FBL 104: Integrated Ecosystem Assessment

Subject Ante and Title: FBL 104 Integrated Ecosystem Assessment

Subject status:                       Elective

Credits rating:                       8

Time distribution:

Lectures:                     30 hours

Tutorials:                     10 hours

Practical:                     10 hours

Assignments:               10 hours

Independent study:     20 hours

Prerequisite: None

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to;

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of thefunctioning of natural ecosystems
  2. Identify ecosystems, and their products and services.
  3. Assess the products and services provided by different ecosystems in an integrated manner.
  4. Identify relevant human-ecosystem interrelationships and critical ecosystem.
  5. Plan for integrated ecosystem assessment and monitoring.

Contents: Definition of ecosystem and types of ecosystems. Principles of integrated ecosystem assessment. Criteria for prioritization of ecosystems, identification of critical ecosystems. Methods for assessment of ecosystems and indicators for assessment of ecosystem health.

Institutional aspects in ecosystem management the Environmental Management Act (EMA) and other policies/legal instruments in ecosystem management. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA). Ecosystems and human well-being. The National Strategy for Growth and Reduction of Poverty (NSGRP) and ecosystem assessment.

Required Readings

  1. Groom, M.J., Meffe G.K. and Carroll, C.R. (2006). Principles of Conservation Biology. Sinaner Associates, Sunderland 3rd Edition. Massachusetts, U.S.A.
  2. Boyle, T.J.B., Boontawee, B. (1995). Measuring and Monitoring Biodiversity in Tropical and Temperate Forests. CIFOR Indonesia.
  3. John, F. C. (1993). Biological Data Analysis. A Practical Approach. Reprinted 1994. IRL P Press.

Recommended Readings

  1. Neil, B., Hales, D.J., Underwood, E., Dinerstein, E., Olson, D., Schipper, I. J., and Newman, R. (2004). Terrestrial Eco-regions of Africa and Madagascar. A Conservation Assessment. Island Press, Washington.
  2. Jensen, M. E. and P. S Bourgeron (2001). A Guidebook for Integrated Ecological Assessments. Springer Science and Business Media
  3. URT (2004). Environmental Management Act. Government Printer, Dar es salaam.