Environmental Issues of New Zealand
From WildWiki
* Environmental Issues of New Zealand (4 credits)
Course Description
This course provides an overview to the unique natural species and landscapes of this island country as well as its many environmental challenges. Topics may vary from year to year but typically include environmental history, island biogeography, natural history, conservation and restoration ecology, environmental policy and legislation, and sustainable development. Emphasis will be placed on species, habitat, and community identification, geologic processes, and the impact of human settlement on New Zealand's ecosystems. This course will be taught by an adjunct-instructor from a local university. A previous course in Biology or Geology is recommended.
Course Overview
We will begin our exploration on the environmental issues of New Zealand in the North Island, learning the general characteristics of the land and its inhabitants. Here, we will learn about island biogeography and the natural history of the North Island through guest lectures, field observations, and our expeditions to Mount Taranaki, Wanganui National Park, and Kapiti Island, a renowned island sanctuary managed by the Department of Conservation for the purposes of protecting a variety of endangered bird species including the kiwi, the north island robin, and the kaka, among others. Finally, we will conclude our north island unit by visiting Te Papa- the national museum of New Zealand where you will be able to tie together many of the elements we have explored thus far through well-organized and interactive exhibits on New Zealand’s natural history and current environmental problems and potential solutions.
On the South Island, we will continue our exploration of New Zealand flora and fauna through a series of lectures at the University of Canterbury as well as several field trips including an overnight to Arthur’s Pass National Park where our field guide will introduce us to the unique alpine ecology and geology of the area. After some grounding in basic species, ecosystem, and community identification, we will begin exploring conservation issues including invasive species management, biosecurity, and ecological restoration through a series of lectures and an excursion to Hinewai, a model conservation reserve located in the Banks Peninsula outside of Christchurch.
After Spring Break, we will put our emerging understandings in context through an immersive and integrative study on the West Coast of New Zealand by studying the Mohikinui River as a case study for environmental problems both within the New Zealand and international context. We will stay at the Rough and Tumble Ecolodge, located on the banks of the Mohikinui River and explore the unique natural history of the area. But, we will also then learn how the area is threatened by a hydro-electric power project, placing the needs of the local economy and country at odds with the possible preservation of a unique and diverse natural area. By learning about the controversy from a variety of lenses and stakeholder groups, we will discover the multi-disciplinary nature of environmental studies first–hand as well as gain an appreciation for the complexity of modern day environmental conflict.
We will conclude the Environmental Issues course with several lectures on modern environmental issues in New Zealand including energy consumption, climate change, and water resources. We will also have the opportunity to visit Mt. Aoraki/Cook National Park and explore the unique ecology and geology of this bioregion. This course will be taught by an adjunct-instructor from a local university. A previous course in Biology or Geology is recommended. Natural Science Gen. Ed.
