In this course we examine local, national and international environmental governance issues, with a focus on ethical principles, theories and frameworks that may be used to address a wide range of problems relating to environment and development issues, in the domains of biodiversity conservation, climate change, and forests and fisheries management, among others. We consider the organisations, institutions and actors influencing environmental management, and we look for policies and tools to address the problems of environmental degradation and social inequality. A range of resource management approaches are also considered, including common property management, market and non-market incentives for resource management, government regulation and planning, decentralization, and indigenous and community-based initiatives.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Articulate key theories and frameworks underpinning environmental governance
2. Critically analyse and communicate about environmental governance issues
3. Contribute to the development of solutions to environmental governance problems at the local, national, and global levels
4. Reflect upon the diversity of values, knowledges and practices involved in environmental governance, including First Nations' perspectives
5. Demonstrate a solid understanding of the organisations, institutions and actors influencing environmental management.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

CRAWFORD ACADEMIC SKILLS

The Crawford School of Public Policy has its own Academic Skills team dedicated to helping students to understand the academic expectations of studying at Crawford and succeed in their chosen program of study. Through individual appointments, course-embedded workshops and online resources, Crawford Academic Skills provides tailored advice to students keen to develop their academic reading, thinking, planning, writing, and presentation skills

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Defining environmental governance:This lecture unpacks what we mean by policy and governance, and how these "things" can shape human interactions with our environment, for good and for bad. Roles for the state, civil society, and markets are explored.
2	The politics of environmental policy:This lecture explores how policy is crafted, and how policy ideas are inherently political. We introduce the concept of policy narratives as a way of analysing this.
3	Addressing environmental harm:A key domain of environmental governance is to understand and address environmental harm, including harms that are local, global, transnational and multi-scalar. We explore how Multilateral Environmental Agreements can address harm
4	Conserving wild nature:This lecture explores the complexities of biodiversity conservation and protected areas, that try to enclose or save "pristine" nature. We explore issues of poverty alleviation, human rights, equity, and Indigenous rights in the context conservation in the Global South.
5	Ocean governance:This lecture explores environmental governance in "watery domains" where species, threats and targets are fluid, and where state power and control is diffuse.
6	Environmental markets and market-based approaches:This lecture explores how market instruments are being used to generate new commodities like carbon credits and biodiversity offsets, with a focus on Australian experiences. Key insights for environmental markets in the global context are discussed.
7	Decolonial approaches in environmental management:This lecture explores the role of Indigenous people in managing Country in Australia, and beyond. Ideas of sovereignty and decolonial conservation area explored here, with reference to practical examples.
8	Applying the precautionary principle:This lecture considers how risks and harms to the environment, and to future generations, can be accounted for in contemporary governance and decision-making.
9	Stakeholder analysis:This lecture explores the history of stakeholder analysis and management in environmental practice, showing how this offers crucial insights for environmental problem-solving and conflict resolution.
10	Dialogues for decision-making:This lecture engages with recent literature and experiences on social dialogues, as a way of exchanging views and building collective action for the environment.
11	Alliances and coalitions in environmental struggles:This lecture looks at social movements, civil society groups, and community-based organisations in the face of extractive industries and environmental change.
12	Hope in a time of crisis:This lecture opens discussions about our environmental crisis, especially with reference to climate change and mass extinction. How can we talk about crisis, and how can we respond in a helpful way?

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Policy analysis paper	35 %	21/03/2025	28/03/2025	1,2
Presentation on final essay topic	15 %	15/05/2025	30/05/2025	1,2,3
Final Essay	50 %	06/06/2025	27/06/2025	1,2,3

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Assessment Task 1

Policy analysis paper

This short essay (2000 words) asks students to analyse and critique an environmental policy document. Students will work in small groups to choose a policy document and develop their analysis. However, the write up of the essay will be an individual task and include some findings from group discussions and personal reflection. Details of the task and assessment criteria are available on Wattle.

The ANU College of Asia & the Pacific's Word Limit and Penalty Guidelines applies to this assessment item. 

Assessment Task 2

Presentation on final essay topic

Students will record a 5-minute video or do an in-class presentation, about their final essay. The details of the task and the assessment criteria are available on Wattle. This is a research-based assessment task.

Assessment Task 3

Final Essay

The final essay (3000 words) asks students to analyse an environmental problem of their choice, and to explore policy solutions to that problem. They will identify policy options and their likely effects and/or a policy solution could be recommended. Details of the task and assessment criteria are available on Wattle. This is a research-based assessment task.

The ANU College of Asia & the Pacific's Word Limit and Penalty Guidelines applies to this assessment item. 

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students