The Global Mechanism (GM) is delighted to announce the signing of a Protocol of Cooperation between the development partners, who have collaborated on the design of the Master’s Course (MSc) in Integrated Drylands Management (IDM). The Protocol formalizes the collaborative working relationship between the universities and centres of excellence and leading academics, which are committed to providing on-going support to this consolidated course in 2012 and the years ahead.
The course gives young professionals and scientists interested in deepening their knowledge of complex ecosystem management issues an ample international and multidisciplinary perspective on integrated approaches to resource management in dryland contexts.
The course includes highly specialized lectures on both the biophysical and socio-economic dimensions of IDM, delivered by leading academics and experienced professionals from eight partner Institutions.
Since 2009, the GM has provided input to this course with lectures, case studies and practical exercises on economic valuation of land, economic incentives, investment policies and financing strategies. All the course material is derived from global-level analysis and country-level experience.
The programme is split into two parts: a short, intensive course, and practical work experience in dryland areas that will provide the basis for the students’ Master’s thesis. The four-week taught course focuses on the international dimension of drylands management and a range of research methods. It draws on the expertise and scientific resources of the partner organizations, who will deliver a balanced mix of lectures and seminars. The six month field and laboratory research will be conducted under the supervision of one of the programme partners.
In 2012, the intensive course will be held at Institut des Régions Arides (IRA), in Medenine, Tunisia, in Autumn. Field trips will be organized to the arid zones of Tunisia.
Upon successful completion of the programme, students will receive an MSc degree from their home university and a Certificate from the United Nations University. A limited number of fellowships are available to qualified candidates from developing countries on a competitive basis.
Typically, MSc graduates go on to serve in government agencies dealing with agriculture, forestry, natural resources management, and combating desertification; in teaching positions in institutions of higher education, in research institutes or enrol on doctoral research programmes.
Download course application form
For more information:
Mr Simone Quatrini, Coordinator, Policy & Investment Analysis
Tel. +39 06 5459 2154
s.quatrini (at) global-mechanism.org
