Summer Course 2025

Mangrove forests and peatlands are among the most vital ecosystems in mitigating climate change, yet they remain undervalued and underprotected. These unique environments serve as powerful carbon sinks, helping to absorb and store vast amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Additionally, they play a crucial role in coastal resilience, shielding communities from storm surges, erosion, and rising sea levels. Understanding the ecological functions of these ecosystems is essential for developing effective conservation and restoration strategies. This summer course, Coastal Resilience and Carbon Sequestration: Exploring the Role of Mangroves and Peatlands Forest Contribution to Climate Mitigation, aims to provide students with a comprehensive view of these interconnected landscapes.

Through an interdisciplinary approach combining forestry and marine science, this program delves into the ecological dynamics, biodiversity, and hydrological processes that shape mangrove and peatland forests. By integrating field studies, laboratory research, and policy discussions, students will gain a holistic perspective on how these ecosystems contribute to global carbon sequestration efforts. Participants will explore how human interventions—such as deforestation, land conversion, and climate change—impact these critical habitats, ultimately threatening the stability of coastal regions worldwide.

A key component of this course is hands-on experience, allowing students to engage directly with conservation and management practices. Field excursions to mangrove forests and peatlands will provide opportunities to observe and analyze ecosystem functions, soil composition, and carbon storage capacities. In addition, students will collaborate on research projects aimed at developing sustainable strategies for enhancing coastal resilience. By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, this course empowers future environmental leaders with the skills needed to drive impactful change.

Policy and governance discussions will also form a crucial part of the curriculum, examining the global and regional frameworks that influence mangrove and peatland protection. Students will explore initiatives such as blue carbon projects, community-based conservation efforts, and climate adaptation policies that integrate forestry and marine science principles. By analyzing case studies from different parts of the world, participants will gain insight into successful conservation models that can be applied in their own regions.

Ultimately, this summer course seeks to inspire a new generation of scientists, policymakers, and conservationists to recognize the immense value of mangrove forests and peatlands. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting innovative solutions, students will leave with a deeper understanding of how these ecosystems serve as nature’s climate protectors. As the world faces increasing environmental challenges, it is imperative to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard these landscapes for future generations.