LAWI100097 Nature conservation planning and landscape management

Type
course with non-continuous assessment
Semester hours
3
Lecturer (assistant)
Aschauer, Moritz , Schinegger, Rafaela , Zoderer, Brenda Maria
Organisation
Landscape Development, Recreation and Conservation Planning
Offered in
Sommersemester 2026
Languages of instruction
Deutsch
Content

The course provides an introduction to key concepts, instruments and current developments in nature conservation planning and landscape management. Starting from the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss, historical and contemporary approaches to nature conservation are discussed. Major topics include the importance of intact ecosystems and ecosystem services for society, protected areas (including national parks and Natura 2000), species and habitat conservation, dynamic conservation approaches, urban nature conservation, ecological connectivity and habitat networks, biodiversity in agricultural landscapes, as well as ecosystem restoration in the context of current European and national policies and strategies. The course highlights the role of nature conservation planning as an interface between ecological knowledge, societal needs and planning practice.
Previous knowledge expected

An interest in nature conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable land-use challenges is expected.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

Upon successful completion of the course, students are able to:
- describe current challenges and developments in nature conservation and relate them to broader societal challenges such as climate change and sustainable land use;
- explain patterns and trends of global and national biodiversity change and assess the main drivers of biodiversity loss;
- describe the historical development of nature conservation and critically reflect on changing perceptions of nature within and beyond conservation practice;
- distinguish between major national and international conservation categories and explain their respective roles and relevance for biodiversity conservation;
- compare different conservation approaches and instruments, particularly protected areas, species conservation, habitat conservation and process-based conservation, and assess their strengths and limitations;
- explain key planning principles, methods and practical approaches used in nature conservation planning and management and apply them to different conservation challenges;
- recognize the complexity of conservation-related problems and understand the need for integration with other sectors and policy fields, such as water management, agriculture and spatial planning;
- describe the legal framework and institutional structures of nature conservation in Austria.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.