AIT Virtual Learning Environment

Introduction to Natural Resource Economics

The aim of the course is to provide students with an understanding of 1) the diversity of forms of governance of natural resources; 2) different theoretical  approaches to study a specific case of natural resource management and some methodological elements to conduct a specific study; 3) multi stakeholder processes to plan and manage natural resources; 4) tools and policies for natural resource management.

The objective of the course is to provide the students the concepts of geographic data/information, concepts and principle of remotes sensing, GIS, and GPS so that the students have adequate knowledge and skill in applying these tools and techniques in natural resources management. On the completion of the course, the students will be able to

(1) Describe type of geospatial data and data generation techniques

(2) Explain geographic data representation and map projection

(3) Explain principles, advantages and disadvantages of remote sensing, GIS, GPS

(4) Identify quality data for use in natural resources management

(5) Determine and use geospatial techniques in solving the issues related to natural resources management 

The objective of this course is to introduce the students intrinsic linkage between land use and climate change to amply equip them with the knowledge of the land use change and climate change science, role of land use on mitigation and adaptation of climate change impacts. The course explores possibilities for land managers and users to adapt to imminent challenges as well as processes of reaching social agreement on how to react to increasing uncertainty and ambiguous information surrounding climate change impacts. Upon the completion of the course, the students will be able to 

• Discuss process, causes and impact of land use change
• Explain simple concept of climate change and how climate change is linked with land use change
• Analyse and choose land use options useful for mitigation of and adaptation to climate change
• Understand the relationship between social processes and climate adaptation
• Make recommendations for policy interventions on climate adaptation

The main purpose of this Natural Resource Economics moodle site is to exchange documents and presentations discussed during the class.  I am adding progressively some quizzes and additional resources of interest. Please also feel free to indicate some documents that you may find interesting to share within the group.

Dr. Damien Jourdain

The objective of this course is to promote a regional awareness of NRM related issues for students through lecture and field trip in Thailand. Upon completion of this course, it is expected that the students will be able to  

• Discuss the broad issues of environment and natural resources management of regional importance
• Describe major land degradation problems and conservation measures at regional level
• Relate the role and impact of climate change on natural resources
• Discuss the major issue related to biodiversity, food security and rural transition
• Discuss broad natural resources polices at regional level 

The course will provide the students with the concepts and basic tools of environmental valuation, with a special focus on contingent valuation techniques. Econometric tools used in contingent valuation (multiple linear regression, logistic regression) will be presented with greater emphasis put on their practical use than their theoretical foundations. Based on these foundations, contingent valuation will be carried out using public survey data used in contingent valuation exercises.