ESP-5200: Policy Advocacy: Biodiversity Conservation

The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has shone a spotlight on the ways in which biodiversity is threatened and pointed to solution pathways. IPBES, in its summary report for policymakers, states, “The biosphere, upon which humanity as a whole depends, is being altered to an unparalleled degree across all spatial scales. Biodiversity - the diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems - is declining faster than at any time in human history. Societal goals, including those related to food, water, energy, health and the achievement of human well- being for all, mitigating and adapting to climate change and conserving and sustainably using nature, can be achieved in sustainable pathways through the rapid and improved deployment of existing policy instruments and new initiatives that more effectively enlist individual and collective action for transformative change. (IPBES, 2019) But how do scientists and researchers take action beyond their own research agenda to influence policy systems towards better biodiversity conservation outcomes? How can we advocate for the policies that will help solve this global crisis? Being able to translate your scientific research to inform policy is an essential skill set. Policymakers have little incentive to act unless there is focused engagement by constituents. This course will provide participants with skills in utilizing the tools of democracy to take meaningful action to protect and preserve biodiversity. There is an art and science to effective advocacy. We will tackle theory, practice, and case study research as a means of understanding effective venues, strategies and tactics for advocacy. We will engage in ‘hands on’ opportunities to build skills, knowledge, experience, and demonstrated ability. We will explore the role of the environmental professional as advocate in the formation and implementation of public policy at all scales and domains: international, national, state, and local levels and within private sector organizations and industries. This includes an advanced discussion of the environmental professional as a change agent in social, political, and economic contexts, and the environmental professional’s roles within private and public sectors.
Min. Credits: 1.0
Credit Basis: Semester credit
Location(s): Antioch Univ New England
Method(s): Online (asynchronous),Online Meeting (synchronous)
Faculty Consent Required: N
Program Approval Required: N
Course Type Environmental Studies and Sustainability

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ESP-5200: Policy Advocacy: Biodiversity Conservation