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  4. area of specialisation in Environment and Natural Resources
  5. Degradation of Mediterranean Ecosystems

Degradation of Mediterranean Ecosystems

Objectives

a) Recognize the specificity of Mediterranean ecosystems.
b) Understand the different factors contributing to their identity.
c) Apprehend the natural and socioeconomic contexts contributing to the differentiation within the MediterraneanRegion.
d) Evaluate the factors contributing to the degradation of this ecosystem.
e) Analyse the weaknesses and potentialities of the Mediterranean Portugal.
f) Develop and apply acquired knowledge to diagnose and mitigate degradation processes.
g) Interpret critically and analytically texts and data.

General characterization

Code

722041080

Credits

10.0

Responsible teacher

Pedro João Cruz Cortesão Casimiro

Hours

Weekly - 3

Total - 280

Teaching language

Portuguese

Prerequisites

N/A

Bibliography

  • Allen, Harriet D. Mediterranean Ecogeography - Ecogeography Series, Harlow, Pearson, 2001, 263 p. Conacher, A.;Sala, M. (Eds.) Land Degradtion in Mediterranean Environemnts of the World - Nature and Extent, Causes andSolutions, Londres, Willey, 1998, 491 p.
  • Brandt, C.J; Thornes, J.B. (Eds.) Mediterranean Desertification and Land Use, Londres, Wiley, 1996, 554 p.
  • Grenon, M.; Batisse, M. (Eds.) Futures for the Mediterranean Bassin - The Blue Plan, Nova Iorque, Oxford UniversityPress, 1989, 279 p.
  • Grove, A.T.; Rackham, O. The Nature of Mediterraean Europe - An Ecological History, New York, Yale University Press,2003, 384 p.
  • Rundel, P.W.; Montenegro G.; Jaksic, F.M. (Eds.) Landscape Disturbance and Biodiversity in Mediterranean TypeEcosystems, Nova Iorque, Springer, 1998, 447 p.

Teaching method

Expositive and participative classes with reading and discussion of thematic texts. Research work based on field work, references and document research resulting from autonomous work and its oral presentation.

Evaluation method

Continuous assessment - Essay(85%), Essay proposal(5%), Oral presentation(10%)

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.