2. ECODIV project CD JEP-25246-2004 IVAM research and consultancy on sustainability2 It is a widely accepted notion among painters that it does not matter what one paints as long as it is well painted. This is the essence of academicism. There is no such thing as a good painting about nothing. Who is afraid of Red, Green and Blue? Barnett Newman, Who's Afraid of Red, Yellow and Blue III, 1966/67

3. ECODIV project CD JEP-25246-2004 IVAM research and consultancy on sustainability3 What should we teach in Applied Ecology? Sustainability? Integrated Environmental Management? General notions, concepts and approaches: People, PLANET & Prosperity Characterizing environmental problems … Understanding cause-effect relations in: Physical context Normative context

4. ECODIV project CD JEP-25246-2004 IVAM research and consultancy on sustainability4 Knowledge & skills for multi-disciplinary cooperation: What competences do STUDENTS have? What competences do professionals need? Solid knowledge and skills of their own discipline / field Ability to contribute to interdisciplinary team work from their own discipline Attitude to think beyond borders of the own discipline Understanding of basic terms and concepts of other disciplines Ability to translate societal questions in scientific studies Ability to translate scientific results in policy and management

5. ECODIV project CD JEP-25246-2004 IVAM research and consultancy on sustainability5 Master of Science Program “Biodiversity & Nature Protection” St. Petersburg State University (Initial work version 2006) Basic general courses – 15 ECTS credits 1. Nature protection and biodiversity – 6 2. Population biology – 4 3. Regional Biota and Ecosystems - 5 Basic special courses – 36 ECTS credits 1. Basic level courses - 21 2. Applied level courses - 15 Free choice inter-module courses – totally 6 ECTS or more (course lists in Module A and Module B independently) Basic supporting courses – 15 ECTS credits 1. Information and communication technology in study process (individual plan of study preparing) – 3 2. Integrated environmental management – 3 3. Computer technologies in ecology and nature management (GIS in environmental studies including) – 3 4. Environmental psychology – 3 5. Ecological engineering – 3 Supervised project – 9 ECTS credits Module A : Sustainable coastal zone management Module B : Sustainable forestry Module C : Sustainable cities Free choice common courses - totally 9 ECTS credits or more 1. Ecological modeling 2. Urban ecology 3. Oil pollution 4. Other courses, each of them is estimated in 3 ECTS credits Thesis work – 30 ECTS credits AQUATIC ECOLOGYTERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY PRACTICE APPLIED SCIENCE BASIC SCIENCE “Module C” Module A Module B SCZM 9 Sustainable forestry 9 Basic supporting сourses 15 Free choice inter-module courses 6 Free choice inter-module courses 6 Basic general courses 15 Basic special courses 36 Basic special courses 36 Modules and blocks Free choice common courses 9 Sustainable cities 9

6. ECODIV project CD JEP-25246-2004 IVAM research and consultancy on sustainability6 Core Courses Introduction to the Master program Common special courses What has been taught on sustainability & environmental sciences in the BSc? What should still be included on sustainability & environmental management?

7. ECODIV project CD JEP-25246-2004 IVAM research and consultancy on sustainability7 Specializations Module A & Module B Aquatic Ecology or Terrestrial Ecology Compulsory courses Research project Optional courses Supervised project: A or C & B or C Science applied in professional practice Problem-solving oriented Local and regional cases

8. ECODIV project CD JEP-25246-2004 IVAM research and consultancy on sustainability8 Module C: “Applied Ecology” Basic supporting courses Integrated Environmental Management Computer Technologies in Ecology and Nature management (including GIS) Urban Ecology Environmental Psychology

9. ECODIV project CD JEP-25246-2004 IVAM research and consultancy on sustainability9 Module C: “Applied Ecology” Common optional courses Ecological Issues in Environmental Science Ecological Modeling Risk Assessment for Environment Ecological Basis for Cultural Heritage Protection Urban Green Environment Population Biology Population and conservation in Marina Mammals Applied Demographic Methods in Population Biology Molecular Ecology Lab Key Habitats Inventory

10. ECODIV project CD JEP-25246-2004 IVAM research and consultancy on sustainability10 Module C: “Applied Ecology” or “Environmental Management”? Again on the supervised project: What is the problem?… And, Why? What is the solution?… And, Why? Attention for: Treatment, Mitigation Prevention Attention for: Legal / Institutional aspects Socio-Economic issues Policy and Management

11. ECODIV project CD JEP-25246-2004 IVAM research and consultancy on sustainability11 Reflection Some evaluative questions Does ECODIV … offer a balanced curriculum? integrate sustainability in education? offer an interesting choice for students? educate specialists that meet future market needs? graduates have an added value to society? offer an added value to students? need further development? 6x … to a certain degree: YES!

12. ECODIV project CD JEP-25246-2004 IVAM research and consultancy on sustainability12 Outlook for the next 3-5 years Recommendations and challenges: Pay attention to communication and coordination of activities Involve staff, students, alumni and stakeholders in evaluation Increase the number of invited speakers and practice oriented elements Reconsider selection of courses (EIA?) & compulsory or optional status Add program elements with staff and students from other faculties Increase experiments with interdisciplinary teamwork

13. ECODIV project CD JEP-25246-2004 IVAM research and consultancy on sustainability13 AISHE: Auditing Instrument for Sustainability in Higher Education Outcome of an AISHE audit: Insight into the state of the art of the integration of sustainable development into curricula At least 20 substantial targets for quality improvement Support by teachers and students to integrate principles of sustainable development into education Some features: Plan, Do, Act and Check approach Table of aspects of internal environmental management Downloadable leaflets, book and software at: www.dho.nl/AISHE