In this module, we’ll explore how ideas about “nature” and “wilderness” have changed over time and shaped conservation efforts. You’ll learn about the history of protected areas, the people affected by them, and reflect on your own experiences with nature.

In this module, we’ll examine how conservation efforts intersect with questions of social justice, knowledge systems, and development. We’ll explore how gender and power shape environmental outcomes, discuss the importance of indigenous and local knowledge, and consider the challenges and possibilities of balancing biodiversity conservation with poverty alleviation.

In this module, we turn our attention to the specific places where conservation and development intersect—oceans, cities, and forests—and the complex challenges that arise within them. These environments, though distinct, all illuminate the tensions between ecological protection, human well-being, and questions of governance, justice, and power.

In this module, we’ll examine how climate impacts vary across communities and ecosystems, and how adaptation strategies are reshaping responses to environmental change. Through a real-world case study on anti-poaching efforts in Kenya, we’ll analyze the complexities of conservation enforcement and the tensions it can create. Finally, we’ll critically evaluate “rewilding” as a potential path forward, considering who benefits, who is left out, and whether this approach offers a just and sustainable future.