Natural resources-forests, pastures, and waterways-are a foundation of rural livelihoods and local governance in much of the developing world. Natural resource management is therefore an important vehicle not only for reducing environmental degradation, but also for promoting rural economic development and good governance. This course examines the nexus of natural resources management, rural livelihoods, and governance systems as it relates to sustainable development and biodiversity conservation efforts. It builds a grassroots perspective by situating community-based systems of natural resource management in progressively broader contexts -regional, national, and international. Students explore a variety of conceptual and practical tools for understanding the nature, wealth and power nexus and for balancing the needs and aspirations of local populations with the objectives of conservation and development programs. Format: seminar. Requirements: Each student completes, in stages, a long research paper integrating environmental, economic and institutional analysis around a case study of sustainable development and/or environmental conservation Students design their paper around their specific environmental and geographic interests. Prerequisites: Environmental Studies 101; Political Science 204 is recommended. Enrollment limit: 12 (expected: 12). Preference is given to seniors and juniors. Satisfies one semester of the Division II requirement. This course satisfies the "Environmental Policy" requirement for the Environmental Studies concentration. Satisfies one semester of the Division II requirement.

Hour: BENJAMIN