Environmental Management and Sustainability

Education for sustainability

The environmental management and sustainability module briefly explores current legislation and policy frameworks for managing our environment in Ireland. Emerging policies / trends and movements underway elsewhere are also critically examined with a view to potential adaptation or implementation in an Irish / European perspective. Current narratives around the suitability / unsuitability of metrics such as GDP, GNI, GPI, are discussed and alternatives are appraised. Alternative and emerging narratives around the SDGs which are critical of existing policies and practise regarding ODA and other sustainability issues and how these may reduce or accelerate environmental degradation particularly in the context of outdoor recreation are also considered.  Engagement within the module utilises a place-based education (PBE) approach for engagement. How PBE this may foster and promote pro-environmental behaviours is examined. Cognisance of new and emerging National policy and strategy changes will be addressed due to the rapidly evolving nature of the field. The role of the proposed National Outdoor Recreation strategy will provide infinite possibilities for exploring sustainability and management issues for outdoor recreation.       

1. Understand how outdoor recreation and adventure tourism fit into the strategic sectors for National Development, Outdoor Recreation and Sustainable Development in Ireland

2. Conceptualise ecological sustainability as the basis of other aspects of sustainability

3. Know how to engage with the policy-makers, the planning system and the other main policy instruments that underpin environmental management as it relates to the outdoor and historical / heritage sectors.

4. Apply the skills of practical scientific enquiry to an environmental issue at local and regional level.

5. Evaluate International Environmental Policy, its relevance as a driving force for Irish Environmental Policy, and its effectiveness in
   achieving sustainable environmental management.

6. Critically evaluate approaches to teaching environmental education.

7. Critique the main aspects of policy and practice for Outdoor Recreation and the implications for environmental management.

8. Evaluate the benefit and effectiveness of nature conservation and environmental protection in Irish Landscape Management.

9. Appreciate the moral dimensions to resource use and environmental degradation, and the influence of political ideology on
   development models

10. Be able to inform debate on appropriate development and its significance and consequence for ecological and societal health