Wetland Regulation: Local to Global Perspective

This course explores wetland conservation through legal, ecological, and policy perspectives. Learners will examine the regulatory roles of federal, state, and local governments, with a focus on the Clean Water Act (CWA) and Waters of the United States (WOTUS). Global conservation efforts, including the Ramsar Convention, will be analyzed in relation to sustainability objectives. Through case studies, learners will assess factors shaping wetland management, the role of community participation, and adaptation to climate change. The course also evaluates engineering-based and hybrid solutions for enhancing wetland resilience. By the end, learners will develop a critical understanding of wetland conservation challenges and strategies in both U.S. and international contexts. 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

• Contrast federal, state, and local regulatory roles focusing on the Clean Water Act
• Analyze international conservation laws and conventions including the Ramsar Convention
• Evaluate wetland management factors, community participation, and climate resilience strategies

• Basic familiarity with wetland topics and terminology
• Readiness for applied exercises or case-based learning