This module explores the purpose of biodiversity conservation and how expenditure of resources on conservation may be justified. This is now vitally important for any person working in the area of environment and sustainability as biodiversity is decreasing at a rate never experienced before. Students will examine from both a theoretical and practical standpoint, the concept of biodiversity and its conservation. The significance of preservation vs conservation is examined as biodiversity is essential for maintaining ecosystem health and human wellbeing. This module analyses the impacts of humanity on biodiversity and explores possible mitigation measures through the review of case studies in the management of conservation areas, and habitat restoration.

Biodiversity is defined, its importance to humanity explained in terms of ecosystem services and functioning. Human impacts on biodiversity under a range of categories and mitigation measures are explored. Students are required to read and explore case studies relevant to the conservation of biodiversity. The UN SDGs addressed in this module are Goal 3-Good Health and Well-Being, Goal 10-Reduced Inequalities, Goal 13-Climate Action, Goal 14-Life Below Water, Goal 15-Life on Land.

On successful completion of this module the graduate will be able to: • Define biodiversity explain the importance to humanity of biodiversity conservation. • Describe and explain the significance of biodiversity to ecosystem services and functioning and how expenditure of resources on conservation may be justified. • Describe and evaluate methods for measuring biodiversity. • Review the ecological criteria that are considered when selecting a site for conservation. • Explain ways in which human activity has impacted on biodiversity. • Describe possible mitigation measures for conserving biodiversity from the negative impacts humanity has had. • Evaluate the links between poverty, wealth and biodiversity. • Recognise the links between the areas covered in the module and provide specific examples and references from their own readings. • Be able to identify useful, reliable and relevant information sources.

On successful completion of this module, students will 1. Appreciate the need for careful evaluation of biodiversity and conservation needs in dispersing scarce resources. 2. Appreciate the impacts that humanity has on biodiversity and the need for conservation.

On successful completion of this module, students will have 1. Developed skills in evaluation and interpretation of information. 2. Developed skills in identifying and evaluating sources of relevant information. 3. Developed skills in analysis of case studies with respect to conservation requirements.

Learning Outcomes are adhered to in lectures. Sustainability (Environment, Socio-Economics and Governance/Policy) is discussed in all relevant parts of the module. In relation to sustainability in conservation, research objectives and outcomes can develop significantly over very short timeframes; therefore, novel and emerging policies and actions are described in for government and other agencies. Within a very dynamic situation, care is taken to ensure lectures and readings provide up to date information. Students are provided with guidance on the structure of the module, key concepts, technical terms and selected key information sources, together with a full explanation of the assessment instruments adopted. Timetabled lectures provide additional insights on previous actions taken to enhance conservation and a guide to current research in relevant policy and practice. Class time also includes discussion and an opportunity for students to debate issues of interest and relevance. The teaching methods here ensure that the desired attributes of University of Limerick students, in particular students will be knowledgeable, articulate, proactive, responsible, curious and creative in ecological conservation and sustainability after completing this module.