Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- External
- Attendance mode
- Online
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- The Environment School
Overview of policy development process as it is applied to conservation & environmental management. Conservation policy in both international & national context. (Minimum enrolment required 8)
In this course we study important conservation policy frameworks, considering their development, implementation and evaluation. The focus is primarily on public policy at international, national and sub-national levels.
Policy development occurs in a social arena of contending rights and interests, beliefs and viewpoints. Through the lens of current policy debates, we explore the social, economic and political conditions that either aid or impede the development of good conservation policy. In particular, we delve into the Australian political and governmental system to understand the context within which conservation policy develops and changes.
At theﾠinternational level we study major conservation conventions, such as the UN Conventionﾠon Biological Diversity (CBD), World Heritage, RAMSARﾠand CITES. We explore how these international commitments are translated to national policy frameworks and the effectiveness of those frameworks, using examples such as Australia's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
We examine policy responses to the need to protect threatened species and ecological communities, the species and environments of the open seas and protected areas like the Great Barrier Reef.
The course draws in experts in conservation policy and practitioners with extensive experience in designing and implementing policy. We discuss practicalities and processes of policy development: who forms policy and why, and what steps have to be taken and issues have to be accounted for in developing policy? We debate topical policy issues and learn through evaluating existing policy and developing policy briefs focussed on real-world conservation issues.
This course is co-taught between ENVM3506 and ENVM7505.
Course requirements
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
ENVM3506
Course contact
Course coordinator
Professor James Watson
Course coordinator
Dr Helen Mayfield
Course staff
Lecturer
Guest lecturer
Dr Tim Seelig
Dr Jeremy Simmonds
Miss Hannah Thomas
Lis Ashby
Tutor
Dr Helen Mayfield
Ms Susie Fifoot
Ms Jessie Moyses
Mr Jonathan Mills-Anderson
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The aims of this course are to build an understanding of the various international and national policies and policy instruments most relevant to conservation policy and how they interact, to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of those policies, to appreciate the social and political content in which policies are made and succeed or fail, to develop critical skills in policy evaluation, and to understand drivers, processes and challenges for conservation policy development and implementation.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique | Draft policy examination | 20% |
22/08/2025 2:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique | Full policy examination | 50% |
19/09/2025 2:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Policy briefing
|
30% |
21/10/2025 10:00 am
In addition to submitting the written component and slides (or recorded presentation if approved for pre-record), you must attend tutorials in Weeks 12 AND 13, and be ready to give your presentation when called upon (unless alternative arrangements approved in advance) |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Draft policy examination
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
22/08/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L06
Task description
Read the Samuel review of the EPBC Act, and the government’s response – the ‘nature positive plan’. Choose one policy response that is proposed in the nature positive plan and identify the corresponding issue that it relates to in the Samuel review. For this policy response, prepare a report that covers the following:
- The issue: The conservation problem that this government response aims to address
- Policy response: Outline the policy response proposed, including classifying the type or types of policy instruments proposed, according to the information provided in Week 2
- Stakeholders: Identify who the stakeholders are who are likely to be affected by the proposed response, and how they might be affected
You will build on this analysis that you have started for Assignment 2, and you will be able to incorporate any feedback provided on Assignment 1 into Assignment 2.
Submit a written report of maximum 1000 words, excluding the reference list.
Submission guidelines
Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See the Additional assessment information section below for information relating to extension applications.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Full policy examination
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
19/09/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05, L06, L07
Task description
Read the Samuel review of the EPBC Act, and the government’s response – the ‘Nature Positive Plan’. Choose one policy response that is proposed in the Nature Positive Plan and identify the corresponding issue that it relates to in the Samuel review. For this policy response, prepare a report that covers the following:
- The issue: The conservation problem that this response aims to address
- Policy response: Outline the policy response proposed, including classifying the type or types of policy instruments proposed, according to the information provided in Week 2
- Stakeholders: Identify who the stakeholders are who are likely to be affected by the introduction of the proposed response, and how they might be affected
- Review of policy approach: Review how this type of policy response has been used in other contexts and situations. Explore any evidence, direct or indirect, for its potential effectiveness.
- Evaluation plan: Briefly describe how you would evaluate the effectiveness of this policy in ten years’ time: what types of information should be collected and in what form to support evaluation of whether this intervention has worked?
- Recommendations for Improved Outcomes: Propose and justify recommendations to more effectively and/or comprehensively address the issue identified in section 1.
Submit a written report of maximum 3500 words, excluding the reference list.
Submission guidelines
Online submission by Turnitin only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See the Additional assessment information section below for information relating to extension applications.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Policy briefing
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
21/10/2025 10:00 am
In addition to submitting the written component and slides (or recorded presentation if approved for pre-record), you must attend tutorials in Weeks 12 AND 13, and be ready to give your presentation when called upon (unless alternative arrangements approved in advance)
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07, L08
Task description
Identify a policy response from the Nature Positive Plan. It could be the one that you examined in Assignments 1 and 2, or a different one. Imagine you are a policy advisor to the government Minister responsible. Imagine the Nature Positive Plan has not yet been decided, and your role is to make a recommendation about the proposed policy response to the Minister. You have a three-minute meeting with the Minister to propose one or more policy options with their pros and cons, including an overview of the likely challenges such a policy might meet. Present a short spoken pitch (maximum 3 mins) and prepare a succinct one-page summary of your briefing. Your spoken briefing will be presented in class in weeks 12 and 13.
Guide to expected content
- Context/Purpose and need: Brief summary of the conservation problem, why it needs a government response, the policy options proposed and their pros and cons, financial or legislative requirements. What is the need for this policy and action plan? What environmental, social or economic benefits might be delivered by the policy option presented? How much difference can a policy make to the problem?
- Stakeholders: What is the jurisdictional scope within which the Minister can act to implement this policy? Who are the key stakeholders likely to be affected, positively or negatively? How can the Minister work to ensure support and buy-in from all, or most, stakeholders? Does the jurisdiction already have a policy on this or a similar issue and has it been reviewed? What have other jurisdictions implemented, and how have those policies performed? Have similar policies been proposed in the past, and how were they received?
- Risks and unintended consequences, and how to manage them: Can any perverse or negative outcomes occur directly or indirectly as a result of the implementation of this policy?
- Financial and other implementation issues: Whose rights and interests may be affected? Are they likely to need compensation or will industries require structural adjustment? What might the total implementations costs include and how would you justify the cost? What other social, economic or other factors might impede the ability of the government to pursue its plan of action successfully?
Prepare a 3 minute presentation (details on how to provide if pre-recording will be shared during semester) AND a 1-page (1-sided) succinct summary of the policy brief – uploaded via Turnitin prior to the presentation.
Hurdle requirements
See ADDITIONAL COURSE GRADING INFORMATION for the hurdle relating to this assessment item.Submission guidelines
Submission of written component and slides (or recorded presentation if approved for pre-record) must be submitted via Turnitin only by the due date and time. No hard copy or assignment cover sheets are required. Submission via email is not accepted.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
See the Additional assessment information section below for information relating to extension applications.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.
For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24-hour period plus part of another 24-hour period).
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 0% |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 30% |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 45% |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% |
Additional course grading information
Assessment Hurdle
In order to pass this course, you must meet the following requirements (if you do not meet these requirements, the maximum grade you will receive will be a 3):
You must obtain 45% or more on the Policy Briefing assessment task.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to the UQ website for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.
Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.
If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.
Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.
To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.
Additional assessment information
Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates
Read the information contained in the following links carefully before submitting an application for extension to assessment due date.
For guidance on applying for an extension, information is available here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension
For the policy relating to extensions, information is available here (Part D): https://policies.uq.edu.au/document/view-current.php?id=184
Please note the University's requirements for medical certificates here: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/uq-policies-and-rules/requirements-medical-certificates
Turnitin
By submitting work through Turnitin you are deemed to have accepted the following declaration “I certify that this assignment is my own work and has not been submitted, either previously or concurrently, in whole or in part, to this University or any other educational institution, for marking or assessment.”
All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on submission of any assessments. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if assessments are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty, or after seven days, will receive zero.
In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Readings are available via the Talis reading list, linked from the course Blackboard site. Additional topical resources may be made available via the course Blackboard site during semester.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Lecture |
Introduction: What is this course about? the conservation challenge and introduction to policy Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L06 |
Tutorial |
Current issue discussion Conservation policy in the news Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L06 |
|
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Lecture |
Introduction: The policy arena and policy cycle Conservation policy map, the policy cycle and policy instruments, defining good policy Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Information on assignment 1 An overview of policy review for Assignment 1 Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
|
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Lecture |
Policy frameworks: International policy frameworks The CBD, SDGs, Ramsar, World heritage, CITES; translation to national policy Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Tutorial |
Current issue discussion Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
|
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Lecture |
Policy frameworks: Int'l marine conservation UNCLOS, high-seas fisheries, CBD and areas beyond national jurisdiction Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Tutorial |
Optional drop in session Assistance on Assignment 1 Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
|
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Lecture |
Policy frameworks: Australian policy landscape jurisdictions and conservation policy in Australia - who is responsible for what? Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Tutorial |
Guidance on Assignment 2 Samuel review and Nature Positive Plan Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06, L07 |
|
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Lecture |
Skills: evaluating policy effectiveness how do we know what works? Learning outcomes: L03, L05, L07 |
Tutorial |
Current issue discussion EPBC Act reform: Samuel review Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
|
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Lecture |
Skills: Policy reality and opportunity engaging with policymakers Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Tutorial |
Current issue discussion EPBC Act reform: Nature Positive Plan Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
|
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Lecture |
Case study: Great Barrier Reef policy Policies for protecting the cultural, social and economic values of the Great Barrier Reef Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Tutorial |
Optional drop in session Assistance on Assignment 2 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06, L07 |
|
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Lecture |
Skills Developing policy briefs for government Learning outcomes: L03, L04, L06, L07 |
Tutorial |
Guidance on Assignment 3 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07, L08 |
|
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Lecture |
Case study: land clearing policy Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Tutorial |
Current issue discussion Great Barrier Reef - World Heritage in Danger? Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Lecture |
Case study: International efforts to halt deforestation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Tutorial |
Australia’s response to the Global Biodiversity Framework Examination of Australia's national plan for addressing the GBF Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Lecture |
Case study: environmental impact assessment policy EIA policy and environmental offsetting Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Tutorial |
Assignment 3 Presenting policy briefs (Assignment 3) in class Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07, L08 |
|
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Lecture |
Course wrap An overview of what we've achieved this semester Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
Tutorial |
Assignment 3 Presenting policy briefs (Assignment 3) in class Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07, L08 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.