Economically Viable and Sustainable After-Use of Cutaway Peatlands (2cr)

Objective

After the course, the student can…
• Understand peat industry and cutaway dynamics of peat extraction areas
• Name the main after-use alternatives of cutaway peatlands
• Recognize factors affecting the after-use decision, such as hydrology, location, land ownership relations and residual peat thickness
• Identify key phenomena related to sustainability issues in peatlands
• Understand the basics for the development of the after-use business
• Assess the profitability of different forms of after-use and understand the importance of climate goals for the land use sector as part of decision-making

Content

Introduction, course objectives and practices, current situation and geographical distribution of peat extraction, just and green transition in peat industry.
Life cycle of peat extraction, environmental impacts, after-use alternatives
Economically viable after-use methods (eg. agriculture and forestry, energy, nature tourism)
Increasing and developing the sustainability of after-use methods
Development of economically viable after-use and business plans of cutaway peatlands

Location and time

The studies can be completed according to your own schedule, but they include non-mandatory online teaching at predetermined times and require passing an online exam within the designated period.

Materials

The studying requires computer for following the lectures

Teaching methods

FULLY ONLINE STUDY:

The course is delivered online in the Moodle learning environment. The studies are completed independently at your own pace during the implementation period and online exam in Moodle. The course does not include pair or group work.
The student familiarizes themselves with the theoretical material and completes the online exam according to the given instructions. The course requires independent work and time management.

Employer connections

Not required

Exam schedules

Will be announced during the lectures.

Completion alternatives

No alternative ways to pass the course

Student workload

The workload of the study is designed so that one credit corresponds to an average of 27 hours of student work to achieve the learning objectives. The actual time required varies individually, e.g., due to prior knowledge. Lectures 10 h, independent study 44 h

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student knows the themes that make up the profitable and sustainable use of cutaway pealands. He finds ways to promote productivity and sustainability. The student identifies the environmental and economic impacts of different forms of after-use.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student is able to explain the themes that make up the profitable and sustainability use of cutaway peatlands. He / she is able to describe the means by which the sustainable and profitable use of cutaway peatlands can be promoted and is able to plan appropriate practical measures on these lands. The student is able to justify the effects of the after-use of cutaway peatlands on economic production, and the environment.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student is able to interpret different themes of the after-use of cutaway peatlands. He / she is able to analyze the ways in which the sustainable and profitable use of cutaway peatlands can be promoted and is able to develop them in practice and design. The student is able to evaluate the effects of the after-use of cutaway peatlands from the point of the environment and the economy.