Topic Overview

This topic introduces a key tool and framework Driver, Pressure, State, Impact and Response (DPSIR) followed by its application through analyzing selected case studies. Moreover, you will also use this tool to analyze range of conservation issues and policies/practical responses from deforestation in Nepal to conservation of endangered species, Bengal tiger in India.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe and analyze Driver, Pressure, State, Impact and Response (DPSIR) concept.
• Apply DPSIR framework to analyze environmental/conservation issue through selected case studies.

Required & Optional Readings

Required Readings

• Oesterwind, D., Rau, A., & Zaiko, A. (2016). Drivers and pressures–untangling the terms commonly used in marine science and policy. Journal of Environmental Management, 181, 8-15.
• Gupta, J., Scholtens, J., Perch, L., Dankelman, I., Seager, J., Sánder, F., ... & Kempf, I. (2020). Re-imagining the driver–pressure–state–impact–response framework from an equity and inclusive development perspective. Sustainability Science, 15(2), 503-520.
• Rastogi, A., Hickey, G. M., Badola, R., & Hussain, S. A. (2012). Saving the superstar: a review of the social factors affecting tiger conservation in India. Journal of Environmental Management, 113, 328-340.
• Omann, I., Stocker, A., & Jäger, J. (2009). Climate change as a threat to biodiversity: An application of the DPSIR approach. Ecological Economics, 69(1), 24-31.
• Everard, M., Johnston, P., Santillo, D., & Staddon, C. (2020). The role of ecosystems in mitigation and management of Covid-19 and other zoonoses. Environmental Science & Policy.

Fundamental Concepts

• Topic 4.2 DPSIR framework for analyzing conservation problem.pdf Download Topic 4.2 DPSIR framework for analyzing conservation problem.pdf

Self-test Quiz (For certificate learning only)

After viewing lecture PPT presentation for this topic, take 10 minutes to take this self-test quiz. It is intended to serve as a quick check points of your learning progress about the factual content for this topic. Immediate feedback or answer key will be provided after your attempt. Click Self-test Quiz 4.2 to start.

Online Discussions (For certificate learning only)

Each week you will participant in the topic discussions of the week. The purpose of these discussions is to enable you to critically discuss and apply the core concepts you learned each week. Each online weekly topic discussion will include two parts: 1) your initial response to topic discussion questions posted by the instructor; and 2) your peer comment on other peer posts. Instructor will post one or two discussion questions related to the assigned module and topic every week. Response to these online discussion question and subsequent peer comment on these responses is mandatory. By doing this, you will enhance your knowledge through multiple perspectives posted by your peers. These questions will be focused on the most important aspect of the assigned module and topic and reflection on how you can apply these concept and tools from the assigned module and topic in your own context. For detailed requirements and grading rubric go to Online Discussions page.

To join the online topic discussions for this week go to Online Topic Discussion 4.2.

Graded Assignment for the Week (For certificate learning only)

Audio-visual Presentation of Term-paper Summary

Each of you will present a summary of your term paper in week 15. The purpose of this presentation is to enhance your oral presentation skills as well as oral argumentation skills. Most importantly, you will enhance your ability to summarize the report/paper (in this case your final term paper) and better communicate and highlight the most important and interesting results as well as unexpected results. The duration of presentation will be for 15 minutes sharp and then peers and instructor will provide feedback on the presentation itself (what was good about the presentation and what presenters should do to improve his/her presentation). Additionally, peers and instructor will also comment on the content of the presentation so that you can improve your reports/papers (in this case term paper) from your peers’ and the instructor’s feedback. For detailed requirements, instruction and grading rubric go to Assignment 2: Audio-visual Presentation page.