Mediterranean Ecosystem Degradation

Code

722041080

Academic unit

Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas

Department

Geografia e Planeamento Regional

Credits

10

Teacher in charge

Pedro Cortesão Casimiro

Weekly hours

3 letivas + 1 tutorial

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

a) To recognize the specificity of Mediterranean ecosystems
b) To understand the different factors contributing to their identity
c) To apprehend the natural and socioeconomic contexts contributing to the differentiation within the Mediterranean Region
d) To evaluate the factors contributing to the degradation of this ecosystem
e) To analyse the weaknesses and potentialities of the Mediterranean Portugal
f) To develop and apply acquired knowledge to diagnose and mitigate degradation processes
g) To interpret critically and analytically texts and data.

Prerequisites

Not Applicable

Subject matter

1) Geographical context of the Mediterranean
2) Spatial differentiations, characterization
3) Degradation processes of Mediterranean ecosystems, causes and consequences
4) Weaknesses and potentialities of these ecosystems
5) Use of natural resources
6) Desertification
7) Future perspectives.

Bibliography

Allen, H.D. (2001). Mediterranean Ecogeography – Ecogeography Series. Harlow: Pearson.

Brandt, C.J.& Thornes, J.B. (1996). Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use. Londres: Wiley.

Batisse, M. (1989). Futures for the Mediterranean Bassin – The Blue Plan. N. York: Oxford
University Press.

Conacher, A.& Sala, M. (1998.) Land Degradation in Mediterranean Environments of the World – Nature and Extent, Causes and Solutions. Londres: Willey.

Grove, A.T.& Rackham, O. (2003). The Nature of Mediterranean Europe – An Ecological History, N. York: Yale University Press.

Rundel, P.W., Montenegro G., Jaksic, F.M. (1998). Landscape Disturbance and Biodiversity in Mediterranean Type Ecosystems. N. York: Springer.

Teaching method

Expositive and participative classes

Evaluation method

Reading of thematic texts.
Research work based on field work, references and document research resulting from autonomous work (100% evaluation).
Oral presentation of the work.

[According to the assessment of FCSH rules, the proposed evaluation elements introduced to students in the first class may suffer readjustments, namely in the weight of each element].

Courses

• Territorial Management - Land Use Planning and Development
• Territorial Management - Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems
• Geography Teaching in the 3rd cycle of Basic Education and in Secondary Education
• Territorial Management - Environment and Natural Resources
• Territorial Management - Land Planning and Management