GE80741: Regional Planning and Natural resources management

Welcome to the module GE80741: Regional Planning and Natural Resources Management. This module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the spatial, socio-economic, and environmental dynamics that govern regional growth and physical planning. In an era marked by rapid urbanization, climate vulnerability, and resource depletion, managing land, water, forests, and biodiversity effectively is critical to building regional resilience. Throughout this learning experience, you will explore foundational planning theories, dissect development indicators, examine real-world barriers to socio-economic progress, and critically analyze the practices and policies that guide natural resources management with a special lens on Rwanda. By bridging theoretical and practical planning models and resources governance, this module prepares you to contribute to sustainable development planning and policy design.

Module Aim

The overarching aim of this module is to equip students with the conceptual frameworks, analytical tools, and strategic skills necessary to design, evaluate, and govern integrated spatial plans and natural resource management frameworks that foster sustainable, equitable, and balanced regional development.

Module Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Analyze the structural, economic, and socio-cultural foundations that shape urban, rural, and regional planning processes.
2. Evaluate alternative spatial development pathways and plans using established planning models and quantitative socio-economic development indicators.
3. Formulate integrated resource management strategies that balance economic exploitation with the conservation of land, water, forests, and biodiversity.
4. Assess the legal frameworks, institutional structures, and governance policies regulating natural resources assets and cross-border resource conflicts.
5. Design localized sustainable development interventions that align with national planning frameworks, ecological boundaries, and community-driven resource management priorities.

Lecturer’s name and contact information:

·       Assoc. Prof. Manirakiza Vincent, vmanir3@gmail.com, (078834037)

·       Mr. Mugabe Leon, mugabeleon@gmail.com, (0788741685)

·       Assoc. Prof. Muhire Innocent, innocentmuhire@gmail.com, (0783543536)

·        Mrs. Twizerimana Yvonne, yvonne.twizerimana@gmail,.com, (0786849999)

·       Mr. Nsengiyumva Anastase, anastasevictory66@gmail.com, (0788737731)