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A Participatory Approach to University Teaching About Partnerships for Biodiversity Conservation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 June 2015

William Gladstone ,
Robin Stanger  and
Liz Phelps
William Gladstone*
Affiliation:
University of Newcastle
Robin Stanger
Affiliation:
Urban and Wildlife Corridors Australia
Liz Phelps
Affiliation:
National Parks and Wildlife Service
*
†School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle(Ourimbah Campus), PO Box 127, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia. Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

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Loss of biodiversity and habitats is one of the greatest threats to the environment and education has a critical role to play in addressing this issue. This paper describes a teaching activity for first-year university students studying sustainable resource management at the University of Newcastle which established a partnership between education, government and the community to rehabilitate a nature reserve where biodiversity values were threatened by weed invasion. Students research the problem (weed invasion), quantitatively assess the impacts of weed invasion and management interventions, and work alongside a community-based bushcare group and government agency during on-ground rehabilitation of the reserve. Key outcomes for students have been knowledge and skills relevant to a critical issue for the Australian environment; a more optimistic attitude towards environmental issues and their potential to develop solutions; a positive perspective about the role of community involvement; continued participation in community bushcare groups outside the classroom; and personal involvement in solving a critical environmental issue.

Keywords

biodiversitynatural resource managementprotected areathreatened speciestertiary teaching
Type
Research Article
Information
Australian Journal of Environmental Education , Volume 22 , Issue 2 , 2006 , pp. 21 - 31
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2003 

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