The Living Amazon: Science, Cultures and Sustainability in Practice from edX

The Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest and river system, vital to the planet’s climate stability and home to irreplaceable biodiversity. It provides critical ecosystem services to the entire globe and the eight sovereign countries and one overseas territory that directly encompass it. The Amazon is home to 47 million people, including more than two million Indigenous people, with their own cultural identities, territorial management practices, and 300 languages. Yet, the Amazon is facing historically unprecedented challenges. Deforestation, degradation, fragmentation, and criminality are on the rise in the region, putting the Amazon in danger of crossing a tipping point beyond which today’s forests can no longer exist.

This course, offered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, provides an overview of the state of the Amazon’s ecosystems, current trends, threats and impacts, and how they will affect the long-term well-being of the region. After learning about what is putting the ecosystems and communities of the Amazon in danger, learners will explore key opportunities for conservation and sustainable development to protect the region for current and future generations.

Taught by renowned experts, the course spans various disciplines, with themes ranging across international development, agriculture and global commodity chains, fisheries, climate science and action, geology, anthropology, biodiversity, community engagement, and human rights. This course is for practitioners and professionals from all sectors, who may or may not be familiar with the Amazon, including those working in government, undergraduate and graduate students, civil society, academia, the private sector, and international agencies.

This MOOC is the product of a collaboration between the Science Panel for the Amazon (SPA), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and the World Bank (WB), with financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). It builds on the flagship 2021 Amazon Assessment Report, produced by the Science Panel for the Amazon and launched at COP26 in Glasgow, and on several other SPA publications.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Describe how the amazon was formed and why it is home to such a rich diversity of plants, animals, and cultures.
Understand the role the amazon plays in the world's hydroclimate system and what it would mean for humanity to lose a significant portion of the forest.
Describe how amazonian populations have influenced and sustainably managed the amazon’s ecosystems over millennia.
List the main threats the amazon currently faces and drivers of deforestation and land degradation.

Identify sustainable alternatives for development in the amazon.
Be inspired to implement sustainable alternatives for development in the amazon.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Describe how the amazon was formed and why it is home to such a rich diversity of plants, animals, and cultures.
Understand the role the amazon plays in the world's hydroclimate system and what it would mean for humanity to lose a significant portion of the forest.
Describe how amazonian populations have influenced and sustainably managed the amazon’s ecosystems over millennia.
List the main threats the amazon currently faces and drivers of deforestation and land degradation.
Identify sustainable alternatives for development in the amazon.
Be inspired to implement sustainable alternatives for development in the amazon.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to the Course

Module 2: The Amazon: 3 Billion Years in the Making

Module 3: Peoples of the Amazon

Module 4: Landscapes, Livelihoods and Policies in the Amazon

Module 5: Land-Use Impacts on Ecosystem Services and Human Well-Being

Module 6: Climate Change in the Amazon

Module 7: A Sustainable and Inclusive Vision for the Amazon

Module 8: Solutions for Conservation, Restoration, and a New Socio-Bioeconomy

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

In this MOOC, learners will explore the Amazon's ecosystems, current trends, threats and impacts, and how they will affect the long-term well-being of the region

This course is for practitioners and professionals from all sectors, who may or may not be familiar with the Amazon, including those working in government, undergraduate and graduate students, civil society, academia, the private sector, and international agencies

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 The Living Amazon: Science, Cultures and Sustainability in Practice with these activities:

Review Basic Biology

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Review the basic principles of biology to strengthen your foundational understanding for this course.

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Read a biology textbook or online resources
Take practice quizzes or tests
Review your lecture notes or class materials

Using GIS for Amazon Land Use Analysis

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Provides hands-on experience with GIS tools and techniques to analyze land use patterns in the Amazon

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Complete online tutorials or workshops on using GIS software.
Download and prepare Amazon land use data.
Conduct spatial analysis to identify areas of deforestation, degradation, and conservation.

Amazon Resources Compilation

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Provides a comprehensive resource list for further exploration and research on the Amazon

Browse courses on Amazon

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Gather resources from the course materials, websites, and academic databases.
Organize the resources into different categories, such as scientific research, news articles, documentaries, and data sources.
Create a shared online document or spreadsheet to share the compilation with classmates.

Three other activities

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Amazon Conservation Policy Brief

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Develops your understanding of the policy landscape related to Amazon conservation and your policy analysis and writing skills

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Research and identify the key policy issues related to Amazon conservation.
Analyze the different perspectives and interests of stakeholders.
Develop a policy proposal that addresses the identified issues.
Write a policy brief that summarizes your proposal and provides supporting evidence.

Amazon Conservation Volunteer

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Provides direct and practical experience in Amazon conservation efforts, fostering a sense of responsibility, ownership, and impact

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Contact a local or international organization involved in Amazon conservation.
Inquire about volunteer opportunities and select a program that aligns with your interests.
Participate in field activities such as reforestation, data collection, or community outreach.

Amazon Conservation Simulation

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Applies your knowledge of Amazon ecosystems and conservation to a practical simulation, enhancing your decision-making and problem-solving skills

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Develop a model that simulates the impacts of different land use and conservation policies on the Amazon ecosystem.
Run simulations and analyze the results to identify the most effective policies.
Present your findings and recommendations to a group of stakeholders.

Career center

Learners who complete The Living Amazon: Science, Cultures and Sustainability in Practice will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Conservation Scientist

Conservation Scientists conduct research to gather data that can be used to justify the protection of certain habitats and improve conservation outcomes in the Amazon. The Living Amazon covers the importance of the Amazon's ecosystem, its current threats, and potential conservation solutions. Taking this course can help you understand the vital role that Conservation Scientists play in protecting the Amazon and its biodiversity, and provide you with a foundation in the scientific principles and methods used in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Scientist

Environmental Analyst

Environmental Analysts conduct research and analyze data to evaluate the environmental impact of various projects, policies, and practices, often with the goal of developing more sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions in the Amazon. The Living Amazon provides a comprehensive overview of the Amazon's ecosystems, threats, and sustainable development opportunities, helping Environmental Analysts better understand the critical role they play in protecting the Amazon and its resources.

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Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants provide expert advice and guidance to organizations on environmental issues, including developing and implementing sustainable practices and policies in the Amazon. The Living Amazon offers valuable insights into the Amazon's ecosystems, challenges, and sustainable development strategies, equipping Environmental Consultants with the knowledge and expertise to effectively advise clients in this region.

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Forestry Technician

Forestry Technicians work to manage and conserve forests, including those in the Amazon rainforest. The Living Amazon provides a deep dive into the Amazon's forest ecosystems, their importance, and the threats they face, helping Forestry Technicians better understand the critical role they play in protecting and sustainably managing these vital ecosystems.

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Geographer

Geographers study the Earth's physical and human landscapes, including the Amazon rainforest. The Living Amazon offers a comprehensive overview of the Amazon's geography, ecosystems, and human-environment interactions, providing Geographers with a valuable foundation in the region's unique characteristics and challenges.

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Hydrologist

Hydrologists study the movement and distribution of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface, including the Amazon River and its tributaries. The Living Amazon provides a detailed examination of the Amazon's hydrology, its role in the global water cycle, and the threats it faces, equipping Hydrologists with the knowledge and expertise to address water-related challenges in this critical region.

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Indigenous Rights Advocate

Indigenous Rights Advocates work to protect the rights and interests of Indigenous communities, including those in the Amazon rainforest. The Living Amazon offers a deep dive into the history, cultures, and challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in the Amazon, providing Indigenous Rights Advocates with a comprehensive understanding of the issues they face and the strategies for supporting their rights.

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International Development Specialist

International Development Specialists work to improve the lives of people in developing countries, including those in the Amazon region. The Living Amazon provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities for sustainable development in the Amazon, equipping International Development Specialists with the knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the region's progress.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and develop policies to address public issues, including environmental and sustainability challenges in the Amazon. The Living Amazon provides a deep dive into the policies and governance frameworks related to the Amazon, helping Policy Analysts understand the complexities of policymaking in this region and the opportunities for promoting sustainable development.

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Remote Sensing Analyst

Remote Sensing Analysts use satellite imagery and other data to monitor and analyze the Earth's surface, including the Amazon rainforest. The Living Amazon provides a comprehensive overview of the Amazon's ecosystems and the threats they face, equipping Remote Sensing Analysts with the knowledge and skills to effectively monitor and assess changes in this critical region using remote sensing technologies.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research to advance scientific knowledge and understanding, including in the field of Amazonian studies. The Living Amazon offers a comprehensive overview of the Amazon's ecosystems, challenges, and opportunities, providing Research Scientists with a valuable foundation for conducting research in this region.

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Science Communicator

Science Communicators translate complex scientific information into accessible and engaging content for various audiences, including policymakers, the media, and the public. The Living Amazon provides a comprehensive overview of the Amazon's ecosystems, challenges, and sustainable development opportunities, equipping Science Communicators with the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate the importance of the Amazon and the need for its protection.

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Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help organizations and governments develop and implement sustainable practices and policies, including in the Amazon region. The Living Amazon provides a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities for sustainable development in the Amazon, equipping Sustainability Consultants with the knowledge and skills to effectively advise clients in this critical region.

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Water Resources Manager

Water Resources Managers oversee the planning, development, and management of water resources, including those in the Amazon River basin. The Living Amazon provides a comprehensive overview of the Amazon's hydrology, its importance, and the threats it faces, equipping Water Resources Managers with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage water resources in this critical region.

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Wildlife Biologist

Wildlife Biologists study the biology, behavior, and conservation of wildlife, including in the Amazon rainforest. The Living Amazon provides a deep dive into the Amazon's ecosystems and the threats they face, equipping Wildlife Biologists with the knowledge and skills to effectively study and conserve wildlife in this critical region.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wildlife Biologist