Multidisciplinary Approaches to Marine Conservation Policies
Aix-Marseille University
Reference Teacher: Pascale Ricard, CNRS Research Fellow in Environmental Law, UMR DICE 7318, AMU
Teacher(s): Pascale Ricard, CNRS Research Fellow in Environmental Law, UMR DICE 7318, AMU / Anne Cadoret, Senior Lecturer in Geography and Territorial Planning, TELEMMe, AMU / Loïc Roulette, Senior Lecturer in Law, CDE, Aix-Marseille University / Lucie Brower, PhD Candidate in Environmental Law, CDMO.
Guests speakers from legal institutions and organisations or those involved in maritime areas management
The course provides an interdisciplinary overview of ocean conservation challenges, focusing on marine pollution and Marine Protected Areas. Participants examine the legal, institutional and operational mechanisms used to protect marine ecosystems and address environmental pressures such as pollution, over exploitation of marine resources and biodiversity loss. The course also explores the governance challenges associated with the implementation of Marine Protected Areas, including conflicts between conservation objectives and economic activities, the role of public authorities, and the involvement of civil society and stakeholders.
This course is part of the postgraduate diploma DESU Sustainable International Ocean Governance at Aix-Marseille University. The course examines the main challenges related to ocean conservation policies, focusing on two major themes: marine pollution and the governance of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Through interdisciplinary perspectives combining law, environmental science and territorial governance, the course explores how conservation policies are designed, implemented and debated at different governance levels.
This course introduces students to the main policy and governance challenges related to ocean conservation. The programme focuses on two major themes: marine pollution and Marine Protected Areas. Participants explore the legal frameworks and institutional mechanisms used to address marine pollution, as well as the environmental and governance challenges associated with the protection of marine ecosystems. The programme also examines the emergence and development of Marine Protected Areas as key instruments of marine conservation policies. Particular attention is given to the diversity of protection statuses, the articulation between different governance scales, and the conflicts and negotiations involved in the establishment of protected marine areas.
Participants acquire knowledge of the legal frameworks, governance mechanisms and policy instruments related to marine conservation and pollution control.
Participants learn to analyse conservation policies and governance challenges related to marine pollution and Marine Protected Areas.
Participants develop critical thinking skills enabling them to assess the effectiveness and limitations of marine conservation policies.
Participants develop their ability to discuss and analyse ocean conservation issues in interdisciplinary and professional contexts.
Participants strengthen their ability to engage with interdisciplinary knowledge related to ocean governance and marine conservation.
The admission requirements are as follows: initial training: four or five years of higher education; continuing education: after review of their application, professionals with at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and relevant professional experience may be admitted to enrol.
Lectures by researchers and practitioners; serious game; Case studies on marine conservation policies; Discussions of legal frameworks and governance mechanisms; Interactions with professionals involved in marine conservation.
Assessment may include written assignments and participation in discussions
The course aims to provide students with an interdisciplinary understanding of ocean conservation policies and governance mechanisms. By the end of the course, participants will be able to analyse the legal frameworks and policy instruments used to address marine pollution and to implement Marine Protected Areas.
DESU Sustainable International Ocean Governance – Aix-Marseille University
https://dice.univ-amu.fr/fr/node/237
http://dice.univ-amu.fr/dice/ceric
The expected learning outcomes can contribute to the achievements of the following goals: Goal 14: Life below water, Goal 13: Climate Action, and Goal 4: Quality Education
Administrative reference: Gaëlle DUPRÉ: gaelle.dupre@univ-amu.fr
Applications on Ecandidat from September to December: https://candidatures.univ-amu.fr/candidatures/#!accueilView
The course combines lectures by legal scholars, environmental scientists and practitioners to explore ocean conservation challenges from an interdisciplinary perspective.
- Legal frameworks for marine pollution control
- Environmental criminal law and enforcement mechanisms Legal and regulatory approaches to marine pollution
- Environmental monitoring and pollution management practices
- Introduction to Marine Protected Areas: emergence and global conservation strategies. This session explores the international development of MPAs as a major conservation tool, including the objectives of the global 30×30 target and the evolution of international marine protection policies.
- Governance and territorial dynamics of Marine Protected Areas. This session examines the territorial implementation of MPAs and the governance challenges associated with their creation and management. Particular attention is given to stakeholder conflicts, social acceptance issues and the diversity of protection statuses.
- Operational perspectives on Marine Protected Areas. Presentation of professional practices and management challenges faced by practitioners involved in Marine Protected Areas.
- Maritime governance and stakeholder consultation. Analysis of the articulation between marine spatial planning documents, national maritime strategies and Marine Protected Areas in France.
- The diversity of Marine Protected Area legal statuses
- The interactions between local, national and international governance scales
- The conflicts and negotiations associated with the creation of protected marine areas
- The role of Marine Protected Areas within broader marine planning strategies.
Texts and reference bibliography for the course will be provided by the professors