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Eva Garen

Conserving and restoring tropical forest landscapes offers an opportunity to address pressing environmental and social challenges. Effective conservation and restoration initiatives support multiple objectives, including ecosystem functioning, climate change mitigation and adaptation, food security, and economic growth.

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Conserving and restoring tropical forest landscapes offers an opportunity to address pressing environmental and social challenges. Effective conservation and restoration initiatives support multiple objectives, including ecosystem functioning, climate change mitigation and adaptation, food security, and economic growth.

This seven-week course explores the technical, social, and funding aspects of this timely topic. You will learn:

1. The importance of tropical forest landscapes and the actors and motivations driving restoration and conservation efforts.

2. How tropical forest ecosystems work, and how they relate to climate change and biodiversity.

3. Fundamental human dimensions to consider in any project, including human livelihoods and local property rights.

4. Conservation theory and dynamic aspects of conserving species and landscapes.

5. A spectrum of restoration strategies and key considerations for restoration, such as species selection and planting design.

6. How agroforestry systems can integrate trees and production to meet different goals.

7. Basic financial concepts and potential sources of conservation and restoration funding.

The materials in this course offer a selection of key content from the Yale School of the Environment and Yale Environmental Leadership & Training Initiative's yearlong Tropical Forest Landscapes: Conservation, Restoration & Sustainable Use online certificate program.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Why conserve and restore tropical forest landscapes?
Welcome to the course! In this module, we will begin exploring what tropical forest landscapes are and why they are important. We will also discuss threats to forest landscapes and motivations for conserving and restoring them.
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Ecology of tropical forest landscapes
In this module, we will examine tropical forests from an ecological lens. Understanding how natural ecological processes work will lay the groundwork for knowing how to develop effective conservation and restoration techniques, which we will cover in later modules.
Social considerations for restoration and conservation
Now that we have examined the ecological forces that shape tropical forest landscapes, we will shift our focus to people. In this module, we will consider how people are affected by and affect tropical forest landscapes and how considering local access to resources is a pivotal consideration when considering effective, equitable interventions.
Conservation strategies
In this module, we will look at some fundamental conservation concepts. At its core, conservation involves protecting existing habitat or forest cover, but selecting where to prioritize protection, is more complicated. Conservation decisions depend on a suite of considerations, such as how one measures biodiversity, how one considers changes in the landscape over time, and how conservation affects other goals, such as ecosystem function.
Restoration fundamentals
In this module, we will explore the process of restoration. As you will soon see, forest restoration encompasses a range of different practices. Selecting which practice to use will depend on a variety of considerations, starting with the level of degradation and the overall goals of the initiative.
Agroforestry and agroecology
In the last two modules, we looked at fundamental concepts for both conservation and restoration. Here, we will look at a third approach to sustainable land management, which integrates tree cover with other agricultural practices: agroforestry. Agroforestry systems have many different forms and applications - we will learn about several of them here.
Funding conservation and restoration
In this last part of the course, we will learn about funding conservation and restoration initiatives. This module introduces some financial terminology and tools that are useful for communicating to investors, then discusses obtaining two different types of funding: philanthropic and public.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Well-suited for environmental or social science students interested in tropical conservation
Introduces promising strategies for sustainable land use and development
Explores a wide range of conservation approaches, from protection to restoration to agroforestry
Taught by Eva Garen, a renowned expert in tropical forest science and conservation
Developed in collaboration with Yale School of the Environment and Yale Environmental Leadership & Training Initiative, two prestigious institutions in the field
Suitable for students with an interest in the ecology, biodiversity, and importance of tropical forest landscapes

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Tropical Forest Landscapes 101: Conservation & Restoration with these activities:
Gather and Organize Course Materials
Having all the relevant materials collected and organized in one location will improve accessibility and review efficiency.
Show steps
  • Create a digital or physical folder for the course.
  • Download and save all course materials, including lecture notes, readings, and assignments.
  • Organize the materials in a logical and easy-to-navigate structure.
Review Environmental Science Fundamentals
Reviewing foundational environmental science principles will strengthen the base from which the course content is built upon.
Browse courses on Environmental Science
Show steps
  • Read through textbooks and course materials from previous environmental science courses.
  • Take practice quizzes and review old assignments.
  • Attend a refresher course or workshop on environmental science.
Review tropical forest ecology
Review the basics of tropical forest ecology to prepare for the course.
Browse courses on Conservation Biology
Show steps
  • Read the assigned textbook chapters on tropical forest ecology.
  • Attend the optional review session on tropical forest ecology.
  • Take practice quizzes on tropical forest ecology concepts.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Revisit key concepts from ecology
Understanding the ecological processes shaping tropical forest landscapes is essential for developing effective conservation and restoration techniques. This activity will help you refresh your knowledge and prepare for the course.
Browse courses on Ecology
Show steps
  • Review key concepts of ecology, such as ecosystem structure and function, population dynamics, and species interactions.
  • Consider how these concepts apply to tropical forest landscapes.
Write a Blog Post or Article on a Course Topic
Summarizing and explaining a course topic in written form will enhance understanding and retention of key concepts.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific aspect of tropical forest landscapes, conservation, or restoration that you want to focus on.
  • Research the topic thoroughly using credible sources.
  • Write a blog post or article that presents the topic clearly and concisely.
Explore online resources on tropical forest conservation
There are many valuable resources available online that can help you learn more about tropical forest conservation and restoration. This activity will guide you in finding and using these resources.
Browse courses on Conservation Strategies
Show steps
  • Identify reputable websites and organizations that provide information on tropical forest conservation.
  • Explore their resources, such as articles, videos, and case studies.
  • Follow online courses or webinars on tropical forest conservation and restoration.
Complete Practice Problems and Quizzes
Engaging in practice activities will improve mastery of the technical and scientific concepts introduced in the course.
Show steps
  • Solve practice problems related to ecosystem dynamics, climate change, and biodiversity from textbooks or online resources.
  • Take practice quizzes and mock exams to assess your understanding.
Participate in a Local Conservation or Restoration Project
Practical experience will complement the theoretical knowledge gained in the course and contribute to real-world conservation efforts.
Show steps
  • Research and identify local conservation or restoration organizations.
  • Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Participate in activities such as tree planting, invasive species removal, or habitat restoration.
Develop a Conservation or Restoration Plan
Creating a plan will provide hands-on experience in applying the principles and techniques learned in the course to a real-world scenario.
Show steps
  • Identify a specific forest landscape or ecosystem of interest.
  • Conduct research on the ecological, social, and economic factors affecting the landscape.
  • Develop a conservation or restoration plan that outlines specific goals, objectives, and strategies.
  • Present the plan to stakeholders and seek feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Tropical Forest Landscapes 101: Conservation & Restoration will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Environmental Scientist
Environmental scientists study the environment and its components, and how they interact. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. This course would be helpful for environmental scientists because it provides an overview of the ecology of tropical forest landscapes, as well as the social and economic factors that affect their conservation and restoration.
Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife biologists study wildlife and their habitats. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course would be helpful for wildlife biologists because it provides an overview of the ecology of tropical forest landscapes, as well as the social and economic factors that affect their conservation and restoration.
Ecologist
Ecologists study the interactions between organisms and their environment. They may work in a variety of settings, including universities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. This course would be helpful for ecologists because it provides an overview of the ecology of tropical forest landscapes, as well as the social and economic factors that affect their conservation and restoration.
Natural Resource Manager
Natural resource managers oversee the use and conservation of natural resources, such as forests, water, and minerals. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course would be helpful for natural resource managers because it provides an overview of the ecology of tropical forest landscapes, as well as the social and economic factors that affect their conservation and restoration.
Conservation Scientist
Conservation scientists use their knowledge of ecology and other scientific disciplines to develop and implement conservation strategies. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course would be helpful for conservation scientists because it provides an overview of the ecology of tropical forest landscapes, as well as the social and economic factors that affect their conservation and restoration.
Forester
Foresters manage forests and other natural areas. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course would be helpful for foresters because it provides an overview of the ecology of tropical forest landscapes, as well as the social and economic factors that affect their conservation and restoration.
Landscape Conservationist
Landscape conservationists work to protect and restore natural areas. They may focus on a particular ecosystem, such as tropical forests. This course would be helpful for landscape conservationists because it provides an overview of the ecology of tropical forest landscapes, as well as the social and economic factors that affect their conservation and restoration.
Tropical Forest Conservationist
Tropical forest conservationists work to protect and restore tropical forests. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course would be helpful for tropical forest conservationists because it provides an overview of the ecology of tropical forest landscapes, as well as the social and economic factors that affect their conservation and restoration.
Environmental Consultant
Environmental consultants provide advice to businesses and organizations on how to reduce their environmental impact. They may work for a variety of clients, including corporations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. This course would be helpful for environmental consultants because it provides an overview of the ecology of tropical forest landscapes, as well as the social and economic factors that affect their conservation and restoration.
Agroforestry Specialist
Agroforestry specialists combine trees and crops to create sustainable agricultural systems. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course would be helpful for agroforestry specialists because it provides an overview of the ecology of tropical forest landscapes, as well as the social and economic factors that affect their conservation and restoration.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability managers develop and implement sustainability strategies for businesses and organizations. They may work for a variety of clients, including corporations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. This course would be helpful for sustainability managers because it provides an overview of the ecology of tropical forest landscapes, as well as the social and economic factors that affect their conservation and restoration.
Restoration Ecologist
Restoration ecologists restore damaged or degraded ecosystems. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course would be helpful for restoration ecologists because it provides an overview of the ecology of tropical forest landscapes, as well as the social and economic factors that affect their conservation and restoration.
Water Resources Manager
Water resources managers oversee the use and conservation of water resources. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course may be helpful for water resources managers because it provides an overview of the ecology of tropical forest landscapes, which are important for water quality and quantity.
Climate Change Adaptation Specialist
Climate change adaptation specialists help communities and organizations adapt to the impacts of climate change. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course may be helpful for climate change adaptation specialists because it provides an overview of the ecology of tropical forest landscapes, which are particularly vulnerable to climate change.
Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental policy analysts develop and analyze environmental policies. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. This course may be helpful for environmental policy analysts because it provides an overview of the ecology of tropical forest landscapes, as well as the social and economic factors that affect their conservation and restoration.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Tropical Forest Landscapes 101: Conservation & Restoration.
This seminal book provides advanced topics in restoration ecology. It offers in-depth knowledge on ecological restoration principles and practices.
This comprehensive textbook provides a deep overview of the interaction between tropical forests and global change. It will enhance your understanding of the relevant scientific and societal issues.
This comprehensive book provides an overview of agroforestry, a sustainable land management practice.
Provides an overview of the relationship between forests and society. It would be a helpful resource for anyone interested in learning more about the social, economic, and environmental benefits of forests.
Provides an overview of the temperate and boreal forests of the world. It would be a helpful resource for anyone interested in learning more about the ecology and management of these forests.

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