Tropical Coastal Ecosystems
This course is designed to introduce learners to the tropical coral reef ecosystem. If you need to learn the basics of coral reef biology and conservation or if you are in need of a refresher this course is for you. Learners are brought on a detailed journey through the coral reef ecosystem examining the diversity of plants and animals that inhabit the reef. Learners also examine human relationships and interactions with these invaluable ecosystems. Sadly, when it becomes unbalanced or excessive, human activities can have devastating impacts on these ecosystems, the course explores these problems and challenges and discusses possible techniques for addressing these them. The courses is delivered by world renowned marine biologist Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg and his esteemed colleagues on site in the Great Barrier Reef.
You'll learn about:
- A basic understanding of the value, vulnerability, dynamics and sustainable management of tropical coastal ecosystems
- Basic experimental design skills plus some simple analytical and statistical techniques
- An understanding and appreciation of the local and global threats to tropical coastal ecosystems
- An understanding and practical use of spatial planning tools
- The process of designing and implementing an experiment in a virtualecology project
Use case example
Meet Setia, she is an international development specialist from Indonesia. Setia was recently employed on a new project focused on building the capacity of people living in a tropical coastal community bordering a large and environmentally significant coral reef. Setia has worked on other projects at the nexus between conservation and development. but this is the first time she has worked in a marine context.
Setia wants to improve her knowledge of the science and biology of coral reefs and of current conservation challenges and practices. Setia finds the course Tropical Coastal Ecosystems and enrols. The course allows Setia to gain a better understanding of the new context she is working in and this allows her to develop more effective strategies for the project & better engage with project stakeholders.