This is a trans-disciplinary unit focused on integrating social, economic and ecological systems to understand how they operate, and how we can improve these for a sustainable, desirable, and equitable world in the future. The unit will cover the fundamentals of ecological economics, current and emerging development paradigms, emerging human well-being economies, ecosystem services (ES) and valuation techniques, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) role in delivering ES, and the application of ecological-economic knowledge to develop sustainable solutions for real-world problems. There will be a strong emphasis on ES-related concepts, valuation methods (monetary and non-monetary), and related economies (carbon, or Payment for ES mechanisms [PES]), especially from IPLCs¿ perspective. The unit will focus on enhancing an understanding of the role of IPLCs in managing their lands and provisioning ES for the wider public. We will use case studies to demonstrate the application of the ecological economic principles, and more specifically, the ES approach to achieve sustainable development goals for many IPLCs. This unit requires a good understanding of ecological/environmental sciences. Some level of understanding of the economics discipline can be useful, but not necessary. Overall, this unit will enable you to understand and inform various policies dealing with the use and management of natural resources, sustainable development, and human well-being.
This unit will be of interest to students and professionals from conservation, environmental sciences, economics, natural resource management, agriculture and policy background.