Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- 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
Jointly taught details
This course is jointly-taught with:
- ENVM3506
Lectures are shared between both courses
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Professor James Watson
Guest lecturer
Dr Martin Taylor
Dr Nicole Shumway
Dr Tim Seelig
Dr Jeremy Simmonds
Tutor
Ms Jessie Moyses
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.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify and explain the main conservation policy instruments and frameworks at international and national levels, and how they interact.
LO2.
Articulate the policy development process and identify constraints on development and implementation of conservation policy
LO3.
For a given conservation problem, identify alternative policy responses, and analyze their respective strengths and weaknesses.
LO4.
Prepare credible, concise and evidence-informed policy positions/briefs on conservation issues, considering its socio-political context and other relevant issues.
LO5.
Analyse the effectiveness of a policy, and identify and articulate ways to improve policy effectiveness within a set of real-world constraints.
LO6.
Place common policy debates held in the public arena within their policy frameworks and identify motivations of stakeholders and interest groups in those debates.
LO7.
Anticipate and critically appraise likely impacts, both intended and unintended, positive and negative, of proposed policy approaches in different contexts
LO8.
Argue persuasively for and justify specific formulations of international policy statements, and connect current events together to improve appreciation of challenges to international policy effectiveness
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique | Policy examination | 20% |
16/08/2024 2:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique | Policy examination | 50% |
13/09/2024 2:00 pm |
| Presentation | Policy briefing | 30% |
16/10/2024 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) |
Assessment details
Policy examination
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
16/08/2024 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 issue identified in the Samuel review, and identify the main aspects of the ‘Nature Positive Plan’ that are intended to address the issue. Prepare a report that covers the following:
- The issue: The issue identified in the Samuel review that you will focus on
- Policy response: The most relevant responses proposed by the Nature Positive plan, and the type or types of policy instruments they involve according to the information provided in Week 2
- Stakeholders: Identify who the stakeholders are who are likely to be affected by the introduction of this policy/policies, 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 the written report of maximum 1000 words excluding references, via the Turnitin link.
To achieve a passing grade in this course, students must receive at least 45% of the available marks for the presentation
Submission guidelines
Submit electronically through Turnitin on the course Blackboard site.
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.
Extensions must be requested in line with UQ policy: Applying for an assessment extension - my.UQ - University of Queensland
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.
For each day or part thereof that the assignment is late, 10% of the maximum mark will be subtracted from the mark awarded
Policy examination
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
13/09/2024 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 issue identified in the Samuel review, and identify the main aspects of the ‘Nature Positive Plan’ that are intended to address the issue. Prepare a report that covers the following:
- The issue: The issue identified in the Samuel review that you will focus on
- Policy response: The most relevant responses proposed by the Nature Positive plan, and the type or types of policy instruments they involve according to the information provided in Week 2
- Stakeholders: Identify who the stakeholders are who are likely to be affected by the introduction of this policy/policies, and how they might be affected
- Policy review: Briefly 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
- Adequacy of response: Critically examine how well the issue identified is likely to be addressed by the proposed responses. Identify any barriers to the success of the response proposed, or any shortfalls in the comprehensiveness of the response.
- Evaluation plan: Briefly describe how you would evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed policy responses to the issue you focussed on from the Samuel review in ten years’ time: what types of information should be collected and in what form to support evaluation of whether these interventions have worked?
Submit a report of maximum 4000 words, excluding references
To achieve a passing grade in this course, students must receive at least 45% of the available marks for the presentation
Submission guidelines
Submit electronically through Turnitin on the course Blackboard site.
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.
Extensions must be requested in line with UQ policy: Applying for an assessment extension - my.UQ - University of Queensland
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.
For each day or part thereof that the assignment is late, 10% of the maximum mark will be subtracted from the mark awarded
Policy briefing
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
16/10/2024 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 Minister responsible. Imagine the Nature Positive Plan has not yet been decided, and your role is to make a recommendation about the policy response to the Minister. You have a five-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
To achieve a passing grade in this course, students must receive at least 45% of the available marks for the presentation
Submission guidelines
Submission of written component and slides (or recorded presentation if approved for pre-record) must be submitted via turnitin by the due date and time
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.
Extensions must be requested in line with UQ policy: Applying for an assessment extension - my.UQ - University of Queensland
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.
For each day or part thereof that the assignment is late, 10% of the maximum mark will be subtracted from the mark awarded
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% To achieve a passing grade in this course, students must receive at least 45% of the available marks for the presentation |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 50% To achieve a passing grade in this course, students must receive at least 45% of the available marks for the presentation |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 65% To achieve a passing grade in this course, students must receive at least 45% of the available marks for the presentation |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 75% To achieve a passing grade in this course, students must receive at least 45% of the available marks for the presentation |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The minimum percentage required for this grade is: 85% To achieve a passing grade in this course, students must receive at least 45% of the available marks for the presentation |
Additional course grading information
In addition to the above grading requirements, to achieve a passing grade in this course, students must receive at least 45% of the available marks for the policy briefing.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Courses graded 1-7
Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ 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
Information on applying for an extension can be found here - my.UQ Applying for an extension
Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.
If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a Word document outlining why you cannot provide the documentation and upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
Please note: While your extension request is being considered, you should work towards completing and submitting your assessment as soon as possible.
If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 4 weeks in a semester, we advise you to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses. You might need to consider applying for removal of course. We strongly recommend you seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
Extensions with Student Access Plans (SAP)
For extensions up to 7 days, your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, extension requests longer than 7 days (for any one assessment item) will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. A maximum of two applications may be submitted for any one assessment item, unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The assessment tasks in this course evaluate students’ abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
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 five 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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
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 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
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 (29 Jul - 04 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 (05 Aug - 11 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 (12 Aug - 18 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 (19 Aug - 25 Aug) |
Tutorial |
Guidance on Assignment 2 Samuel review and Nature Positive Plan Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06, L07 |
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 |
|
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Current issue discussion EPBC Act reform: Samuel review Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Lecture |
Skills: evaluating policy effectiveness how do we know what works? Learning outcomes: L03, L05, L07 |
|
Week 7 (02 Sep - 08 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 (09 Sep - 15 Sep) |
Tutorial |
Optional drop in session Assistance on Assignment 2 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05, L06, L07 |
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 |
|
Week 9 (16 Sep - 22 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 (30 Sep - 06 Oct) |
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 |
Lecture |
Case study: land clearing policy Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 11 (07 Oct - 13 Oct) |
Lecture |
Case study: environmental impact assessment policy EIA policy and environmental offsetting Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Tutorial |
Current issue discussion TBA Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
|
Week 12 (14 Oct - 20 Oct) |
Tutorial |
Assignment 3 Presenting policy briefs (Assignment 3) in class Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07, L08 |
Lecture |
Case study: Global Biodiversity Framework and 30 x 30 Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08 |
|
Week 13 (21 Oct - 27 Oct) |
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 - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.