Летняя школа «Системы интегрированного землепользования» для студентов и молодых ученых

06.12.2016

June 12th – 30th 2017 in Freiburg, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, Germany
Main topics
The rapidly growing world population and changes in food consumption are placing increasing pressure on agricultural and forestry production systems. However, the classic intensification approach to increase yield of food and biomass by genetic homogenization, mechanization and application of pesticides and fertilizer, has led in many places to negative environmental and social consequences such as soil degradation, eutrophication, decline in fresh water resources, loss of biodiversity, land-use conflicts, as well as a loss of employment. Against this background, Integrated Land Use Systems (ILUS), which combine different types of land uses and integrate several management goals in the same patch or landscape mosaic, are gaining more and more attention. It is assumed that ILUS provide a higher level of ecosystem goods and services, are less vulnerable to the risks of global change and markets, and are better suited to the livelihood strategies of local populations.

The Summer School will introduce participants to important ILUS (e.g., agroforestry systems) and the socio-economic context in which they developed, and to critical analysis of their ecological, social and economic performance.

Course aim

One goal is to familiarize participants with the wide range of ILUS by presenting case studies from different parts of the world and to provide them with up to date expert knowledge. The second major goal is to train competencies in the critical analysis of ecological, social and economic foundations and effects of ILUS. Participants will be guided to assess ILUS regarding their multidimensional potentials and limitations within different socio-ecological settings. In addition, the students will be given opportunities to discuss research projects and other collaborations with members of the Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources as well as with other German universities, government institutions and NGOs.

In the beginning of the Summer School, the participants will present ILUS case studies from their home countries, from which some will be selected for in-depth analysis. To prepare for this analysis, experts will introduce into key aspects of ILUS from technical, environmental and economic perspectives. Furthermore, they will present examples of ILUS from South-America, Africa, Asia and Europe, latter accompanied by field excursions. Based on this input, participants will develop in group work interdisciplinary analyses of selected ILUS categories that will be presented and discussed at the end. Furthermore, the programme will provide a cultural and social programme to introduce participants to Freiburg, the Black Forest, and the region.

Upon successful completion, a certificate of participation (5 ECTS) will be provided. If required, a qualified assessment can be provided on the basis of the group work and an oral exam. The Chair of Silviculture provides scholarships on behalf of the Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Freiburg in co-operation with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) to participants (see below). 2/3

Target group

The Summer School is designed for international graduate students and for young scientists working in the field of forest, agricultural, and environmental sciences, geography, rural development, landscape ecology and other related fields of natural resource management. The programme is open for applications from all countries.

Date summer 2017: June 12th -30th 2017

Language: English

Programme fees: 500 €

Scholarships include:

— 750 € for accommodation and food during the course (20 nights: June 11 – July 01, 2017)

— 500 € for programme fees (incl. transport, study material, field trips)

— Contribution to international travel will be paid in Freiburg 2/3

Target group

Date summer 2017: June 12th -30th 2017

Language: English

Programme fees: 500 €

Scholarships include:

— 750 € for accommodation and food during the course (20 nights: June 11 – July 01, 2017)

— 500 € for programme fees (incl. transport, study material, field trips)

— Contribution to international travel will be paid in Freiburg (a share of the maximum value according to country of origin, see list attached)

Application process:

Prerequisites: — M.Sc. or equivalent degree in forest/agricultural/environmental sciences or related fields.

— Academic achievements/basic knowledge in ecology, economy and social sciences (certified)

— Very good English language skills (certified)

— Interest in scientific examination of ILUS

Documents by e-mail:

— Excel application form (for both the summer school and scholarship) – see attached

— Short curriculum vitae with photograph (1 page)

— Certified academic achievements in ecology, economy and social sciences (e.g., University certificates/records or publications, theses, etc.)

— Certified language proficiency, (3 options):

— a recognized language certificate, which certifies the level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (e.g., TOEFL iBT 100, IELTS band 6.5, Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or equivalent tests; language course certificates are not accepted),

— or successful participation in academic courses in English,

— or publications in peer-reviewed international journals

— A motivation letter clarifying the specific interest to participate in this programme (max. 400 words)

— A description about an ILUS case study from your home country/ region or your professional background that informs about the context, technical, environmental and socioeconomic aspects, and knowledge about potential and limitations (max 600 words)

Documents by mail:

— signed excel application form — attached

— certified copy of the (B.Sc., or M.Sc. or Ph.D.) certificate

Application deadline: February 5, 2017

Selection of candidates: not before end of February 2017

Please email the excel application form, CV, academic certificates, proof of language proficiency and other required documents to the following address:

steffen.entenmann@waldbau.uni-freiburg.de