Sutrofor, European Erasmus Mundus Course in Sustainable Tropical Forestry

Course objectives: This course provides an introduction to essential contemporary issues in forestry in develop-ing countries. The aim of is to give students a thorough understanding of the current and potential role of forests and trees in improving rural livelihoods. It is stressed that forestry is an integral part of society and should not be considered in isolation.

Course content: Emphasis is on political and socio-economic aspects of sustainable multi-purpose forest man-agement in tropical and sub-tropical countries. Central themes are tropical forest resources, forest policy and forest management in relation to the production of timber, non-timber products and envi-ronmental services. Subjects include the extent and value of tropical forest resources, deforesta-tion, global forest policy processes, national level forest legislation and policy, and forest manage-ment planning.

Teaching and learning methods: (i) E-learning (e-modules): internet-based teaching modules integrating literature studies and exercises. Exercises relate to theory and case studies. E-learning will be supported by on-line discussion fora in which students are expected to participate. (ii) In addition, a number of presentations, analyses and discussions of selected topics and cases as well as e-learning support will be offered as classroom sessions.

Examination: Students must successfully complete at least 75% of e-modules in order to participate in the exam. Students will be provided two written assignments to be completed during the course. Assignments will be distributed electronically and must be submitted electronically. All aids allowed. Each assignment will count 50% towards the final mark. Internal examiner.

Competences acquired: Ability to argue cogently and to think critically within the parameters of a particular aca-demic discipline. Inculcation of the values of scholarship: inquiry, reflection, integrity, open mind-edness, evidence-based thinking, collegiality. Knowledge of key contemporary issues in tropical forestry, including forest-dependency, deforestation, principles of sound management, national and global forest policy and processes, criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management, certification and carbon sequestration. Understanding the potential of using forest and trees to prevent and reduce poverty. Understanding basic forest valuation methods. Ability to apply princi-ples, theories and frameworks to case studies. Make judgment on the quality of publications. Is aware of and able to reflect on the nature of poverty and the role of environmental resources in rural livelihoods.

Course homepage: http://www.flec.kvl.dk/ad/ and http://www.kursus.kvl.dk/tf/