The minor is a second-year specialization of the International Forest and Nature Management major. We pay attention to ecology, field research and analysis and to the social and economic impact of forest management. The main themes are tropical livelihoods and sustainable plantation forestry. You zoom in on different research methods, how to define research questions, select research methods and apply statistics.

In the module 'Tropical livelihoods' you explore the livelihoods of small-scale farmers in developing countries. The different ways they manage their farms, taking into account things like soil characteristics, crop growth requirements, tree management, and the measures farmers take to control erosion. We will also look at the socio-economic and political environment in which farmers work to make a living.

The module 'Sustainable plantation forestry' includes lectures, ecosystem goods and services, wood basics and analysis of forest investments. You use the knowledge you have acquired to develop, in student groups, a plan for the construction and management of a forest plantation, a plan that must be ecologically, economically and socially sustainable.

You will learn different research methods with a special focus on ecological and social research. You work out a proposal, carry out the actual field research and analyze the results of the research. The project area concerned is located in a challenging international environment (presumably Portugal). In addition to ecological research, the inclusion of social research is mandatory. You use spatial data to develop field maps (GIS) and present research results in a report. Peer review is an important aspect of different phases of the research (writing a proposal and presenting the research results).

Added value:
Students learn how to combine different data (ecological, economic and social data) into a plan for managing natural resources and tropical forest plantations. They’ll also get experience in applying different field research methods.

Course: Tropical Livelihoods

Making plans:

·        student is able to explain and analyse the natural and socio-economic conditions of farmers operating in developing countries, and its implications for development options;

·        student is able to apply tools to analyse the livelihoods of rural populations;

·        student is able to identify development strategies and interventions;

·        student is able to make informed decisions about sustainable land management based on a thorough understanding of tropical crops, tropical soils, agroforestry, and soil and water conservation;

·        student is able to design rural land use plans, using multi-criteria analysis.

 

Management:

·        student is able to design an economic and ecological sustainable farm management plan;

·        student is able to apply and select appropriate agroforestry systems;

·        student is able to indicate preferable tree characteristics for different agroforestry practices;

·        student is able to identify management options for controlling competition in agroforestry systems;

·        student is able to indicate sustainable soil management measures;

·        student is familiar with the construction of low input soil conservation tools.

 

Sustainable Plantation Forestry
Entrepreneurship

·      student is able to apply the concept of social, ecological and economic sustainability in the design of a commercial forest plantation;

·      student is able to define operational requirements and objectives for sustainable plantation management that allow decision making about measures to be implemented

·      student is able to calculate timber yields of a commercial forest plantation

·      student is able to define management options to optimise the provisioning of ecosystem goods and services of planted forests

·      student is able to conduct cost-benefit analyses and economic calculations (e.g. IRR) of planted forests, and substantiate ideas and decisions based on financial arguments;

·      student is able to present the results of a financial investment analysis according to provided guidelines.

 

Management of forest and nature

·        student is able to explain the role of forests in climate change mitigation and -adaptation strategies

·        student is able to develop management plans for commercially viable and sustainable forest plantations (including tree nurseries)

·        student is able to prepare a sustainable plantation management plan using a multi-disciplinary approach and including a site assessment

Design of plans

·      student is able to collect for a specific area relevant information and reference data and use this to prepare an area description

·      student is able to formulate an original vision in line with the requirements and objectives defined

·      student is able to define clear and explicit objectives and requirements (financial, ecological, social) for establishing a sustainable forest plantation

·      student is able to identify measures in line with the requirements and objectives defined, and indicate financial consequences of implementation of these measures.

Project- and process management:

·      student is able to co-operate in a constructive and efficient way in a small project group.

·      student is able to provide and request professional feedback to improve personal and group’s functioning

·      student is able to account for group processes, including one’s own role and that of other group members, and for the final results reported

 

Research Methods
Conducting research:

·        student is able to describe the different phases in research;

·        student is able to explain the requirements of sound research;

·        student is able to characterize different ecological and social research methods;

·        student is able to select appropriate research methods;

·        student is able to conduct literature research;

·        student is able to select and apply different methods of statistical analysis;

·        student is able to process and analyse data using relational databases and statistical software.

 

Communication in English:

·        student is able to read and comprehend in detail complex and lengthy texts at C1 level;

·        student is able to write and process texts at C1 level using different styles appropriate to the reader;

·        student is able to expand and support points of view using relevant examples;

·        student is able to use grammar with a high degree of accuracy at C1 level;

·        student is able to use a broad range of subject specific and general professional vocabulary at C1 level

 

Field research project
Project- and process management

·        student is able to prepare a research proposal under supervision

Conducting research

·        student is able to conduct field research in an international setting

·        student is able to define research objectives and hypothesis

·        student is able to select adequate research methods

·        student is able to design and apply sophisticated research protocols

·        student is able to collect reliable research data

·        student is able to analyze research outcomes

·        student is able to discuss research outcomes

·        student is able to draw valid conclusions

Communication

·        student is able to report and present findings in an academic way

At least 120 credits obtained in previous bachelor programs; Intake meeting and acceptance of earlier obtained competences.

Documents provide for entry requirements:
CV and prove of obtained credits in earlier education at bachelor level.

1. Jaboury Ghazoul and Douglas Sheil, Tropical Rain Forest Ecology, Diversity, and Conservation, Oxford University Press, 2010, ISBN 9780199285884; € 61,95
2. Bauhus, van der Meer & Kanninen (2010) Ecosystem Goods and Services from Plantation Forests. Earthscan.
3. Evans, J. & Turnbull, J.W. 2004. Plantation Forestry in the Tropics. The role, silviculture and use of planted forests for industrial, social, environmental and agroforestry purposes. Oxford University Press, Oxford, U.K

There are 4 module-blocks covering in total 840 hours of teaching

1. Tropical livelihoods (TL): Lectures 50 hours; Case studies (group work) 60 hours; Practicals & excursions 46 hours: Self-study 48 hours;
2. Sustainable Plantations Forestry (SPF): Lectures 60 hours; Case studies (group work: 70 hours; Practicals 22 hours; Self-study: 60 hours
3. Research Methods: Lectures 45 hours; Computer practical 40 hours; group work 55 hours; self-study 60 hours;
4. Field research project:  lectures 20 hours; group meetings 20 hours; group work: 30 hours; field work: 70 hours, practical training 16 hours; self-study 43 hours

Tropical Livelihoods

• TL Competence assessment is an oral assessment, consisting of an individual interview of 20 minutes. The assessment is based on the case reports: students will be questioned about his or her integral knowledge on the content of the reports; numeral 1 -10 (0,1 Int - 5,5 pass)
• TL Theory AF & SWC : this assessment is a written theoretical exam covering the topics “Agroforestry” and “Soil and Water Conservation”. The exam exists of both multiple-choice questions as open questions; numeral 1 -10 (0,1 Int - 5,5 pass)
• TL Theory PSWR & RD: the written theoretical exam covers the “Plant, Water and Soil Relations” and “Rural Development”. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and open questions; numeral 1 -10 (0,1 Int - 5,5 pass)

Sustainable Plantation Forestry

• SPF Theory 2-EGS & FIA . Covers the topics: Ecosystem Goods and Services of planted forests, Basics of wood and Forest investment analysis: written exam, individual; numeral 1 -10 (0,1 Int - 5,5 passed)
• SPF portfolio of several assignment including Forest Plantation management report. numeral 1 -10 (0,1 Int - 5,5 passed)

Research methods

• Research methods and Forest Ecology Management (FEM): : written exam, individual; numeral 1 -10 (0,1 Int - 5,5 pass)
• Database processing and analysis: computer exam, individual; numeral 1 -10 (0,1 Int - 5,5 pass)
• English 3: computer exam, individual; numeral 1 -10 (0,1 Int - 5,5 pass)

Field research project

• Research Portfolio: evaluation of products, group; O/V
• Research article: written exam, individual; numeral 1 -10 (0,1 Int - 5,5 pass)
• Foreign language: Spanish level 1 (written exam