Download Coastal Ecology and Natural Resource

Coastal Ecology and Natural Resource Management
Seminar
ENVI 3000 (4 credits / 60 class hours)
SIT Study Abroad Program:
Tanzania: Zanzibar - Coastal Ecology and Natural Resource
Management
Course Description
The Coastal Ecology and Natural Resource Management Seminar is an intensive,
interdisciplinary course that examines the unique issues of coastal ecology and resource
management in Tanzania, with a focus on Zanzibar. The seminar will provide an interesting mix
of social and natural sciences, also introducing students to the life and culture of Zanzibar and
Tanzania through lectures on history, politics, economics, religion, and law. The course offers a
combination of a lecture series given by local academics and field experts complemented by
educational field excursions.
Course Objectives
The Coastal Ecology and Natural Resource Management Seminar has an interdisciplinary and
critical focus encompassing 60 academic hours (4 credits). Its main objectives:
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To introduce the student to issues in coastal ecology, conservation, marine biology,
forestry, alternative technology and natural resource management the islands and in
coastal Tanzania;
To develop a critical understanding of the ecological issues on the islands and in coastal
Tanzania pertaining to marine environments, wildlife habitats, human settlements, and
the various ways in which environmental problems are being addressed;
To gain knowledge of the natural history, behavior, biology, and ecology of Zanzibar
island and coastal mammals, fish, and birds;
To gain an understanding of the relationship of local people with the environment and to
examine issues of sustainability and development in balancing human needs with
resource management and environmental conservation; and
To introduce students to a variety of institutions, individuals, geographical locations, and
viewpoints in Tanzania, contributing to a broad understanding of issues.
*This syllabus is representative of a typical semester. Because courses develop and change over time to take
advantage of unique learning opportunities, actual course content varies from semester to semester.
Copyright © SIT, a program of World Learning
Intended Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the seminar, students will be able to:
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Demonstrate a good understanding of current and historical issues in coastal ecology,
conservation, marine biology, forestry and natural resource management in the coastal
areas of Tanzania;
Critically appraise the ecological issues on the islands and in coastal Tanzania
pertaining to marine environments, wildlife habitats, human settlements, and the various
ways in which environmental problems are being addressed;
Show a basic knowledge of the natural history, behavior, biology, and ecology of
Zanzibar Island and coastal mammals, fish, and birds;
Explain the complex relationships between local people with the environment particularly
in terms of balancing human needs with natural resource management and
conservation; and
Critically examine multiple perspectives of a variety of issues in Zanzibar and coastal
areas of Tanzania and be able to have informed opinions.
Course Requirements
Readings
You are responsible for all the required readings, and should be prepared to bring them to bear
on discussions in class. The readings will help you place the classes in their context, to
challenge and engage lecturers, to generate questions for class discussions and to deepen your
knowledge of particular aspects discussed in class. They are not necessarily tailor-made for
each and every class.
General Required readings
Adams, Jonathon S. and Thomas O. McShane, The Myth of Wild Africa, Conservation without
Illusion. University of California Press 1992. ISBN: 978-0520206717.
Berrill, Michael, The Plundered Seas, Can the World’s Fish Be Saved? Sierra Club Books. San
Francisco 1997. ISBN: 978-0871569455.
Crawford, Brian, “Seaweed Farming: An Alternative Livelihood for Small-Scale Fishers,”
Working Paper, University of Rhode Island Coastal Resources Center, N.D.
Devall, Bill and George Sessions, Deep Ecology, Living As If Nature Mattered Salt Lake City:
Peregrine Smith Books, 1985. ISBN: 978-0879052478.
Dulvy, Nicholas, Robert Freckleton and Nicholas Polunin, “Cascades of Interactions and the
Indirect of Predator Removal by Exploitation,” in Ecology Letters, 7:410-416, 2004.
Hall, Richard, Empires of the Monsoon: A History of the Indian Ocean and Its Invaders,
Heinemann, London 1996. ISBN: 978-0006380832.
Johnstone, W. Ron, Christopher A, Muhando, and Julius Francis “The Status of Coral Reef of
Zanzibar: One Example of a Regional Predicament” Royal Swedish Academy of Science
8 December 1998. Ambio Vol. 27.
*This syllabus is representative of a typical semester. Because courses develop and change over time to take
advantage of unique learning opportunities, actual course content varies from semester to semester.
Copyright © SIT, a program of World Learning
2
McClanahan, T. R. and Young, T. P. ed., East African Ecosystems and Their Conservation.
Oxford University Press 1996. ISBN: 978-0195108170.
McClanahan, T. R, Sheppard, C. and Obura, D. O. (Ed.) Coral Reefs of the Indian Ocean: Their
Ecology and Conservation Oxford University Press. ISBN: 978-0195125962.
Nanami, Atsushi, Moritaka Nashihira, Takao Suzuki, and Horiyuki Yokochi, “Species-Specific
Habitat Distribution of Coral Reef Fish Assemblages in Relation to Habitat Characteristics in an
Okinawan Coral Reef,” in Environmental Biology of Fishes, 72:55-65, 2005.
Pratchett, Morgan, “Dynamics of an Outbreak of Acanthaster Planci at Lizard Island, Northern
Great Barier Reef (1996-1999),” in Coral Reefs, 24:453-462, 2005.
Richmond, Matthew ed., A Guide to The Seashores of Eastern Africa and the Western Indian
Ocean Islands. Sida/Department for Research Cooperation, SAREC ISBN: 978-9163045943.
Ruitenbeek, J. Hewawasam, I and Ngoile, M. eds. BluePrint 2050 – Sustaining the Marine
Environment in Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. 2005. The World Bank. ISBN: 9780821361238.
Sesabo, J. Marine Resource Conservation and Poverty Reduction Strategies in Tanzania.
2007. Springer. ISBN: 978-3540699415.
Shah, Nirmal Jivan et al ―Coastal Management in Eastern Africa: Status and Future‖ Ambio Vol.
25 4 June 1997.
Sheriff, Abdul, Slaves, spices, & ivory in Zanzibar: integration of an East African commercial
empire into the world economy, 1770-1873. James Curry Ltd. London 1987
ISBN: 978-0852550154.
Sheriff, A. and Ed Ferguson, Zanzibar under Colonial Rule. Heinemann Publishers, Nairobi,
Kenya, 1991. ISBN: 978-0821409954.
Sherman, K; Okemwa, E and Ntiba, M. Large Marine Ecosystems of the Indian Ocean.
Assessment, sustainability and management.
1998. Blackwell Science. ISBN: 9780632043187.
Viles, Heather and Tom Spencer, Coastal Problems Geomorphology, Ecology and Society at
the Coast. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. New York, N.Y. 1995. ISBN: 978-0713153972.
PLEASE NOTE: COURSE CONTENTS, LECTURERS AND READINGS MAY BE MODIFIED
AS NEEDED. SHOULD ANY CHANGE OF CLASS TOPICS OR LECTURERS BE
NECESSARY, STUDENTS WILL BE PROMPTLY NOTIFIED.
Evaluation and Grading Criteria
Coastal Ecology and Natural Resource Management Seminar Assignments
*This syllabus is representative of a typical semester. Because courses develop and change over time to take
advantage of unique learning opportunities, actual course content varies from semester to semester.
Copyright © SIT, a program of World Learning
3
Students are expected to prepare for, attend, and participate fully in all lectures, discussions,
activities, and excursions—including periodic seminars with the Academic Director for
discussion sessions to process, question, and integrate material covered in the lectures and
field experiences. In addition to completing the required readings, students are encouraged to
read local newspapers and other media for more local context. Performance is evaluated on the
quality of analysis, the variety of sources, and the clarity of expression exhibited in the midterm
and final exams and in various course assignments throughout the semester, along with
participation in class discussions, activities, and the completion of assigned readings. Timely
completion of all assignments is expected. Late hand-ins will be penalized. All assignments are
evaluated according to organization, analytical quality, depth of understanding, argumentation
and presentation of evidence. The Academic Director assigns all grades.
Evaluation
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Coral Reef Conservation Plan
Species assignment
Jozani Forest team assignment
25%
25%
25%
10%
15%
Grading Scale: The grading scale for all classes is as follows:
94-100%
90-93%
87-89%
84-86%
80-83%
77-79%
74-76%
70-73%
67-69%
64-66%
below 64
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
F
Grading Criteria
All grades assigned will take into account the students´ special circumstances and challenges
they face as foreign students. An ―A‖ grade for an assignment entails superior (not just ―very
good‖) performance in terms of structure and organization of assignments, analysis, logical
argumentation and consistency, and the provision of factual, numerical and/or historical
evidence. In terms of Class Participation, an ―A‖ grade refers to full attendance, punctuality,
attentive listening and active engagement in all Academic Seminar lectures, discussions, field
trips and other activities. It also means polite and respectful behavior. The level, frequency, and
quality of the students` participation will be monitored and taken into account.
*All written assignments should be typed unless permission is given otherwise. Texts sent by email will not be accepted. Make sure you have a flashdrive, laptop or computer available and
keep back up files so nothing gets accidentally lost or erased.
*This syllabus is representative of a typical semester. Because courses develop and change over time to take
advantage of unique learning opportunities, actual course content varies from semester to semester.
Copyright © SIT, a program of World Learning
4
Program Calendar
The seminar is divided into six interrelated components:
1. Two-week lecture series and field practicals at the Institute of Marine Sciences (a Zanzibarbased research institute affiliated with the University of Dar es Salaam).
2. One-week lecture series presented by the Faculty from appropriate departments of the
University of Dar es Salaam.
3. Three-day Coral Reef Ecology course conducted in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar by Dr Matt
Richmond (author of course text).
4. Ten day educational visit to Pemba Island including lectures, field trips, environmental field
study assignments, and visits to environmentally significant sites.
5. A four day forestry field study residential at the Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park.
6. Three-day excursion on mainland Tanzania involving a variety of activities in the Mikumi
National Park, complemented by lectures from experts in the field and park officials.
1. Institute of Marine Sciences: a two-week lecture series with integrated field practicals,
based at the Institute of Marine Sciences (a Zanzibar-based research institute affiliated
with the University of Dar es Salaam).
Possible topics include:
Coral Reef Ecology
Water quality
Solid waste management and pollution
The use of coastal Structures in beach erosion and climate change
Fisheries resources of Zanzibar
Mangrove Biology and Ecology
Ecology of Dolphins Seaweed Farming
Water Quality
Coastal Erosion
Aspects on Physical Oceanography, and
Integrated Coastal Zone Management
External lecturers present topics on:
Islam and Culture
Social conflict regarding tourism development in Zanzibar
Zanzibar History (Omani and Colonial)
2. University of Dar es Salaam: a one-week lecture series presented by the Faculty at the
Department of Zoology and Marine Biology in conjunction with The Faculty of Aquatic
Science and Technology at the University of Dar es Salaam. This lecture series will also
include an integrated set of field trips which will enhance the lecture material.
Possible topics will include:
Background to Biodiversity in Tanzania
Introduction to Coastal Forests and research methodology
Coastal People, Social organization and Production Systems
Aquatic resource management in Tanzania
The development of Alternative Technologies in Tanzania
History of Nature Conservation in Tanzania
*This syllabus is representative of a typical semester. Because courses develop and change over time to take
advantage of unique learning opportunities, actual course content varies from semester to semester.
Copyright © SIT, a program of World Learning
5
Impact of Economic Development and Tourism on the Natural Environment
Land Based Pollution in Dar es Salaam, and
Research Ethics and Environmental Law and Policy making in Tanzania
3. Coral Reef Ecology: Students will complete an intensive three-day course on Coral Reef
Ecology conducted in both Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar by Dr Matt Richmond (the
author of the course text, ―A Guide to the Seashores of Eastern Africa and the Western
Indian Ocean Islands‖).
Possible topics include:
Reef creature identification,
Reef coral identification and methodologies.
Natural resource management – Drilling for Oil in S.Tanzania and impacts on marine
parks and life.
The development and history of Marine Park Areas in Tanzania
4. Pemba Island: Ten-day educational visit to Pemba Island including lectures, field trips,
environmental field study assignments, and visits to environmentally significant sites.
The excursion offers an opportunity for a comparative look at environmental issues
between the Zanzibar’s two main islands. Lectures and field trips relating to the Pemba
Channel Conservation Area (PECCA) will take place in the Chake Chake and Wete
regions, and will include visits to Misali Island, Ngezi Forest, and Vumawimbi Beach.
The Pemba component will also include a week long Homestay in Chake Chake.
Topics for exploration include:
Sea Turtle Biology and Ecology
Land/Environmental and Tourism Issues on Pemba
Salt Farming and Environmental Issues
Rubber production and plantation management in Pemba
Essential Oil production on Pemba
Village and community forestry
Traditional House construction using local resources and the environmental impact
Charcoal production and its environmental and social impacts in Pemba
Pemba Public Health
Ngezi Forest Conservation
Pemba Fisheries, and
Agriculture and plant protection on Pemba
5. Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park: Students will complete a four-day residential forestry
field Study at the Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park.
Possible topics include:
History of Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park
Forestry resources, survey techniques and analysis
Jozani Chwaka Bay Conservation Area: Pete Mangrove Trail practical research
including methodologies.
Practical observation of primate behavior
Status of fauna with emphasis on bird monitoring and census in Jozani, and
Jozani Vegetation
*This syllabus is representative of a typical semester. Because courses develop and change over time to take
advantage of unique learning opportunities, actual course content varies from semester to semester.
Copyright © SIT, a program of World Learning
6
6. Mikumi National Park: Three-day excursion on mainland Tanzania involving a variety of
activities in the Mikumi National Park. The excursion will be complemented by lectures
from experts in the field and park officials.
Student Expectations
Class Participation
Participation in class refers to attendance, punctuality, attentive listening and active
engagement in all Academic Seminar lectures, discussions, field trips and other activities. It also
means polite and respectful behavior.
Please refer to the SIT Study Abroad handbook for policies on academic integrity, ethics,
warning and probation, diversity and disability, sexual harassment and the academic appeals
process. Also, refer to the specific information available in the Student Handbook and the
Program Dossier given to you at Orientation.
*This syllabus is representative of a typical semester. Because courses develop and change over time to take
advantage of unique learning opportunities, actual course content varies from semester to semester.
Copyright © SIT, a program of World Learning
7