| Topic |
Sub-topic |
| 1. The science of conservation. |
The origins and brief history of conservationist movements. Principles of conservation biology. Ecology and Environmentalism. Importance of science in conservation. |
| 2. The ecological values and functions of biodiversity. |
Genetic, species and ecosystem diversity: the concept of biodiversity. Why we should conserve the species? The intrinsic value of species and their conservation status. The instrumental values and rarity of the species. Ecosystemic values. |
| 3. Biodiversity and stability. |
The concept of stability. The diversity-stability debate (a history of this controversy, current studies, compartmentalization, diversity and global change, implications for conservation biology). Retrogression. |
| 4. Ecological principles in the exploitation of natural resources. |
The concept of maximum sustainable yield. Principles for the exploitation of resources. Genetic changes in exploited populations. The exploitation of forests. Forest certification (FSC, PEFC). |
| 5. Extinction |
The number of species that inhabit the planet. The causes of the rarity of the species. IUCN classification. Estimation of extinction rates. Processes and causes of extinction. Degradation and destruction of habitats. Metapopulation dynamica. Population Viability Analysis (PVA). |
| 6. Management of species and populations. |
Management units. In situ and ex situ conservation. Limioting resources. Control of threats. Translocations and artificial breeding. Role of zoos, botanical gardens and museums. Importance of ethology in conservation. Case study: the example of the black-footed ferret. |
| 7. Management and restoration of ecosystems |
Principles of ecosystem management. Modified ecosystems (forest exploitation, agricultural ecosystems, aquatic ecosystems). Restoration of ecosystems. |
| 8. Social factors in conservation. |
Description of etic values. Valuation of priorities. Cultural changes. Environmental education. |
| 9. The economics of conservation. |
Economic evaluation of biodiversity (types of sustainability, decision models in ecological economics, the value of biodiversity). Costs of conservation (method of cost of travel, the method of revealed preferences, an economic and ecological perspective of market). The tragedy of the commons. |
| 10. Political action and conservation. |
International organizations (IUCN MAB program). Government agencies: The Spanish strategy for sustainable development. Spanish strategy for the conservation of biodiversity. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Companies and individuals. Scientific research, policy and conservation. Ecologism as a political ideology. |
| 11. Reserves and protected parks. |
Objectives of the creation of reserves (the problem of fragmentation). Representation of biodiversity. The main features of reserve design: size, dynamism, spatial context, connectivity, buffer zones. Protected natural areas of Galicia. |
| 12. Conservation legislation |
International Biodiversity Agreements (Bern, Ramsar, Washington (CITES), Bonn, Biodiversity (Rio de Janeiro). European legislation (Birds Directive, Habitats Directive) State legislation (Law 42/2007 on Natural Heritage, Decree 139 / 2011 Catalog endangered species, Decree 1628/2011 Catalog of alien invasive species) Legislation of Galicia: Galician law of conservation of nature. |
| 13. Management plans for endangered species. |
Guidelines, objectives and feasibility. Examples: the management plan for the European turtle (Emys orbicularis) in Galicia; management plan of the odonate populations of European interest; Reproductive biology and management of Corema album in the Cíes Islands. |
| Practical 1. Design of Reserves: Testing the species-area relationship. |
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| Practical 2. Taxonomic principles and characteristics of communities. Its use in the decision-making process on conservation. |
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| Practical 3. Contingent assessment |
Discussion about the social attitudes on conservation issues and valuation of emblematic species |
| Practical 4. Analysis of the viability of populations: using the vortex program. |
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| Practical 5. Field lesson. Visit to the Center of Zoogenetic Resources of Galicia. |
Study of the systems of conservation of germoplasm of autochthonous cattle breeds. |
| Practical 6. Field lesson. Visit to the Natural Park of Fragas do Eume. |
Contact with the managers of the protected area, to discuss its specific characteristics and problems. |
| Practical 7. Field lesson. Visit to the National Park of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia. |
Given the peculiarities of the Park, with its insularity, the visit will be to the reception center of visitors in Vigo, if the climatic conditions do not allow visiting the islands. |
