AB-203
Arctic Environmental Management (15 ECTS)

	Course period:	Spring semester, annually
	Language of instruction:	English
	Credit reduction/overlap:	None
	Grade:	Letter grade (A through F)
	Course materials:	Curriculum/reading list: 650 pages based on scientific papers and book chapters
	Course responsible:	Steve Coulson
	Course costs:	None

Required previous knowledge/specific course requirements:
The course is interdisciplinary. Students must meet the prerequisites for UNIS bachelor studies in Biology, Geology, Geophysics or Technology.

Learning outcome:

To provide comprehensive knowledge of management systems, legal framework and challenges pertaining to the environmental and the utilization of natural resources in the Arctic, focusing on the Svalbard archipelago. The course is designed for students who wish to include Arctic environmental conservation and management of natural resources as part of their professional training. An emphasis is placed on discussing issues raised during the course with the inhabitants of Longyearbyen.

Students will gain first-hand experience of current key Arctic issues. An ability to assess conflicting demands and aspirations as well as understand cultural differences will be fostered. Role playing workshops will provide further insight into the role of cultural differences in the management of Arctic regions. Skills will be enhanced through a combination of excursions and interviews with local administrators. Insights gained will be communicated via a series of student presentations.

Academic content:
The development of management strategies and practice is presented against a background of knowledge concerning the geophysical, biological processes and politics characterizing the Arctic. The focus is on the Svalbard region of the European Arctic.

An introduction to the Svalbard community; the Svalbard Treaty; international conventions, and legal regulations as a framework for managerial rule in the Svalbard region, Arctic Council and international organizations; structure, legal basis and fields of responsibilities for institutions involved in the management of Arctic natural resources; the philosophy of Arctic management, basic information on the Arctic geophysical environment, ecosystems and resource dynamics, human presence in the Arctic geophysical environmental, ecosystem, and natural resources; challenges and conflict scenarios relating to resource management in the Arctic including impact assessment procedures; environmental strategies, encroachment analysis and assessment systems for ecological key components relating to environment and resource management.

The course introduces students to procedures, methods and technology central to environmental monitoring and management planning.

Teaching methods and activities:
The course extends over a full semester.

Total lecture/seminar and excursion hours: 70 hours.

Compulsory assignment:

Presentation.

Assessment:

All assessments must be fulfilled in order to receive a final grade.

Useful information (Pdf)

AB-203 students on excursion to SvalSat outside Longyearbyen. (Photo: Steve Coulson/UNIS).