Course Objective: The aim of this course is to provide students: with an understanding of the biological components (plants, animals and biodiversity) of wetlands and riparian habitats and their adaptations; with information on the diversity of different types of wetlands and riparian habitats including vegetation diversity (with special reference to the Balkan peninsula and the Danube basin); a conceptual understanding of wetland ecosystem functions & processes such as hydrology, productivity, soils and biogeochemical cycling; with the scientific background to evaluate wetland delineation and regulation.
Course Outcome: Students are able to: distinguish plant and animal species, plant communities and habitat types; critically discuss issues related to wetland and riparian habitat policies, conservation or management; use the learned principles for solving real-world problems in conservation or management of wetland and riparian habitats.
Literature:
Lovett, S., Price, P. (Eds.), 2007. Principles for riparian lands management. Land & Water Australia, Canberra, AUS.
Keddy, P. A. 2010. Wetland ecology: principles and conservation. Cambridge University Press.