The course introduces students to the inter-disciplinary nature of ecosystem management in the context of protected conservation areas. The complexity of managing dynamic ecosystems with ongoing biodiversity change is addressed, and the need to balance ecological needs with economic, political and socio-cultural demands. The majority of the 5 day course is delivered in the Blue Mountains, which forms part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, where students will go into the field with professionals from conservation agencies as well as local Indigenous people to confront on-ground management challenges such as fire, introduced species and conservation of Indigenous cultural heritage. Conflicts arising over impacts of development on the protected area will be addressed, such as urban and agri-industrial impacts.

The course will be delivered through a combination of field trips and lectures. Topics include: management of drivers of ecosystem change such as fire and introduced species; threats to biodiversity; conservation genetics; wildlife population management; impacts of climate change; balancing stakeholder interests; Indigenous co-management; community participation; knowledge generation, uptake and use; tourism and development impacts.

This subject is of particular relevance to students interested in environmental governance, protected area management such as national parks and world heritage areas, and the role of local community participation including of Indigenous groups. The strong management focus prepares graduates for careers in government agencies, NGOs, and industries which deal with environmental management and conservation.