Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
SPEAKER: Coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs
and seagrass meadows are found along thousands
of kilometers of tropical coastline.
Whether it is food, income, or protection from storms,
these important ecosystems provide goods and services to over 500 million people
worldwide.
Consequently, developing in-depth understanding
of how these ecosystems function and can be sustainably managed
in a changing world is critically important.
Our course will introduce you to tropical coastal ecosystems,
and will help build fundamental insights into their biology, ecology
and management.
You will hear from leading practitioners.
And through their contributions, you'll be
able to develop a deeper understanding of tropical coastal geography,
oceanography, and ecology, as well as expanding
your understanding of the flow of energy nutrients and other materials
through these important regions.
You will also build your knowledge of the key challenges that
are facing these ecosystems as coastal populations continue to grow.
Most importantly, tropical coastal ecosystems
will introduce you to the key management priorities and strategies
that modern day coastal zone managers are using.
Drawing on online data sets and immersive exercises,
you and your fellow students will bring your new found knowledge together
through a major project that will explore an area of interest
to you within the general theme of tropical coastal ecosystems.
So by the end of the course, we expect you
to have gained a deeper understanding of how to measure, analyze and respond
to the challenges that these fascinating and important ecosystems face.
In the 21st century, acquiring this knowledge
is important to the well being of millions of people
throughout the world's tropics.
My colleagues and I, therefore, look very much forward to seeing you online.
Thank you.