DSPO 23A07 - Marine Conservation : how to design, manage and finance efficient protection measures

From marine biology basics to community-based conservation, this course explores how

science, economics, and social dynamics converge in marine protected areas (MPAs). It begins

with the ocean’s biological fundamentals, highlighting biodiversity and key ecosystems. Students then

explore fisheries science, analyzing exploited species, fishing methods, and ecosystem impacts.

Scientific, evidence-based, conservation then shows the vital role of MPAs in safeguarding biodiversity

and resilience. Through management planning, learners address threats, set objectives, and guide

implementation. Business plans ensure financial sustainability by balancing costs and revenues.

Stakeholder engagement unites NGOs, communities, authorities, and researchers for effective

collaboration. Finally, students synthesize all dimensions in a fictive MPA project, forging a cohesive,

forward-thinking conservation framework.

This course employs a blended-learning structure that integrates both on-site and online sessions.

Most face-to-face classes conclude with a brief checkpoint quiz to be completed in the subsequent

days, ensuring that students review and reinforce their understanding of the material. In addition, one

session requires advance preparation through online resources, culminating in a checkpoint quiz

before class. Together, these quizzes constitute half of the overall course grade.

As part of a guided workshop, students develop a realistic Marine Protected Area, building on the

different sessions step by step - in groups. This group work (presentation and report), which

encourages peer-learning and active participation, accounts for the other half of the course

assessment. Groups are evaluated on their content mastery, clarity of communication, and the ability

to engage classmates in discussion.