WISO002363 Tropical Ecosystems and Rural Development with an emphasis on Colombia

Type
course with continuous assessment
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Melcher, Andreas , Bauer, Andreas
Organisation
Development Research
Offered in
Wintersemester 2026/27
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

This course introduces students to tropical ecosystems and rural development with a particular emphasis on Colombia and the tropical Americas. It explores the ecological characteristics, ecosystem services, and socio-ecological dynamics of tropical landscapes, while examining the historical and contemporary drivers of ecosystem transformation, including deforestation and land-use change. Through case studies, discussions, exercises, and applied examples, students will learn to connect tropical ecology with production systems, restoration challenges, conservation strategies, and sustainable development pathways. The course also addresses emerging perspectives at the interface of ecology, business, and climate responsibility, including carbon footprint assessment and nature-based mitigation options.

The course covers the following thematic areas:
1.Terrestrial ecosystems and the tropical region
2.Tropical ecology of the Americas and Colombian ecosystems
3.Ecosystem services of tropical American vegetation – species and uses, with emphasis on food provision and structural purposes
4.History of ecosystem transformation in Colombia
5.Key products in the development of European countries / Productos clave en el desarrollo de países europeos
6.Production systems and their dynamics associated with the territory
7.Challenges in the restoration of forest ecosystems
8.Paradigms of ecology and business
9.Carbon footprint: from cost to investment
10.Carbon footprint calculation and mitigation through tree planting
Previous knowledge expected

Genuine interest in Tropical Ecosystems and Rural Development
Basic knowledge of natural sciences and simple mathematical calculations, interest in the ecosystems of the tropical region with emphasis on America and Colombia and their relationship with the planet
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

After this lecture, the students will be able to:

•Recognizing the main characteristics of the systems and socio-ecosystems present in the Colombian tropical region.
•Identifing the ecosystem services of the natural ecosystems and socio-ecosystems of the Colombian tropical region.
•Understanding the main drivers of ecosystem transformation, with an emphasis on deforestation.
•Knowledge of options for the restoration, conservation, and use of transformed ecosystems.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.