The course will explore what is understood by the term Mediterranean Environment. The main characteristics of the Mediterranean will be studied from an ecological, social, economical, political and cultural point of view. Emphasis will be given to the approaches of the different countries and the interaction between them to tackle regional environmental problems. Attention will be paid to the effects of human activities on the marine and coastal areas, the efforts to reverse the ecological damage and to reach sustainable development.
The warm-temperate Mediterranean is one of the remnants of Tethys, the ancient ocean than once long ago allowed worldwide dispersal of tropical and subtropical marine organisms. Although most of that biodiversity vanished in the late Miocene, 5.5 million years ago, some Tethyan species still survive in the Mediterranean, as seagrasses whose closest relatives occur in Australia, and sturgeons related to those found in the Aral Sea. These survivors of Tethys share the Mediterranean with newcomers that colonized the basin after the Ice Age, like the monk seal, the loggerhead sea turtle, and the sperm whale. This course will explore the origin and characteristics of this amazing biodiversity and the dynamics of the ecosystems where these species thrive. But the Mediterranean is also one of the most densely populated areas in the world and one of the most attractive destinations for European tourists. Overfishing, pollution and destruction of coastal areas threaten the conservation of marine wildlife. The course will also consider the impact of these activities and whether sustained development can be achieved in the region.
Sustainability is widely regarded as one of the key challenges facing humanity in the new millennium. Having achieved great success in attaining prosperity for a large proportion of mankind through industrial development, the consequences of unfettered growth have begun to catch up with us. A diverse array of crises has begun to make itself felt, threatening many of the environmental and social
support systems we take for granted. The course comprises two main sections. In the first section, we will examine the tremendous challenges that we face, all around the globe. We will identify key problem areas, recognise their consequences, and attempt to understand the reasons for their persistence. Using a holistic perspective based on systems analysis, we will emphasize the interconnectedness between various spheres of social,
environmental and economic systems. In the second section, we will survey various policies, technologies and social initiatives that may help us change course to a more promising and fulfilling
future.
support systems we take for granted. The course comprises two main sections. In the first section, we will examine the tremendous challenges that we face, all around the globe. We will identify key problem areas, recognise their consequences, and attempt to understand the reasons for their persistence. Using a holistic perspective based on systems analysis, we will emphasize the interconnectedness between various spheres of social,
environmental and economic systems. In the second section, we will survey various policies, technologies and social initiatives that may help us change course to a more promising and fulfilling
future.
- Teacher: Luis Cardona
The warm-temperate Mediterranean is one of the remnants of Tethys, the ancient ocean than once long ago allowed worldwide dispersal of tropical and subtropical marine organisms. Although most of that biodiversity vanished in the late Miocene, 5.5 million years ago, some Tethyan species still survive in the Mediterranean, as seagrasses whose closest relatives occur in Australia, and sturgeons related to those found in the Aral Sea. These survivors of Tethys share the Mediterranean with newcomers that colonized the basin after the Ice Age, like the monk seal, the loggerhead sea turtle, and the sperm whale. This course will explore the origin and characteristics of this amazing biodiversity and the dynamics of the ecosystems where these species thrive. But the Mediterranean is also one of the most densely populated areas in the world and one of the most attractive destinations for European tourists. Overfishing, pollution and destruction of coastal areas threaten the conservation of marine wildlife. The course will also consider the impact of these activities and whether sustained development can be achieved in the region.