Forests in the Asia Pacific Region

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

The Asia Pacific region is of crucial importance to Australia and to the future management of global forest resources. The region has over half the world’s population and countries with the fastest growing populations and economies. This is placing increased demand on forest resources in the region and elsewhere. There extensive spiritual and cultural associations of people to forests in this region and an extensive history of forest use and development. Using case studies from countries such as India, China, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, this subject deals with the main forest types in this region, the history of forest use, the current state of forests and forest management and the role of forests in the future development of this region. The subject will include a field trip to a country in the Asia Pacific region (resources permitting). At the completion of this subject students will have an advanced understanding of:

1. The forest ecosystems of the Asia Pacific region and their role in human development.

2. The management and governance systems for forest management in different parts of this region.

3. Current issues and future trends in forest management, forest industries and utilisation.

Reading journal 10%, Major assignment (4000 words) 60%, Presentation 10%, Examination (1.5 hours) 20%

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.