New Capita Selecta Course by FNP prof. Hens Runhaar.

FNP-50402 Capita Selecta Governing nature conservation by farmers (2 ECTS)

Conveners: Prof. Hens Runhaar (WUR-FNP), dr. Marian Stuiver (Alterra)

There is a growing need for nature conservation in agricultural landscapes. In the past, agricultural landscapes have provided rich habitats for a variety of species of flora and fauna. However, intensification and scale enlargement, but also land abandonment, have decreased species’ diversity and abundance on farmlands. World-wide but particularly in Europe, agri-environmental schemes have been introduced to reward
farmers that implement nature conservation measures on their farm. These schemes are criticised by ecologists because of their modest effectiveness. The same applies to private governance arrangements, such as cooperation between farmers and nature conservation NGOs or citizen volunteers. How governance of nature conservation by farmers should be enhanced is part of a lively debate.

The course aims at deepening our understanding of the challenges of how to govern nature conservation done by farmers, and stimulate critical thinking about redesigning existing governance arrangements. The term ‘governance for agro-biodiversity’ stands for the processes and interactions of a wide diversity of actors (farmers, companies in agri-food chains, banks, governments, NGOs, and others) with an interest in agriculture and in nature conservation.  

Based on literature and (guest) lectures, you will analyse practices of nature conservation governance in your own country, or another country of your choice. The course is open to level 3 bachelor students and all master level students, with a minimum of 15 students and maximum of 40 students.