Wetland Conservation Through a Human Lens

Wetland conservation is not just an ecological challenge—it is also deeply shaped by social, political, and cultural factors. This course explores how competing stakeholder interests, policy frameworks, and governance structures influence wetland management and restoration. Learners will examine the role of public, private, and social sectors in conservation efforts, as well as strategies for fostering equitable and culturally sensitive stakeholder engagement. Through case studies, the course highlights both successful collaborations and the consequences of stakeholder exclusion in environmental decision-making. By the end, learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of how human dynamics shape wetland conservation outcomes. This course is part of the College of ACES suite of online programs. To learn more about online programs from the College of ACES and explore ways to apply your Coursera work toward a degree program at the University of Illinois, visit: https://acesonline.illinois.edu/. Â

• Analyze social, political, and cultural factors influencing wetland conservation
• Evaluate strategies for equitable and culturally sensitive stakeholder engagement
• Understand how human dynamics shape wetland conservation outcomes

• Basic familiarity with the topic and common terminology
• Readiness for practice through applied exercises or case studies