This course is an introduction to the development and environmental conservation in China and the region known as the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). This region comprises the Mekong riparian countries on the Southeast Asian peninsula (Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Yunnan Province, P.R. China). The rapid pace of development since the 1980s has placed strains on the environment and dramatically increased China’s use of critical energy, water, and material resources. At the same time, the repercussions of China’s economic development have spilled across borders to its southern neighbors in the GMS. GMS countries are also developing at a rapid rate and face environmental and conservation challenges as well, some unique and some shared with neighboring countries. This course reviews the main environmental challenges facing China and the GMS and surveys the Chinese government’s developmental and environmental management policies, strategies and actions, with some case studies from Yunnan Province, in southwest China.
Yunnan is a unique province, bordered by Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar, with rich biodiversity, dynamic landscapes, and diverse natural environment as well as a patchwork of ethnic cultures. Yunnan is the upper reach watershed for several national and international rivers (Yangze River, Mekong River, Salween River and Irrawaddy River) as well as one of the richest provinces in China for water, mining and biological resources. Yunnan has experienced the massive effects of rapid development since 1978 when China initiated its opening and reform policy and is exploring a balanced approach on development and environmental protection. This approach has brought significant change to Yunnan and impacts neighboring countries, especially those in the GMS. Due to Yunnan’s geographic location, it is a model province in China on how to find harmony between development and environmental conservation during fast development.
As Yunnan has a special linkage economically and geologically with other GMS countries, students will take part in a field study trip to Thailand and Laos in the final portion of the program, which aims to 1) examine best practices and environmental integration specific to countries in the GMS and 2) link these issues together through a discussion of cross border environmental issues and then 3) extend the discussion to look at groups (governmental and NGO and multilateral) who are working to either improve the environmental situation in the GMS or exacerbate it.
The Kunming portion of the course combines lectures, guest speakers and site visits throughout Kunming and a three-day field trip to the Dali area to help students better understand developmental and environmental changes in Yunnan. In Dali, students will also travel to the Manwan Dam site, to discuss the ecological impact of the dam on the local region and its downstream effects.
Prerequisites:
None
Attendance policy:
There will be no unexcused absence during the term. Any unexcused absence will result in your grade being lowered one half-grade (e.g. from a B+ to a B). Proper documentation must be provided for all absences.
Learning outcomes:
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Provide an overview of environmental conservation in China and GMS countries, especially in Yunnan
Develop a sophisticated comparative understanding of how development influences social and environmental issues in China and the GMS
Skillfully demonstrate Ecological Impact Assessment techniques through instruction and fieldwork
Analyze development challenges to environmental sustainability
Analyze local communities’ role and indigenous knowledge on the issue of environmental protection
Compare developmental and environmental management approaches between the United States and the GMS
Method of presentation:
Lectures, seminar discussions, guest lectures, and field trips. This course contains two parts: 4.5-week classes in Kunming and an 18-day field trip in Thailand and Laos.
Field study:
The purpose of the field study component is to strengthen students’ understanding and knowledge of developmental and environmental issues in China and the other GMS countries. Students will visit subtropical, tropical and mountainous areas in northwest Yunnan, Thailand and Laos to experience different ecosystems and development models in different areas. During the field trip, we will also visit governmental agencies, nature reserves, national parks, institutions and local communities, and discuss relevant issues.
Field Study Trip to Thailand and Laos
Situated in the heart of the continental zone of Southeast Asia, Thailand is surrounded by Laos, Cambodia and the Gulf of Thailand (South China Sea) on its east side; Myanmar and the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean) on the West side; and Malaysia in the South. Chiang Rai, a northern province of Thailand, belongs to the so-called Golden Triangle, at which the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar converge - an area previously infamous due to the cross-border drug trade. The Mekong River forms the boundary with Laos, the Mae Sai and Ruak River to Myanmar.
Laos (officially referred to as Lao PDR) is the only landlocked ASEAN country bordered with China, and as such has long remained isolated from outside world. Lao PDR gained independence in 1949 from the French; however, a decade-long civil war which erupted in the 1960s held back much of its development. The civil war ended when the communist Pathet Lao came into power in 1975.
Evening flight to Bangkok from Kunming, Yunnan Province
Visit to UN Environment programme Asia headquarters and a local NGO to understand how the local NGOs are involved in conservation. Overnight in Bangkok.
Bangkok and Train to Chiang Mai
Morning: US Embassy visit, Noon: cooking class
Afternoon: free activities
Evening: take train from Bangkok head to Chiang Mai
Study tour around Chiang Mai
Morning: study tour at Doi Inthanon National Park
Lunch: at Doi Inthanon National Park
Afternoon: free time or visit Insect Exhibition/visit local silk village
Dinner: At Chiang Mai City
Overnight at Chiang Mai City
Visit Chiang Mai University and drive to Chiang Rai
Morning: guest speaker on National park management in Thailand at Chiang Mai University/Mushroom Research Center to collect wild mushrooms in the forest, led by a mycologist
Lunch: at Chiang Mai University
Afternoon: visit Chiang Mai National Museum
Dinner: at Chiang Mai City
Evening: drive to Chiang Rai
Exchange and research day at Chiang Rai University
Morning: Guest speaker on biosecurity issues and cooperative actions cross border in GMS/Environmental challenges and conservation actions in Thailand
Lunch: at Cafeteria of Mae Fah Luang University
Afternoon: mini-conference with NREM graduate students at Mae Fae Luang University to discuss local environmental issues
Dinner: at central market of Chiang Rai City/evening performance
Overnight at Chiang Rai
Field trip to Mae Sai and Mae Salong
Mae Sai is the northernmost district (amphoe) of Chiang Rai Province in northern Thailand, with a major border crossing between Thailand and Myanmar. Asian Highway Network AH2 (Thailand Route 1 or Phahonyothin Road) crosses the Mae Sai River to the town Tachileik in Myanmar. To the north is Myanmar, separated by the Mae Sai River and the Ruak River.
Morning: drive to Mae Sai to visit the cross-border trade between Thailand and Myanmar
Lunch: At Mae Sai
Afternoon: drive to Mae Salong and visit KMT memorial museum
Overnight at Mae Salong
Mae Salong, 1,800m above sea level, has an interesting history, having been chosen as a place of refuge by a significant number of Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) soldiers who fled from the communist regime in 1949. Tea is Mae Salong's most important crop and a variety of local and imported strains are cultivated on mountain terraces. Overnight at Mae Salong.
Study tour at Mae Salong and drive back to Chiang Rai
Morning: Visit some tea gardens to know how the soldiers became tea farmers and visit Mae Salong Baptist Church
Afternoon: meet the mayor to understand how soldiers became farmers. Free activities.
Evening: drive back to Chiang Rai and overnight at Chiang Rai
Board boat to Luang Prabang
Morning tour of Mekong river facilities at Thai/Lao border; Study of giant Mekong catfish ecology and water levels; Border crossing.
Study tour at Luang Prabang
Class on boat; arrive in Luang Prabang in afternoon; dinner with group at Tamnak Laos
Luang Prabang: Historical and Social introduction to Laos and Luang Prabang Field trip report due
Luang Prabang: Class and field study trip on ecotourism development in Laos.
Village homestay
Morning seminar on community ecology
Noon departure to Hmong Village; rice planting; coffee and squash planting; cultural exchange; Students conduct bio-survey of flora and fauna in village
Luang Prabang: Return to Luang Prabang and free time
Vientiane
Morning: Class
Lunch: Chinese restaurant
Afternoon free
Evening flight to Vientiane
Vientiane
Morning: Mekong River Walk; US Embassy visit with discussion on Laos environment; That Luang
Afternoon: Environmental NGO visit
Vientiane
Morning and afternoon: Water Resource Management forum at Mekong River Commission
Vientiane
Morning: GMS Secretariat visit on Mekong River management; Visit Unexploded Ordinances NGO (UXO)
Vientiane
Morning: 6:40am flight to Kunming; arrive back at 9:30am
Free day to prepare for regional symposium
Regional symposium; submit presentation files and notes
Kunming (8/4)
Departure Day
Note: We may change the trip schedule according to the weather and road conditions.
Required work and form of assessment:
Homework (30%): In order to help students understand class content, students should complete 3 responses on the Moodle homework forum after class to discuss topics of development and environmental protection issues in order to augment class discussions.
Field trip report (15%): During the field trip, students will have opportunities to visit and learn sustainable development and environmental protection practices on the ground. One 8-12 page field trip report is required of each student by Day 10 of the trip. The field trip report will focus on field study conducted in Thailand.
EIA simulation (20%): After a training workshop, students will conduct a two tiered Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) first on a set of general questions for instructive purposes and second on a simulated project in Yunnan. Students will make their assessment in the second tier using actual data collected from Laojun Mountain National Park located in northern Yunnan province.
Regional symposium (35%): Students working individually or in small groups will represent a GMS country’s ministerial level environmental protection institution or relevant multilateral institution and react to a series of simulated regional events and issues. Students, based on their knowledge of regional environmental issues and regional relations, will develop a solution to those events and present that solution in a final course presentation. Assessment will be based on the feasibility of those plans and ability of the representative student groups to work together on a solution to the simulation. A large portion of the presentation will focus on regional cooperation, discussion and analysis of the transboundary issues such as water resource management, invasive species, and the impact of tourism development on regional ecologies in GMS states.
content:
Module One/Week One: Overview of environmental challenges and management
This module will show students a panoramic picture of China’s development and environmental issues and environmental laws regulations. Students will also have the opportunity to discuss with practitioners in the field following guest lectures by conservation NGOs and GOs.
Class 1: Overview of China’s development and environmental challenges
Class 2: China’s environmental laws, regulations and administrative structure
Guest Speaker (Mr. Bo Zhou) on Yunnan’s environmental challenges and conservation actions
Guest speaker (Dr. Xiaogang Yu) on NGOs role in conservation in Yunnan
Moodle response 1 due
Module Two/Week Two: EIA and interdisciplinary lectures
In this module, students will learn how to assess the biological impact from construction projects via framework, method presentation, and a case study. They will also understand how global climate change has been impacting China and what actions the Chinese government has taken. The highlight of this module is how traditional culture influences biodiversity, with a case study from Yunnan.
Class 8: Climate change and China’s responses
Class 9: Traditional Culture and biodiversity conservation
Class 10: Ecological impact assessment: method and practice - a case study from Laojun Mountain National Park, Northwest Yunnan.
Note: Students need to submit EIA simulation report before the mini-field study trip to Dali and Manwan Dam.
Module Three/Week Three: Water resources management and hydropower development
China is one of 13 countries with the greatest water shortage in the world. Water shortage and pollution are the key constraints for China’s development. Students will become acquainted with the current status and challenges of hydropower development in China.
Class 3: Water pollution and resources management in China
Trip to Dianchi Lake and waste water treatment factory to survey water pollution and treatment
Class 4: Guest Speaker (Prof. Edward Grumbine) on big dams and hydropower development in Yunnan and the Greater Mekong Subregion.
Moodle response 2 due
Mini-field study trip to Dali and Manwan Dam (with economic development group): Four days in Dali and Manwan Dam
During the first 4 days, the group will visit the Dali Prefecture in Northwest Yunnan. Dali is a Bai minority autonomous prefecture with rich biodiversity and unique minority culture, one of the largest alpine lakes (Erhai), and one of the largest wind energy programs in Yunnan. The trip will include hiking in Cangshan National Nature Reserve/Geological Park, boating in Erhai Lake, and visiting Dali Old Town.
Drive from Kunming to Dali and Erhai Lake
Dali remains the historic site for the former Dali Kingdom. Because of its rich natural, cultural and historical heritage, Dali attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Erhai Lake is the second largest freshwater lake in Yunnan, and the seventh largest freshwater lake in China. It is also a part of the Cangshan Erhai National Nature Reserve, which protects aquatic ecosystems and native fish species. It faces challenges from tourism development, urbanization and pollution. Students will stay overnight in Dali Old Town.
Visit Cangshan National Nature Reserve/Geological Park
The nature reserve and geological park is part of the Hengduan Mountain range, one of the richest, most biodiverse areas in the world. The mountain peaks range from 2,000 meters to 4,000 meters above sea level. There are more than 3,000 plant species in this area, protected by the nature reserve, many of which were introduced to Europe and North America hundreds years ago by “plant hunters” from Europe. This trip will include an exhibit and a hike in Cangshan Mountain.
Drive to Manwan Dam
The Manwan Hydropower Station is located on the middle reaches of the Lancang River in Yunnan Province, and is the first completed large hydropower station in the cascading hydropower development of the Lancang River. In accordance with the river development planning, two large reservoirs and eight cascade hydropower stations are to be constructed on the middle reaches of the river. Students will stay overnight at Manwan Town.
Drive back to Kunming
Module Four/Week Four: Natural resources and management in China
China is facing natural resource constraints in the course of its fast economic development. In this module, students will explore the key issues/challenges of land, energy and biodiversity resources as well as management strategies for these resources.
Students will be given research topics to consider:
Compare developmental strategies in China and the US, analyzing advantages and disadvantages
Summarize and analyze developmental impacts on Yunnan’s society, culture and environment
Discuss which natural resource utilization is sustainable
Explain how to integrate traditional culture with environmental conservation
Cross Border integration in environmental conservation and development in the GMS
Class 5: Land resources management in China
Class 6: Biodiversity and conservation in China
Class 7: Wild Mushroom resources in Yunnan: challenges and sustainable utilization
Field trip to local wild mushroom market to make a survey for the mushroom trade
Moodle response 3 due
The field study component will be in two phases.
Required readings:
Students are expected to utilize the required readings and resources in their presentations and include analysis of the readings in assigned projects.
Day, Kristen A., ed. China's Environment and the Challenge of Sustainable Development. New York: Columbia University, 2005. (CEC)
Economy, Elizabeth C. The River Runs Black: The Environmental Challenge to China's Future. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2004. (ECC)
Edmonds, Richards L. Managing the Chinese Environment (Studies on Contemporary China). Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000. (MCE)
Worldwatch Institute. State of the World 2006. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2006. (STW)
The World Bank. China—Air, Land and Water. Washington: The World Bank, 2001. (ALW)
Brief Biography of Instructor:
Dequn Zhou has earned many degrees: an M.Sc in Agriculture from Southwest Forestry University, China, and a Master in Development Management from the Asian Institute of Management, Manila. In 2001, Professor Zhou earned a Ph.D. in Ecology and Biodiversity from the University of Hong Kong. He is currently a professor of ecology and conservation biology at the Kunming University of Science and Technology and has taught seminars and lectures on Restoration Ecology, Conservation Action Planning, and Environmental Challenges in China since 2008.
During 1985-2008, he was a professor at Southwest Forestry University in the field of Forest Protection and Conservation Biology. From 2004-2008, Prof. Zhou was the project manager of China Program, The Nature Conservancy and in charge of the Laojun Mountain National Park promotion. Current research areas focus on Conservation Biology, Protecting Areas, and Mycology. Among his more recent publications: “National parks in China: Experiments with protecting nature and human livelihoods in Yunnan province, Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC) (2011) and “Diversity and ecological distribution of macrofungi in the Laojun Mountain region, Southwest China” (2010).
This course is an introduction to the development and environmental conservation in China and the region known as the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). This region comprises the Mekong riparian countries on the Southeast Asian peninsula (Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Yunnan Province, P.R. China). The rapid pace of development since the 1980s has placed strains on the environment and dramatically increased China’s use of critical energy, water, and material resources. At the same time, the repercussions of China’s economic development have spilled across borders to its southern neighbors in the GMS. GMS countries are also developing at a rapid rate and face environmental and conservation challenges as well, some unique and some shared with neighboring countries. This course reviews the main environmental challenges facing China and the GMS and surveys the Chinese government’s developmental and environmental management policies, strategies and actions, with some case studies from Yunnan Province, in southwest China.
Yunnan is a unique province, bordered by Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar, with rich biodiversity, dynamic landscapes, and diverse natural environment as well as a patchwork of ethnic cultures. Yunnan is the upper reach watershed for several national and international rivers (Yangze River, Mekong River, Salween River and Irrawaddy River) as well as one of the richest provinces in China for water, mining and biological resources. Yunnan has experienced the massive effects of rapid development since 1978 when China initiated its opening and reform policy and is exploring a balanced approach on development and environmental protection. This approach has brought significant change to Yunnan and impacts neighboring countries, especially those in the GMS. Due to Yunnan’s geographic location, it is a model province in China on how to find harmony between development and environmental conservation during fast development.
As Yunnan has a special linkage economically and geologically with other GMS countries, students will take part in a field study trip to Thailand and Laos in the final portion of the program, which aims to 1) examine best practices and environmental integration specific to countries in the GMS and 2) link these issues together through a discussion of cross border environmental issues and then 3) extend the discussion to look at groups (governmental and NGO and multilateral) who are working to either improve the environmental situation in the GMS or exacerbate it.
The Kunming portion of the course combines lectures, guest speakers and site visits throughout Kunming and a three-day field trip to the Dali area to help students better understand developmental and environmental changes in Yunnan. In Dali, students will also travel to the Manwan Dam site, to discuss the ecological impact of the dam on the local region and its downstream effects.
None
There will be no unexcused absence during the term. Any unexcused absence will result in your grade being lowered one half-grade (e.g. from a B+ to a B). Proper documentation must be provided for all absences.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Lectures, seminar discussions, guest lectures, and field trips. This course contains two parts: 4.5-week classes in Kunming and an 18-day field trip in Thailand and Laos.
The purpose of the field study component is to strengthen students’ understanding and knowledge of developmental and environmental issues in China and the other GMS countries. Students will visit subtropical, tropical and mountainous areas in northwest Yunnan, Thailand and Laos to experience different ecosystems and development models in different areas. During the field trip, we will also visit governmental agencies, nature reserves, national parks, institutions and local communities, and discuss relevant issues.
Field Study Trip to Thailand and Laos
Situated in the heart of the continental zone of Southeast Asia, Thailand is surrounded by Laos, Cambodia and the Gulf of Thailand (South China Sea) on its east side; Myanmar and the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean) on the West side; and Malaysia in the South. Chiang Rai, a northern province of Thailand, belongs to the so-called Golden Triangle, at which the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar converge - an area previously infamous due to the cross-border drug trade. The Mekong River forms the boundary with Laos, the Mae Sai and Ruak River to Myanmar.
Laos (officially referred to as Lao PDR) is the only landlocked ASEAN country bordered with China, and as such has long remained isolated from outside world. Lao PDR gained independence in 1949 from the French; however, a decade-long civil war which erupted in the 1960s held back much of its development. The civil war ended when the communist Pathet Lao came into power in 1975.
Evening flight to Bangkok from Kunming, Yunnan Province
Visit to UN Environment programme Asia headquarters and a local NGO to understand how the local NGOs are involved in conservation. Overnight in Bangkok.
Bangkok and Train to Chiang Mai
Study tour around Chiang Mai
Visit Chiang Mai University and drive to Chiang Rai
Exchange and research day at Chiang Rai University
Field trip to Mae Sai and Mae Salong
Mae Sai is the northernmost district (amphoe) of Chiang Rai Province in northern Thailand, with a major border crossing between Thailand and Myanmar. Asian Highway Network AH2 (Thailand Route 1 or Phahonyothin Road) crosses the Mae Sai River to the town Tachileik in Myanmar. To the north is Myanmar, separated by the Mae Sai River and the Ruak River.
Mae Salong, 1,800m above sea level, has an interesting history, having been chosen as a place of refuge by a significant number of Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) soldiers who fled from the communist regime in 1949. Tea is Mae Salong's most important crop and a variety of local and imported strains are cultivated on mountain terraces. Overnight at Mae Salong.
Study tour at Mae Salong and drive back to Chiang Rai
Board boat to Luang Prabang
Morning tour of Mekong river facilities at Thai/Lao border; Study of giant Mekong catfish ecology and water levels; Border crossing.
Study tour at Luang Prabang
Class on boat; arrive in Luang Prabang in afternoon; dinner with group at Tamnak Laos
Luang Prabang: Historical and Social introduction to Laos and Luang Prabang
Field trip report due
Luang Prabang: Class and field study trip on ecotourism development in Laos.
Village homestay
Luang Prabang: Return to Luang Prabang and free time
Vientiane
Vientiane
Vientiane
Vientiane
Vientiane
Kunming (8/4)
Homework (30%): In order to help students understand class content, students should complete 3 responses on the Moodle homework forum after class to discuss topics of development and environmental protection issues in order to augment class discussions.
Field trip report (15%): During the field trip, students will have opportunities to visit and learn sustainable development and environmental protection practices on the ground. One 8-12 page field trip report is required of each student by Day 10 of the trip. The field trip report will focus on field study conducted in Thailand.
EIA simulation (20%): After a training workshop, students will conduct a two tiered Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) first on a set of general questions for instructive purposes and second on a simulated project in Yunnan. Students will make their assessment in the second tier using actual data collected from Laojun Mountain National Park located in northern Yunnan province.
Regional symposium (35%): Students working individually or in small groups will represent a GMS country’s ministerial level environmental protection institution or relevant multilateral institution and react to a series of simulated regional events and issues. Students, based on their knowledge of regional environmental issues and regional relations, will develop a solution to those events and present that solution in a final course presentation. Assessment will be based on the feasibility of those plans and ability of the representative student groups to work together on a solution to the simulation. A large portion of the presentation will focus on regional cooperation, discussion and analysis of the transboundary issues such as water resource management, invasive species, and the impact of tourism development on regional ecologies in GMS states.
Module One/Week One: Overview of environmental challenges and management
This module will show students a panoramic picture of China’s development and environmental issues and environmental laws regulations. Students will also have the opportunity to discuss with practitioners in the field following guest lectures by conservation NGOs and GOs.
Module Two/Week Two: EIA and interdisciplinary lectures
In this module, students will learn how to assess the biological impact from construction projects via framework, method presentation, and a case study. They will also understand how global climate change has been impacting China and what actions the Chinese government has taken. The highlight of this module is how traditional culture influences biodiversity, with a case study from Yunnan.
Note: Students need to submit EIA simulation report before the mini-field study trip to Dali and Manwan Dam.
Module Three/Week Three: Water resources management and hydropower development
China is one of 13 countries with the greatest water shortage in the world. Water shortage and pollution are the key constraints for China’s development. Students will become acquainted with the current status and challenges of hydropower development in China.
Mini-field study trip to Dali and Manwan Dam (with economic development group): Four days in Dali and Manwan Dam
During the first 4 days, the group will visit the Dali Prefecture in Northwest Yunnan. Dali is a Bai minority autonomous prefecture with rich biodiversity and unique minority culture, one of the largest alpine lakes (Erhai), and one of the largest wind energy programs in Yunnan. The trip will include hiking in Cangshan National Nature Reserve/Geological Park, boating in Erhai Lake, and visiting Dali Old Town.
Drive from Kunming to Dali and Erhai Lake
Dali remains the historic site for the former Dali Kingdom. Because of its rich natural, cultural and historical heritage, Dali attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Erhai Lake is the second largest freshwater lake in Yunnan, and the seventh largest freshwater lake in China. It is also a part of the Cangshan Erhai National Nature Reserve, which protects aquatic ecosystems and native fish species. It faces challenges from tourism development, urbanization and pollution. Students will stay overnight in Dali Old Town.
Visit Cangshan National Nature Reserve/Geological Park
The nature reserve and geological park is part of the Hengduan Mountain range, one of the richest, most biodiverse areas in the world. The mountain peaks range from 2,000 meters to 4,000 meters above sea level. There are more than 3,000 plant species in this area, protected by the nature reserve, many of which were introduced to Europe and North America hundreds years ago by “plant hunters” from Europe. This trip will include an exhibit and a hike in Cangshan Mountain.
Drive to Manwan Dam
The Manwan Hydropower Station is located on the middle reaches of the Lancang River in Yunnan Province, and is the first completed large hydropower station in the cascading hydropower development of the Lancang River. In accordance with the river development planning, two large reservoirs and eight cascade hydropower stations are to be constructed on the middle reaches of the river. Students will stay overnight at Manwan Town.
Drive back to Kunming
Module Four/Week Four: Natural resources and management in China
China is facing natural resource constraints in the course of its fast economic development. In this module, students will explore the key issues/challenges of land, energy and biodiversity resources as well as management strategies for these resources.
Students will be given research topics to consider:
The field study component will be in two phases.
Students are expected to utilize the required readings and resources in their presentations and include analysis of the readings in assigned projects.
Dequn Zhou has earned many degrees: an M.Sc in Agriculture from Southwest Forestry University, China, and a Master in Development Management from the Asian Institute of Management, Manila. In 2001, Professor Zhou earned a Ph.D. in Ecology and Biodiversity from the University of Hong Kong. He is currently a professor of ecology and conservation biology at the Kunming University of Science and Technology and has taught seminars and lectures on Restoration Ecology, Conservation Action Planning, and Environmental Challenges in China since 2008.
During 1985-2008, he was a professor at Southwest Forestry University in the field of Forest Protection and Conservation Biology. From 2004-2008, Prof. Zhou was the project manager of China Program, The Nature Conservancy and in charge of the Laojun Mountain National Park promotion. Current research areas focus on Conservation Biology, Protecting Areas, and Mycology. Among his more recent publications: “National parks in China: Experiments with protecting nature and human livelihoods in Yunnan province, Peoples’ Republic of China (PRC) (2011) and “Diversity and ecological distribution of macrofungi in the Laojun Mountain region, Southwest China” (2010).