Master of Science in Environmental Governance

with Specialization in Biodiversity

2012-2013 Prospectus

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www.ias.unu.edu/masters

The United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS) welcomes applicants for its Master of

Science in Environmental Governance with Specialization in Biodiversity programme. The programme draws

on UNU-IAS's long-standing reputation for excellence in policy-oriented research for sustainable

development. Protecting and preserving biodiversity is one of the most important global environmental

challenges we face today. With growing international interest on environmental governance and the role of

biodiversity in regional and national development, there is increasing demand for biodiversity experts with

empirically and conceptually grounded training. UNU-IAS provides students with the intellectual foundation

and practical field experience necessary for understanding environmental governance regimes. Graduates of

the programme will receive a Master of Science degree from the United Nations University and the skills

necessary to forge new frontiers as researchers and practitioners with an interdisciplinary and systemic

understanding of biodiversity, ecosystems and sustainable development. This prospectus gives detailed

information about our programme, but updated information is also available on our website at

www.ias.unu.edu.

About the Programme

The Master of Science in Environmental Governance with Specialization in Biodiversity is an 18 to 24-month

programme held at the UNU-IAS facilities in Yokohama, Japan. The programme is offered in collaboration

with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD), which provides support through

curriculum guidance, course materials and access to its experts during the course and for the master’s thesis.

Recognized Experts in Biodiversity

UNU-IAS has a history of extensive and consistent work in the area of international environmental

governance, particularly in biodiversity. It has made important contributions to the Millennium Ecosystem

Assessment (MA), which is a landmark study on the state of ecosystems and biodiversity worldwide.

Following its involvement in the MA, UNU-IAS established several projects and recruited research faculty

specializing in various aspects of international environmental policy, focusing on Biodiplomacy, Sustainable

Development Governance, Global Marine Governance and Traditional Knowledge.

The postgraduate programme for Environmental Governance is not an entirely new concept for UNU-IAS.

Previously, UNU-IAS established a blueprint for postgraduate education on biosafety governance and

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regulation as part of its capacity building programme. The University of Tsukuba in Japan is one academic

institution that adopted this proposal and established its own Master of Science programme in Biodiplomacy.

UNU-IAS also maintains close relations with other UN institutions that have broader mandates in

international environmental governance, such as SCBD, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The strong links between

UNU-IAS and policy makers in the field, both in Japan and abroad, also allow us to bring many leading

researchers and policymakers to the classroom. The aim of the Environmental Governance postgraduate

programme is to enable students to understand the political, economic, legal, cultural and social implications

of environmental governance regimes, particularly biodiversity regimes.

Specializing in Biodiversity from a Multidisciplinary Perspective

While the media and international debates in policy circles and academia would suggest that climate change

is today’s most prominent global environmental issue, the role of biodiversity and ecosystems to secure

social and natural well-being has recently gained momentum. The creation of the International science-policy

Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), which will provide science-based information to the

CBD policy processes at the different levels, was supported by the UN General Assembly in 2010. UNEP and

other partners also launched the Economics of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (TEEB), which details the

economic costs of biodiversity destruction and of postponing action to reduce biodiversity loss. The tenth

meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 10) in 2010 had

some important outcomes as well, such as a Protocol on ABS (Access and Benefit-sharing) and a new strategic

plan, including local action plans. Furthermore, there are steps afoot to synergize implementation of major

environmental agreements. These recent events have raised international awareness of issues related to

biodiversity, ecosystems and development, highlighting the vital role of experts who can implement and

manage relevant programmes.

The lack of qualified professionals who can support the implementation of international agreements,

particularly biodiversity-related policies, calls for in-depth training at different levels and sectors.

Practitioners and academics need to understand the interconnectedness of biodiversity, ecosystems and

sustainable development, and have the capacity to link international discourses and debates to practical

implementation. Most of the existing graduate programmes related to biodiversity are based on the hard

sciences, particularly biological sciences, and/or focus on the conservation aspects of biodiversity. While

these subjects are relevant to the field, they are insufficient for fostering a multidisciplinary understanding of

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the complex drivers and consequences of biodiversity loss. UNU-IAS fills this gap by providing an

interdisciplinary approach ranging from the social sciences and law, to bioethics.

As there are few postgraduate programmes focusing on biodiversity from a policy and social sciences

perspective, UNU-IAS’s postgraduate course stands apart from the other programmes, and provides a unique

opportunity for students who wish to undertake cutting edge research in the various fields of global

environmental change, such as urban biodiversity, ecosystem-based approaches for tackling climate change

and biotechnology governance.

With its respected work in biodiversity and governance for sustainable development, along with its faculty of

recognized leaders in the field, UNU-IAS is well-positioned to provide an academic curriculum of the highest

calibre.

The Curriculum Becoming Leaders of Global Thinkers and Local Actors

The curriculum aims to prepare students to understand international environmental governance, biodiversity

in particular, from a policy and social sciences perspective, which other institutions have not thoroughly

explored. The programme considers the natural sciences as a starting point, but it focuses on the applied

social sciences to understand solutions to global problems.

The curriculum has three trunk core courses: Biodiversity Governance and Policy (BG-C-01), Political Economy

of Sustainable Development (BG-C-02), and Legal and Socio-economic Aspects of Biodiversity Governance

(BG-C-03) which provide the conceptual, contextual and analytical base of the entire programme. These

classes are complemented by two research-oriented core courses: Research Methods (BG-C-04) and Thesis

(BG-C-05). The former helps prepare students to conduct fieldwork-based empirical research, which is

fundamental for policy-oriented work, and the latter assists students in their final thesis assignment. A range

of elective courses in different subjects related to international governance is also offered in addition to the

core requirements.

The Programme is divided into quarters (two quarters = one semester). Each quarter lasts 12 weeks with 10

meetings. One credit is equivalent to a workload of 25-30 hours. Students need to take at least 30 credits per

semester, and the entire curriculum entails 90/120 credits, which should be completed in 18 to 24 months.

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The academic year is divided as follows:

- September-October, UNU Intensive Core Courses (IC)

- First Quarter: October to December

- Second Quarter: January to March

- Third Quarter: April to June

- Fourth Quarter: July to August

The first quarter is an introductory term to the general framework of the programme with the core courses

covering broad conceptual and theoretical issues. As students are expected to come from different

educational and professional backgrounds, this quarter also gives them the opportunity for reviewing and

acquiring the necessary academic foundation for research work. Those without much biological background

are to take the course Biology for Policy: Fundamentals of Life Sciences for Environmental Governance (BG-C-

06). Students with a strong biology background will be given the option to opt out of the course via an

examination.

In the second quarter, there is a combination of conceptual and more practice-oriented academic substance.

The content of the courses are less theoretical and the students have the opportunity to take some elective

courses with specific focuses that will develop their knowledge on biodiversity governance. The fieldwork

preparation (BG-C-04 Research Methods) starts in this quarter as well.

The third quarter focuses more on the practice-oriented component and formalized discussion about the

master’s thesis begins. By this stage, students are expected to be familiar with the main debates on

biodiversity and be able to apply the knowledge they acquired during the first two quarters. Students will

take more elective courses and focus on preparing for the overseas fieldwork.

The academic year culminates with the fieldwork abroad in the beginning of the fourth quarter when the

students are tested on their abilities to apply what they have learned to real problems in the field. In the

following quarters, the students can continue to take elective courses, but the focus will be on the thesis and

internship, which will help them to gain practical experience working in an organizational setting using the

knowledge they gained in the classroom.

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The basic structure of the courses and faculty are described below.

September to October: UNU Intensive Core Courses (IC) at UN University headquarters. These are six-week

intensive courses on the challenges of the United Nations, including global changes, peace and security and

the UN system. UNU-IAS students will have their fees waived for these courses.

The regular courses will follow the IC courses.

Year 1 (October 2012–September 2013) ** Times and dates of core courses are subject to change

First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter

BG-C-01(1) Biodiversity Governance and Policy (Mondays 10-12h)

BG-C-01(2) Biodiversity Governance and Policy (Mondays 10-12h)

BG-C-02(1) Political Economy of Sustainable Development (Tuesdays 10-12h)

BG-C-02(2) Political Economy of Sustainable Development (Tuesdays 10-12h)

BG-C-03(1) Legal and Socio-economic Aspects in Biodiversity Governance (Wednesdays 10-12h)

BG-C-03(2) Legal and Socio-economic Aspects in Biodiversity Governance (Wednesdays 10-12h)

BG-I. Internship (ad hoc)

BG-C-04(1) Research Methods (Thursdays 10-12h)

BG-C-04(2) Research Methods (Thursdays 10-12h)

BG-C-04(3) Research Methods (Fieldwork+Thesis) (Thursdays 10-12h)

BG-C-04(4) Research Methods (Fieldwork+Thesis) (2 week overseas fieldwork)

BG-C-06.Biology for Policy (Optional for students with strong biology background) (Thursdays)

UNU-IAS elective courses (to be offered according to the availability of the core or adjunct faculty)

UNU-IAS elective courses (to be offered according to the availability of the core or adjunct faculty)

UNU-IAS elective courses (to be offered according to the availability of the core or adjunct faculty)

UNU-IAS elective courses (to be offered according to the availability of the core or adjunct faculty)

UNU-IAS intensive courses (to be offered according to the availability of visiting professors)

UNU-IAS intensive courses (to be offered according to the availability of visiting professors)

UNU-IAS intensive courses (to be offered according to the availability of visiting professors)

UNU-IAS intensive courses (to be offered according to the availability of visiting professors)

Optional courses at UNU-ISP and other universities in Tokyo and Yokohama area

Optional courses at UNU-ISP and other universities in Tokyo and Yokohama area

Optional courses at UNU-ISP and other universities in Tokyo and Yokohama area

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Year 2 (October 2013–September 2014)

First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter

BG-C-05. Thesis (ad hoc with supervisors)

BG-C-05. Thesis (ad hoc with supervisors)

BG-C-05. Thesis (ad hoc with supervisors)

BG-C-05. Thesis (ad hoc with supervisors)

BG-I Internship (ad hoc)

BG-I Internship (ad hoc)

UNU-IAS elective courses (to be offered according to the availability of the core or adjunct faculty)

UNU-IAS elective courses (to be offered according to the availability of the core or adjunct faculty)

UNU-IAS elective courses (to be offered according to the availability of the core or adjunct faculty)

UNU-IAS intensive courses (to be offered according to the availability of visiting professors)

UNU-IAS intensive courses (to be offered according to the availability of visiting professors)

UNU-IAS intensive courses (to be offered according to the availability of visiting professors)

Optional courses at UNU-ISP and other universities in Tokyo and Yokohama area

Optional courses at UNU-ISP and other universities in Tokyo and Yokohama area

Optional courses at UNU-ISP and other universities in Tokyo and Yokohama area

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Courses planned to be offered in 2012 and 2013: Core Courses (BG-C)

- BG-C-01. Biodiversity Governance and Policy (8 credits)

The governance of biodiversity is a complex system that involves the coordination of multiple

policies at different scales (from the local to the global), a wide variety of stakeholders, and a range

of ecosystem and cultural services that shape and impact human well-being. This course will

introduce students to the general concepts of biodiversity, the different international legal policies

and regulations of relevance to biodiversity, and to the complexities that arise as a result of the

implementation of policies related to biodiversity. Overall, this course will demonstrate the

interconnectedness between biodiversity and human well-being and the relevance of biodiversity for

achieving the goals of sustainable development.

- BG-C-02. Political Economy of Sustainable Development (8 credits)

The course analyzes the theories and concepts concerning the term "development" and “sustainable

development”. Initially, the course will introduce students to the main readings in the development

literature from different perspectives and disciplines, as well as help students understand why

countries and regions have different paths of development. In the second quarter, the focus of the

course will be on the debates on sustainable development in the last forty years, particularly post

Rio-92.

- BG-C-03. Legal and Socio-economic Aspects in Biodiversity Governance (8 credits)

The course will introduce socio-economic and legal basics of the term Governance, the main

stakeholders, procedures and regimes at the regional and international level, and the measures

relevant for Governance in terms of policy, law, economics (in particular Ecological Economics and

Environmental Economics) and individual behaviour as well as other socio-cultural aspects

influencing them. Thereon, key concepts of governance regarding Biodiversity will be discussed at

the local, national, regional and international level.

- BG-C-04. Research Methods (14 credits)

This course will present the main research methods for carrying out empirical fieldwork-based social

science research, as well as prepare students to a specific fieldwork at the end of the course. Classes

will start with a discussion on the foundations of social inquiry and the different kinds of data

necessary for social science research. The course will move on to examine how to define research

questions and design social science methodologies based on fieldwork. The classes will then address

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the main methods used in social science, particularly those based on fieldwork. Students will have

the opportunity to apply what is presented in class directly in real cases involving biodiversity policy.

An initial fieldwork will be carried out in Japan, and the course will culminate with a fieldwork in a

developing Asian country where the students will be able to practice what they learned in the

classroom to meet a Term of Reference prepared by the instructors.

The course will also provide introductory knowledge on quantitative and qualitative methods.

Statistics as a set of tools plays an important role in describing and understanding how humans

interact with their natural environment. It helps us discern patterns, describe the characteristics of

groups and natural phenomena, make inferences and predictions about the current and future state

of our biodiversity based on available data, and interpret numbers and graphs. Scientists in the

biological and environmental sciences rely, for most of their work, on the collection and analysis of

field data for decision-making. Basic statistical concepts are the foundation needed to ensure that

collected data are scientifically encoded, analysed, and interpreted using numbers, percentages, and

graphs. The goal of this course is to introduce basic measures of central tendency and to develop

understanding of the application of these measures in describing quantitative and qualitative data.

Learners will explore and familiarise themselves with the concepts of mean, median and mode by

using sample data and interpret these concepts with the help of simple graphs and charts such as

histograms, line graphs, pie-charts and box-plots.

- BG-C-05. Thesis (20 credits)

This course will provide students with the guidance to understand what a master’s thesis is and

guide them in writing their thesis until the end of the second year of the programme. Students will

receive guidance on how to define a topic for social science research and write a simple research

proposal and a thesis, including how to write literature reviews, scope a methodology and present

results. The students will also develop the general competences necessary for writing a thesis, such

as writing skills and argument development in social sciences.

- BG-C-06. Biology for Policy – Fundamentals of Life Sciences for Environmental Governance (2

credits)

This course will offer a comprehensive, basic overview of fundamental concepts in biological sciences

relevant for international environmental governance. It will include major contributions of key life

sciences disciplines, including molecular and cell biology, biochemistry and physiology, genetics and

evolution, zoology, botany, and ecology.

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The course targets students with none (or minimal) background in Biology/ Life Sciences, but

interested in understanding the origin and meaning of biological concepts widely employed in

international environmental governance studies, particularly in biodiversity governance.

The main objectives of the course are: to provide students with functional, scientific concepts from

life sciences disciplines leading to improve the clarity, accuracy, and effectiveness of policy-related

work in the area of international environmental/biodiversity governance; to stimulate critical

thinking regarding the interconnectedness between social sciences and life sciences concepts in

international environmental/biodiversity governance, especially with regard to the limitations of

using disciplinary-based concepts for addressing inherently multi-disciplinary issues.

*This class is optional for students with strong biology backgrounds. There will be an exam for

students who wish to opt out of this course in Sept.

- BG-I. Internship (1-5 credits each term)

An internship at UNU-IAS or other organization is strongly recommended. Through internships,

students will have the opportunity to gain work experience in UNU-IAS or another organization

where he or she can apply some of the skills developed in a real work environment.

Elective Courses (BG-E) To be offered according to the availability of the core or adjunct faculty

- BG-E-07. Urbanization, Governance and Biodiversity (2 credits)

This course examines the general relation among urbanization processes, local governance and

biodiversity. Initially, it will examine the relationships between cities and biodiversity by looking at

the major influences cities can have on biodiversity loss or conservation within and outside the city

boundaries, as well as the benefits of biodiversity conservation for cities, such as the provision of

ecosystem services. The course focus then moves to understand the main instruments and

governance mechanisms that exist to make cities effective to protect biodiversity.

- BG-E-10. Fresh Water Biodiversity (2 credits)

Freshwater biodiversity will be one of the overriding conservation priorities of the coming decade.

Freshwater biodiversity constitutes valuable natural resources in economic, cultural, aesthetic,

scientific and educational terms and is vital for human survival. The course is designed to provide a

critical understanding of freshwater biodiversity. In particular, the course aims to provide students

with general knowledge of freshwater biodiversity and management issues related to governing

freshwater biodiversity. Through a lens of political ecology, this course will highlight the

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interrelationships between freshwater, biodiversity, and development as well as the impact of

climate change on Freshwater resources.

- BG-E-13. International Regulation of Biotechnology (2 credits)

Modern biotechnology is rapidly expanding and affecting many different parts of society. Because

the technology transforms life itself, it raises more profound issues than many other new

technologies, including the need to ensure food security for present and future generations, to

conserve and sustainably use natural resources, to respect human rights, and to share the benefits of

technology in an equitable manner. Law is a vital mechanism for ensuring that these concerns are

adequately addressed in the use of this new technology. Recent years have seen rapid regulatory

changes at the international and national levels in response to the rapid development and

dissemination of the technology. This course aims to introduce the student to this dynamic and

important area of the law

- BG-E-15. Education for Sustainable Development and Biodiversity (3 credits)

The declaration by the United Nations for a Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-

2014) reflects a global commitment to the role of education and learning in transition towards

sustainability. Biodiversity is a central theme in education for sustainable development (ESD) as it

offers a rich and exciting content. Through ESD it is possible to encourage actors to collectively

envision a sustainable future, critically reflect on their lifestyles and assume responsibility for

contributing to biodiversity conservation. This course provides a broad orientation to ESD and

introduces the participants to critical and reflexive approaches to educating for biodiversity

conservation. Fundamentals of ESD that support biodiversity conservation in context are explored

through reflexive deliberations. Special focus is put on individual, organisational and multi-

stakeholder learning approaches to enabling biodiversity conservation. The central theme of the

course is ‘changing the world’ through learning for biodiversity conservation. Challenges facing ESD

in promoting biodiversity conservation are collectively explored with the students.

- BG-E-17. Coastal Management and Biodiversity (3 credits)

Coastal Management and Biodiversity integrate the biological, physical, and policy sciences to plan

and execute sustainable solutions for environmental challenges where land meets water and their

resources. The major objective is to build capacity for the sustainable use, development, and

protection of coastal and marine areas and resources.

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- BG-E-18. Law of the Sea and Biodiversity (2 credits)

The Law of the Sea is one of the oldest areas of international law and deals with activities of States

and other actors in the oceans. The course aims to examine the current international legal regime

governing the use of the oceans with a particular focus on the sustainable management of

biodiversity and other ocean resources in the Arctic and Antarctica.

- BG-E-20. Specific Aspects of Ecological and Environmental Economics (2 credits)

The course is designed to provide a more in-depth understanding of specific aspects of ecological

and environmental economics. In particular, the course aims to provide students with more specific

knowledge of, and skills in, economics and management of natural resources, and to develop

generally the students’ critical capability in relation to the economics and management of

environmental resources.

- BG-E-21. Natural Disasters and their Effect on Coastal Biodiversity (2 credits)

This course will deal with the effect of natural disasters on the biodiversity of coastal regions,

especially on mangrove areas, fisheries and coral reefs. The natural disasters which will be studied

will be mainly tropical cyclones, tsunamis and spring tides (“King” tides). Particular attention will be

given to the topic of climate change, and how sea level rises and global warming could affect natural

disasters and their effect on coastal habitats.

- BG-E-23. Sustainable Bioproduction and Biodiversity (2 credits)

The study of satoyama, traditional rural landscape of Japan, is a multidisciplinary science that is

based on the understanding of how interactions between the natural environment and human

activities will contribute to shaping natural-social systems that can lead to nature-harmonious

societies. In this course, students will learn various approaches from diverse academic fields to

understand the natural-social systems of satoyama and how they are systemized in an integrated

manner. The approaches include ecology (animals, plants, agriculture, landscapes and conservation),

landscape architecture, rural planning, sociology, ethnology and human ecology with keywords such

as ‘ecosystem services’, ‘biodiversity’, ‘resources and energy’, ‘commons’, ‘community revitalization’

and ‘partnership’.

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- BG-E-24. Tropical Forests in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation (1 credit)

This course will highlight current issues relating to tropical forests in climate change mitigation and

adaption to help students recognize the roles of tropical forests, particularly focused on reducing

emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) in international

discussions/negotiations in UNFCCC which is an important global initiative.

- BG-E-25. Intellectual Property and Biodiversity (2 credits)

This course explores the linkages between intellectual property rights and biodiversity and their

implications in contemporary environmental governance. It surveys theories of tangible and

intangible heritage, biocultural property, environmental and cultural rights. General knowledge of

the dimensions of existing property rights specifically patents, author’s rights, denomination of

origin, and commercial secrets are addressed. Conflicts and complementarity between IPR and

environmental laws are examined. Through case studies, the concept of “sui generis IPR” and the

responses of different countries at the national and local level are analysed.

- BG-E-26 Geospatial tools and techniques for environmental governance (2 credits)

The use of spatial data is fundamental in many aspects of environmental science from research to

management and policy making. The course starts with the fundamental principles of two related

fields: remote sensing (satellite imagery) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). It then

introduces the student to key concepts in spatial analysis that should be considered when using or

interpreting such data sources and provides examples from research and practice on how such

techniques can assist environmental governance. The aim of the course is to familiarise students

with the theoretical background and practical application of such technologies, to the level that they

can critically evaluate such data and information when it is encountered.

- BG-E-27. International Environmental Law (2 credits)

The purpose of this short course is to provide students with an overview of the international legal

regime applying to the protection of the environment. It will tackle the major issues with regards to

the production of law, its implementation and the policy debates that it raises between the states.

The course will particularly insist on the peculiarity of International Environmental Law as to the

actors participating in its production and affected by its creation, as well as to the instruments used

(soft law). The study of the general fundamental principles will be completed by a sectoral approach.

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- BG-E-28. Polar Science and Polar Governance (2 credits)

The Polar Regions (Arctic and Antarctic) are examples of a unique relationship between science and

governance. Science plays an extraordinarily great role in governance, while the science itself is

particularly politicized.

The Antarctic Treaty System from 1961 was a unique example of international environmental

agreement between East and West during the Cold War. The Scientific Committee on Antarctic

Research plays a central part in the Antarctic Treaty System, while nations sponsor Antarctic

research to support claims on the continent.

The Arctic was particularly militarized during the Cold War, and so was Arctic science. The Cold War

in the Arctic was relaxed with Mikhail Gorbachev’s speech in Murmansk in 1987 proposing East-West

collaboration for protecting the Arctic environment, which led to deep East-West scientific and

environmental collaboration in the Arctic. In 1996, the Ottawa declaration established the Arctic

Council bringing together the eight Arctic states and indigenous groups. The council is supported in

its work by six scientific working groups focusing on aspects of the Arctic environment.

- BG-E-29. National Biodiversity Planning (1 credit)

The Convention on Biological Diversity is the primary instrument adopted by the global community

to achieve the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and the fair and equitable sharing of

the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. However these objectives can only be

achieved through national action. The CBD has identified national biodiversity strategies and action

plans as the framework for national implementation. The CBD has provided guidance to Parties on

national biodiversity planning and the CBD’s financial mechanism, other donors, and

intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations have provided financial and technical

assistance. Most countries now have, at least on paper, a national biodiversity strategy. However,

recent assessments of the status and trends of biodiversity indicate that at global and national levels

the rates of biodiversity loss have not been reduced and the dangers of reaching tipping points, with

unpredictable but almost certainly grave consequences, are increasing.

At the same time the interconnected nature of policies to address biodiversity loss, climate change,

land degradation and poverty has become much clearer. Holistic policy approaches and

implementation strategies are needed. This in turn raises the stakes and compounds the difficulties

faced by many countries in light of inadequate resources (financial, institutional and human),

insufficient scientific knowledge of national biodiversity and its status and trends, political and

economic vested interests and an inflexible administrative culture.

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The course will offer an overview of the experience of national biodiversity planning since the entry

into force of the CBD, discuss what progress has been made and the obstacles - scientific, political,

financial and administrative - that need to be overcome if the CBD objectives are to be met. It will

consider how holistic national strategies that encompass national environmental and socio-economic

planning can be developed and implemented.

- BG-E-30. International Oceans Science and Governance (3 credits)

This course will provide an overview of our current state of knowledge on the status and trends of

biodiversity in the oceans, as well as the threats faced. It will seek to give students an understanding

of how marine biodiversity contributes to the survival and well-being of humankind, how scientific

advances have and continue to be made, and how we expect life in the oceans to change in the

future due to climate change and ocean acidification. The course will provide the students the

background to understand the current state of oceans governance and management, including legal

and governance issues under debate at the United Nations. The students will also develop an

understanding of the management approaches and tools that can be used nationally and

internationally to further sustainable use of ocean resources.

- BG-E-31. Community-Based Natural Resources Management (2 credits)

The objective of the course is to discuss social aspects of biodiversity governance and forest

management, including community involvement in the conservation and sustainable use of natural

resources; benefit sharing; gender approach in natural resources management; community-based

inventory and management planning and assessment; community organization.

- BG-E-32 Global Environmental Governance (4 credits)

The course aims at understanding the state of the art institutional architecture on global

environmental governance and the existing gaps in it.

This course is to be offered in adjunct with Tokyo Institute of Technology Graduate School of

Decision Science and Technology (Tokyo Tech).

- BG-E-33. Biodiversity and Health (2 credits)

Biodiversity has an inherent linkage with human health and well-being. The increasing degradation of

ecosystem goods and services has a debilitating effect on life. Conservation and sustainable use of

biodiversity and creation of a healthy environment is vital for existence. Biodiversity related

traditional knowledge forms a central health seeking arena for a large part of the world population in

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developing countries. Traditional medicine is highly dependent on ecosystems for provisioning

services, such as natural medicinal resources and nutritional sources. It also depends on cultural or

recreational services insofar as nature, the environment and their attributes have cultural, religious

and symbolic value in determining health and well-being. The course will highlight the relevance of

biodiversity related traditional knowledge in health, nutrition and well-being.

- BG-E-34 Science, Technology and Biodiversity Conservation (2 credits)

This course introduces key theories and debates from science, technology and society studies and

applies them to biodiversity conservation. The pursuit of science, technology and “progress” are

distinctive of modernity. Economic growth enabled by science and technology and urged by the

pursuit of progress, is central to the modernization discourse. However, the ecological space needed

to furnish matter and energy for economic growth and to absorb its wastes is a sine qua non for

biological diversity. The encroachment of such space has been a powerful driver of the loss of

biodiversity. When faced with the need to respond to this challenge, more science, deemed an

objective pursuit devoid of values and more technology, seen as a neutral arbiter, are prescribed as

solutions. In short, it is proposed that more scientific and technological intervention can help

biodiversity conservation. The course discusses theories and debates about science, technology and

society, with the aim of helping us reflect on the above proposition.

- BG-E-35 Biodiversity Financing (3 credits)

Students will be exposed to the concepts, techniques and applications of biodiversity financing. The

subject matter of the course will be situated against the backdrop of the ongoing policies and

programmes of the UNCBD and its member countries.

On conclusion of the course, participants are expected to have a clear insight on the conceptual and

application issues relating to financing of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.

- BG-E-36. Biodiplomacy (2 credits)

International environmental governance received global attention during the Rio + 20 conference

and will receive more in the follow-up. Biodiplomacy forms the core of governance where

multilateral and bilateral issues related to management of natural resources will be the key to move

governments and stakeholders forward.

The Biodiplomacy course will focus on the past, current and expected future trends of

multilateralism in environment and biodiversity agenda; experiences gained since the 1970s, role of

governance in dealing with current environmental crises and issues related to mainstreaming of

actions.

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The course will also focus on how to achieve synergistic action at various levels on linking

conservation, development, trade and well-being agendas with focus on issues such as green

economy, inclusive growth, rights based approaches, negotiation processes and implementation.

- BG-E-37. Bioethics (3 credits)

Society is facing many important dilemmas about the use of science and technology. These decisions

affect the environment, human health, society and international policy. In order to resolve these

issues and to develop principles for decision-making, we need to involve wisdom from many fields

such as anthropology, sociology, biology, medicine, religion, psychology, philosophy, environmental

sciences and economics. Science and technology occurs in the context of societies that have

different philosophical and religious values.

The course will introduce students to the principles of bioethics, following the UNESCO Core

Curriculum in Bioethics, with an emphasis on how to apply internationally accepted ethical principles

in international instruments (including the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights) to

concrete situations in each of the students fields of research and environmental ethics. Bioethics is

the love of life. Bioethics is not about thinking that we can always find one correct solution to ethical

problems. There can be different choices made after ethical reflection. Fundamental ethical

principles can aid decision-making, but what are the views in different communities that can assist in

development of ethics principles? Bioethics is learning how to balance different benefits, risks and

duties.

- BG-E-38 Wetlands Management and Governance (2 credits)

Wetlands are an important ecosystem for the world’s survival – and they have been the subject of

one of the world’s oldest Environmental Conventions (the Convention on Wetlands, (Ramsar, 1971))

for 40 years. But in 2012 the institutional landscape which covers wetlands is far larger, including

the three “Rio” conventions on Biological Diversity, Combatting Desertification, and Climate Change;

the Convention on Migratory Species; the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World

Cultural and Natural Heritage, and, to a lesser extent, the Convention on International Trade in

species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

In this course we look at how the Ramsar Convention developed its governance structures, and how

it has mutated over the decades to accommodate its original principles and aspirations in an ever

more crowded field of international instruments at the Global and regional levels. We will

particularly explore the governance arrangements that allowed the development of a Joint

Implementation Plan with the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the role of the Ramsar

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Convention in the Liaison groups between Conventions.

Given that good governance must be supported by good evidence and science basis the course will

also examine two themes developed over the last decade, Ramsar and Culture and Ramsar and

Ecosystem Services.

- BG-E-39 Introduction to Negotiation Analysis for Environmental Governance (1 credit)

This course provides a very brief overview of negotiation theory. Negotiation theory is a robust

framework for analysing any kind of negotiation and has been developed by reflecting on a wide

variety of negotiation, from diplomatic ones to interpersonal ones. Negotiation skills can be

improved by understanding the theoretical framework, applying it to the practice, and reflecting

on how your own negotiation could be improved. The course does NOT focus on persuasion

and psychological aspects. Instead, the negotiation theory, developed primarily at Harvard/MIT,

stresses the possibility of producing mutual gains and sustainable relationships, also known as

“win/win” strategy, rather than achieving short-term gains through strategic and acrimonious

interaction. The course will also discuss strategies for designing sustainable environmental

governance by structuring it as a kind of multi-party negotiation that encourages mutual gains.

Fieldwork and Internship

Applied knowledge and practical experience in the field are critical elements of the programme. To equip

students with the skills to initiate innovative biodiversity policies and facilitate effective implementation,

fieldwork activity is a requirement.

Students will undertake two weeks of overseas fieldwork to gain first-hand experience at putting research

into practice. To ensure output-focused field experiences, students will be required to take courses in

research methodology and fieldwork methods prior to going to the field.

Also, to gain first-hand experience, students are encouraged to conduct internships. Students can be

matched with UNU-IAS research programmes as interns or seek external internship opportunities. As part of

their master's thesis, students can work directly with their supervisors and engage in ongoing UNU-IAS

research projects if desired, and the students’ theses can directly contribute to the outcomes of the

Institute’s programmes; thus students will have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and practical

experience of research while pursuing a postgraduate degree.

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The Master's Thesis

The Master’s thesis is an independently and individually written research paper on a particular subject

related to environmental governance and biodiversity. The subject matter will be discussed from a

theoretical and/or practical point of view and be built on scientific analysis. The thesis should be

approximately between 12,000 and 15,000 words.

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Faculty

Core UNU-IAS Faculty (full-time staff based in Yokohama)

Govindan Parayil, PhD in Science and Technology Studies, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, USA

Jose A Puppim de Oliveira, PhD in Planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA (coordinator) Suneetha M. Subramanian, PhD in Agricultural Economics, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India (vice-coordinator)

Christopher Doll, PhD in Remote Sensing, University College London, University of London, UK Kaoru Ishikawa, PhD in Agriculture, Department of Ecosystem Studies, The University of Tokyo, Japan Norichika Kanie, PhD in Media and Governance, Keio University, Japan Manu Verghese Mathai, PhD in Energy and Environmental Policy, University of Delaware, USA Volker Mauerhofer, Doctorate in Laws, University of Graz, Austria Raquel Moreno-Penaranda, PhD in Energy and Resources, University of California, Berkeley, USA Ameyali Ramos Castillo, PhD in Environmental Policy and Governance Systems, Oxford University, UK

Aki Suwa, PhD in Planning Studies, University College London, University of London, UK

Other UNU-IAS Faculty (UNU-IAS staff not based in Yokohama)

Anthony Gross, DPhil candidate in Politics, University of Oxford, UK

Sam Johnston, LL.M: Public International Law, University College London, University of London, UK

Marjo Vierros, PhD in Marine Biology, University of Wales, U.K.

Affiliated Faculty (UNU-IAS visiting faculty)

Kazuhiko Takeuchi, UNU and UNU-ISP, PhD in Agrobiology, The University of Tokyo, Japan

Salvatore Arico, UNESCO, PhD in Marine Environment and Resources, Stazione Zoologica ‘Anton Dohrn’, Naples, Italy

Miguel Esteban, Waseda University, PhD in Coastal Engineering, Yokohama National University, Japan

David Leary, The University of New South Wales, PhD in Law, Macquarie University, Australia

Darryl Macer, UNESCO, PhD in Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, UK

Balakrishna Pisupati, National Biodiversity Authority of India, PhD in Genetics, Osmania University, India Per Stromberg, Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, PhD in Environmental Economics, University of Cambridge, UK

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Invited Faculty

Claudia Ituarte Lima, PhD in Socio-Legal Studies and Anthropology, University College London, University of London, UK

Hwan Ok Ma, International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), PhD in Forest Resources Economics, University of Washington, USA

Carla Pereira, Dottorato di Ricerca (PhD), Università Degli Studi della Tuscia, Italy

Peter Bridgewater, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, PhD in Botany, Univesity of Durham, UK

A Damodaran, Indian Institute of management Bangalore, PhD in Economics, Univesity of Kerala, India

Masahiro Matsuura, The Unviersity of Tokyo Graduate School of Public Policy, PhD in Urban and Regional Planning

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The United Nations University

The UNU is an international community of scholars, engaged in research, postgraduate training and

dissemination of knowledge in furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

The mission of the UNU is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the

pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States. Key goals are to

serve as an international community of scholars; a bridge between the United Nations and the international

academic community; and as a think-tank for the United Nations system; to contribute to capacity building,

particularly in developing countries; and to serve as a platform for new and creative ideas. www.unu.edu

The United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies

The United Nations Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS) was inaugurated in April 1996. Its mission is to

“advance knowledge and promote learning for policy-making to meet the challenges of sustainable

development” by conducting research, postgraduate education and capacity development, both in-house

and in cooperation with an interactive network of academic institutions and international organizations. The

thematic direction of UNU-IAS concerns the interactions of social and natural systems. The current research

agenda focuses on strategic paths to sustainable development and under this broad theme projects focus on

biodiversity, sustainable development governance, urban development, science and technology policy

options for developing and least developed countries and sustainable development education.

www.ias.unu.edu.

Fees and other expenses

Tuition is USD 10,000 per year for full-time students. Limited scholarships are available for full-time low-

income students from developing countries on a competitive basis.

Annual living expenses for a single person in Yokohama are estimated at a minimum of USD 20,000 (excluding

travel and tuition). During the visa granting process, applicants may be asked to provide evidence of

adequate financial resources for the duration of the programme.

Other Facilities

Classes are held at both UNU-IAS facilities in Yokohama, 30 minutes from central Tokyo by local train, and at

UNU Headquarters in Tokyo. The Institute has an international environment with researchers from all across

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the globe. Students will have access to the UNU Library in Tokyo and the UNU electronic library to keep up

with the latest research and policy publications.

Beginning of Classes and Duration

The programme starts in the beginning of September. If all courses are completed, including electives and the

thesis, students will be able to graduate in 18 to 24 months. Part-time students must finish the programme in

36 months or less and take at least 15 credits per semester.

Qualifications and Application Procedure

Qualifications

UNU-IAS welcomes applicants with outstanding academic records and strong interest or experience in

environmental policy, management of biodiversity issues or policy-related research in sustainable

development. UNU-IAS especially encourages women and people from developing countries to apply.

In order to apply to the Master of Science in Environmental Governance programme, a Bachelor’s degree in

the natural sciences, social sciences, environmental studies, engineering, law, public policy or public

administration is a prerequisite. However, exceptions are made for outstanding applicants who wish to make

career changes, such as in the following cases:

- Applicants with an undergraduate degree in a different area but with an outstanding academic

record.

- Applicants with a master’s degree in an unrelated area wishing to learn more about biodiversity

and environmental issues.

- Applicants with extensive work experience in another area who want to learn more about

biodiversity and environmental issues.

English Requirements

All courses in the Environmental Governance programme are taught in English. Applicants must have

excellent written and verbal English skills. Applicants whose first language is not English and whose

undergraduate studies were not in English must take a standardized English exam (TOEFL or Academic

Reading/Writing IELTS). A minimum score of 100 is required for the TOEFL and an overall score of 7 for the

IELTS.

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Application Procedure

The deadline for applications is 30 May. However, to be considered for a UNU-IAS scholarship, applications

must be received by 28 February. Interested applicants should carefully read the instructions for applying

online and complete the Online Application Form. Submitted applications are reviewed as they arrive, and

offers of admissions are granted according to the order they are received. Potential applicants are therefore

encouraged to send their applications earlier than later, as once all places for the academic year are filled,

applications will no longer be reviewed. If enrollment places are still available, however, late applications

may be considered. From the time of submission, it takes 4 to 6 weeks for decisions to be made. See more

information at www.ias.unu.edu/masters.