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Biodiversity Conservation

By Prof. Kaleem Ahmed, Prof. Ahmad Masood Khan   |   Aligarh Muslim University
Learners enrolled: 1472   |  Exam registration: 348
ABOUT THE COURSE:
The "Biodiversity Conservation Online Course" is a comprehensive program designed to equip learners with in-depth knowledge and skills to address one of the most critical global challenges of our time—biodiversity loss. Spanning 12 weeks, the course offers an enriching exploration of biodiversity, conservation strategies, and sustainable practices.
Starting with the foundations of biodiversity, students will delve into the types, threats, and impact of climate change on biodiversity. The course progresses to in-situ and ex-situ conservation approaches, protected areas, and transboundary management. Learners will also explore the biogeographic richness of India and global biodiversity hotspots, highlighting their importance in conservation.
Participants will gain insights into national and international frameworks such as the Biological Diversity Act (2002), the National Biodiversity Action Plan, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Nagoya and Cartagena Protocols. The curriculum further bridges theoretical knowledge with practical skills, covering sampling techniques, herbarium preparation, and biodiversity monitoring tools using modern techniques of camera trapping.
A unique focus is placed on societal linkages, addressing the roles of women, local communities, and international organizations in biodiversity management. Emerging topics like remote sensing, GIS applications, urban heat island effects, and endangered species management underscore the course's forward-looking approach.
Whether you are a student, researcher, or nature enthusiast, this course empowers you to contribute meaningfully to biodiversity conservation efforts globally. Enroll now to be part of a sustainable future!
 
INTENDED AUDIENCE: This course is designed for Bachelor's and Master's degree students, researchers, environmental professionals, conservationists, Naturalists and policymakers eager to deepen their understanding of biodiversity and its conservation. It is also ideal for educators, NGO workers, and community leaders involved in environmental advocacy. Nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and individuals passionate about sustainability and climate action will find this course highly relevant. Whether you aim to build a career in biodiversity management or contribute to environmental sustainability, this course equips you with the knowledge and tools to make a meaningful impact.

PREREQUISITES: 12

INDUSTRY SUPPORT: This online Biodiversity Conservation course is crucial for industries, NGOs, and companies as it promotes sustainable practices and supports biodiversity conservation. This course will boost ecotourism, aid in policy advocacy, and strengthen CSR initiatives.
  • Forest and Wildlife Department
  • Environmental and Conservation Organizations
  • Research Institutions and Academia
  • Tourism and Ecotourism Operators/Industry
  • Government and Nonprofit Organizations
  • Photography and Media
  • Citizen Science and Volunteer Programs
  • Public Education and Outreach
  • Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives 
Summary
Course Status : Ongoing
Course Type : Elective
Language for course content : English
Duration : 12 weeks
Category :
  • Multidisciplinary
Credit Points : 4
Level : Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Start Date : 20 Jan 2025
End Date : 11 Apr 2025
Enrollment Ends : 03 Feb 2025
Exam Registration Ends : 28 Feb 2025
Exam Date : 25 Apr 2025 IST

Note: This exam date is subject to change based on seat availability. You can check final exam date on your hall ticket.

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Course layout

Week 1: Foundations of Biodiversity
0. Introduction of Course Structure of Biodiversity Conservation
1. Definition and Types of Biodiversity
2. Threats to Biodiversity
3. Mega Biodiverse Nation
4. Biodiversity and Climate Change
5. Ecological Interactions and Concept of Genus Species and Habitat

Week 2: Conservation Approaches
6. In-situ conservation of Biodiversity
7. Ex-situ conservation of Biodiversity
8. Protected Area Network- (Part I)
9. Protected Area Network- (Part II)
10. Trans Boundary issues in Biodiversity Management

Week 3: Conservation Approaches and Biogeographic Values of India
11. IUCN Categories of Threats
12. Captive Breeding Programs & Population Reintroduction
13. Biodiversity values in different Biogeographic zones of India- (Part I)
14. Biodiversity values in different Biogeographic zones of India- (Part II)
15. Biodiversity values in different Biogeographic zones of India- (Part III)

Week 4: Biodiversity Hotspots
16. Biodiversity Hotspots - (Part I)
17. Biodiversity Hotspots -Part II)
18. Biodiversity Hotspots - (Part III)
19. Biodiversity Hotspots - (Part IV)
20. Biodiversity Hotspots - (Part V)

Week 5: National Biodiversity Framework
21. Introduction to Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (Part I)
22. Introduction to Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (Part II)
23. National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP)
24. Components, Structure and Scope of NBAP
25. Global goals for Biodiversity Plan 2050

Week 6: Global Biodiversity Policies
26. International Policies on Biodiversity Conservation: A Global Perspective
27. Nature, formation, and participation in treaties
28. Interpretation and reservation in treaties
29. Obligation of treaties on the part of member countries
30. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its objectives

Week 7: Protocols and Sustainable Use
31. Identification and Monitoring under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
32. Conservation of Biodiversity and its sustainable use
33. Access to genetic resources, impact assessment and mitigation
34. Nagoya Protocols on Access & Benefit Sharing
35. Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity

Week 8: International Linkages and Strategies
36. Aichi Targets and its linkage with Ramsar Convention
37. Aichi Biodiversity Targets and Their Linkage with IUCN Species Survival Commission
38. Linkage of Aichi Targets with IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA)
39. Linkage of Aichi targets with FAO, UNESCO and who
40. Strategies to Achieve CBD and Aichi targets 

Week 9: Biodiversity and Society
41. Women and Biodiversity (Part I)
42. Women and Biodiversity (Part II)
43. Direct and Indirect use of Biodiversity
44. Role of local community in Biodiversity Management
45. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

Week 10: Sampling and Monitoring Techniques
46. Sampling Methods for Mammals
47. Sampling Methods for Birds
48. Plot and Plot less sampling Techniques for habitat utilisation studies
49. Role of Camera Traps in Biodiversity Conservation (Part I)
50. Role of Camera Traps in Biodiversity Conservation (Part II)

Week 11: Herbarium and Plant Preservation
51. Introduction to Herbarium
52. Types of Herbarium
53. Field and Herbarium Techniques (Part I)
54. Field and Herbarium Techniques (Part II)
55. Importance and Care of Herbarium

Week 12: Emerging Concerns and Sustainable Practices
56. Importance of RS and GIS in Biodiversity Conservation
57. Impact of Urban Heat Islands on Biodiversity
58. Adaptive Strategies for UHI Mitigation and Biodiversity Enhancement in India
59. Endangered Species Management
60. Sustainable Practices and Mission Life
61. Conclusion of the Biodiversity Conservation Course (Recap)

Books and references

  1.  Ecology, Wildlife Conservation & Management by TAPASHI GUPTA
  2.  Wildlife Biology: An Indian Perspective by Goutam Kumar Saha
  3.  Conservation Biology: A Primer for South Asia by Kamaljit S Bawa
  4.  The Illegal Wildlife Trade: Inside the World of Poachers, Smugglers and Traders (Studies of Organized Crime) by Daan P. van Uhm
  5. Protected Landscapes: A Guide for Policy Makers and Planners (The IUCN Conservation Library) by P.H.C. Lucas
  6.  Methods and Practice in Biodiversity Conservation (Topics in Biodiversity and Conservation) by David Leslie Hawkswort

Instructor bio

Prof. Kaleem Ahmed

Aligarh Muslim University
Dr. Kaleem Ahmed is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Wildlife Sciences at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh, with over a decade of experience in wildlife research, teaching, and conservation. Before joining AMU, he worked on a diverse range of projects, including the conservation of the endangered barasingha in the Terai forests and biodiversity studies in the Kumaon Himalayas. His expertise has also been instrumental in preparing the Biodiversity Conservation Plan for Kaimoor Wildlife Sanctuary, where he served as a consultant.

Dr. Kaleem has been actively engaged in capacity-building initiatives, including training Dudhwa Tiger Reserve forest staff and Afghan delegates at Corbett Tiger Reserve under programs sponsored by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Snow Leopard Trust. These experiences reflect his commitment to strengthening conservation efforts globally.

At AMU, Dr. Kaleem teaches postgraduate courses in Animal Behaviour, Biodiversity Conservation, Ornithology, Wildlife Conservation, and Wildlife Legislation. He also imparts environmental education to undergraduate students of Environmental Studies. His teaching integrates theoretical and practical aspects of wildlife sciences, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address pressing conservation challenges.

Dr. Kaleem has an impressive academic portfolio, numerous research publications in reputed journals, and authored books and book chapters. He has presented his research findings at several national and international conferences, showcasing his commitment to advancing wildlife conservation and sharing knowledge with the global scientific community. Dr. Kaleem’s diverse experience in research, consultancy, teaching, and publication underscores his dedication to biodiversity conservation and his significant contributions to wildlife sciences in academia and practical fieldwork. One can reach out to Dr. Kaleem Ahmed at kahmed.wl@amu.ac.in. 


Prof. Ahmad Masood Khan

Dr. Ahmad Masood Khan is an Assistant professor in the Department of Wildlife Sciences at Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. Dr. Ahmad has been involved in field research on Ecology in India since 2006. Before joining the Department of Wildlife Sciences as an Assistant Professor, he worked as a Post-doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) at the Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering (CESE), Shiv Nadar University (Institution of Eminence), Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. He is actively engaged in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Environmental Studies, Biodiversity and Wildlife Science. His research interests include foraging ecology, wetland conservation, movement and migration of birds.


Course certificate

The course is free to enroll and learn from. But if you want a certificate, you have to register and write the proctored exam conducted by us in person at any of the designated exam centres.
The exam is optional for a fee of Rs 1000/- (Rupees one thousand only).
Date and Time of Exams: April 25, 2025 Morning session 9am to 12 noon; Afternoon Session 2pm to 5pm.
Registration url: Announcements will be made when the registration form is open for registrations.
The online registration form has to be filled and the certification exam fee needs to be paid. More details will be made available when the exam registration form is published. If there are any changes, it will be mentioned then.
Please check the form for more details on the cities where the exams will be held, the conditions you agree to when you fill the form etc.

CRITERIA TO GET A CERTIFICATE

Average assignment score = 25% of average of best 8 assignments out of the total 12 assignments given in the course.
Exam score = 75% of the proctored certification exam score out of 100

Final score = Average assignment score + Exam score

Please note that assignments encompass all types (including quizzes, programming tasks, and essay submissions) available in the specific week.

YOU WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CERTIFICATE ONLY IF AVERAGE ASSIGNMENT SCORE >=10/25 AND EXAM SCORE >= 30/75. If one of the 2 criteria is not met, you will not get the certificate even if the Final score >= 40/100.

Certificate will have your name, photograph and the score in the final exam with the breakup.It will have the logos of INI and AMU .
Only the e-certificate will be made available. Hard copies will not be dispatched.

Once again, thanks for your interest in our online courses and certification. Happy learning.

- INI  team


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