Postgraduate Course: Conservation Finance (BIME11204)
Course Outline
| School | Deanery of Biomedical Sciences |
College | College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
| Course type | Online Distance Learning |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | We will discuss the biodiversity funding gap and potential finance options to close this gap, including who should pay and how we integrate natural capital into investment strategies. We review different types of available sustainable finance instruments and mechanisms, as well as the challenges associated with the governance of conservation finance activities. |
| Course description |
This course provides students with an introduction to conservation finance, through examining the extent to which current finance instruments and mechanisms are fit for purpose (e.g. greenwashing). We consider the value of natural capital for the wellbeing of people and nature and how this can be integrated into sustainable investment strategies and ultimately reduce reliance on non-sustainable funding sources.
This course will explore how we cost finance needs in conservation and examine the finance gap between current spending on biodiversity conservation and what is required to comply with global targets. We consider the relative responsibilities of sectors of society to invest in nature conservation (e.g. public vs. private sector) and the ethical and equity implications in terms of the distribution of costs and benefits and culturally appropriate mechanisms, among others. The course examines the range of current and emerging green financial instruments and the complexities of associated internal and external drivers, as well as exploring challenges with institutional and regulatory arrangements for management.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2024/25, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
|
Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Flexible |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
100
(
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 5,
Online Activities 30,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
63 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Coursework 100%
Formal summative 'Written' assessment will constitute 60% of the overall course grade and will primarily assess LOs 1, 2 and 3. The assessment will involve critically appraising innovative financial solutions and students will expect to write the equivalent of 1500-2000 words.
'Online' assessment, which includes an element of group discussion, will constitute 40% of the overall course grade. The assessment will involve students sharing independently-developed posts (up to 500 words) and then, through discussion, collaboratively exploring the concepts of externalities, equity and equality. |
| Feedback |
Summative assessment consists of a written element, worth 60% of the total mark, and an online element worth 40%. In both cases, comprehensive written feedback is provided individually with 15 working days of the assessment deadline. Students are expected to reflect on their feedback, to seek additional clarification if appropriate, and to use this to improve on future assignments of a similar nature.
Formative assessment consists of discussion around what is expected of each piece of assessed work for the course. This is conducted in an open discussion forum for all students to contribute to and provides an opportunity to clearly understand the key requirements for each assignment before submission. Any student can post questions about the assignment and a response will be posted on the discussion board by the course tutor within 3 working days. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate deep understanding of the theoretical concepts of conservation economics and finance that underpin sustainable funding for biodiversity conservation.
- Demonstrate a critical appreciation of the value of natural capital and its role in supporting human wellbeing.
- Evaluate the current financial gap in order to effectively protect nature and identify potential financial instruments and mechanisms to close this gap and promote mainstreaming into economic policy and investment.
- Critically analyse how positive and negative externalities of economic models can be internalised by governments and business.
- Explore and assess the equality and equity of potential finance mechanisms and the responsibilities associated with investing in and governing these mechanisms.
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Reading List
| The course will draw from current literature and other publications relevant to the topic. A reading list will be provided each week. |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
This course encourages an appreciation for the interface between science and economics and the need for an interdisciplinary approach to studying global issues. |
| Keywords | sustainable financing,ecological economics,natural capital,green finance,greenwashing |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Ellie Devenish-Nelson
Tel: (0131 6)50 3508
Email: Ellie.Devenish@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Katherine Shaw
Tel: (0131 6)50 8349
Email: K.Shaw@ed.ac.uk |
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