GE90241: Natural resources management and development

The module GE90142: Natural Resource Management and Environmental Governance equips Master of Geography and Environment students with advanced knowledge and practical skills for the sustainable management of natural resources. It introduces key concepts such as renewable and non-renewable resources, sustainability, conservation, and resource efficiency, and examines development challenges including the resource curse and resource dependency.

The module also explores global and regional governance frameworks such as the SDGs and the Paris Agreement, alongside institutional and policy mechanisms for environmental management. Key issues addressed include environmental degradation, climate change impacts, resource conflicts, and emerging approaches like the circular economy and green technologies.

Practically, students apply this knowledge through case studies, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), GIS-based resource mapping, and analysis of resource governance and conflicts in different contexts, including Rwanda, the Nile Basin, the Congo Basin, the Amazon, and other global regions. The module ultimately builds competencies in sustainable resource governance, conflict resolution, and environmental planning.