Environment and Resource Management - Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Overview

Ecosystem services are 'the benefits people obtain from nature’. The concept of ecosystem services underscores the inextricable links between biodiversity, ecosystems and human well-being. In the debate over nature conservation and resource management, making the ecosystem services approach a central focus stresses the societal benefits of nature conservation and the need to align conservation and development goals. Classical examples of important ecosystem services include pollination, coastal protection, carbon sequestration, food provisioning, and socio-cultural services. 

The Environment and Resource Management - Ecosystem Services and Biodiversity programme from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam covers methods for assessing societal values with economic and socio-cultural methods. It also examines the theoretical tools for analysing the governance of ecosystem services and the management options from local to global level, as well as from the public to the private sector. Typical subjects addressed in this specialisation include protected areas, payments for ecosystem services, sustainable supply chains, wildlife management, sustainable agriculture and marine management.

Start working

With a Master’s degree in Environment and Resource Management, you have excellent employment prospects. Start working as a project manager at an NGO, choose a role in the private or public sector, or work for a (environmental) consultancy. Throughout the programme, various training modules are offered to increase your employability.