Human Dimensions Foundations of Natural Resource Conservation

Target Audience:

Natural resource practitioners and decision makers who deal with people-related conservation challenges. This includes mid to upper-level managers, field biologists, education and outreach specialists, visitor services staff and outdoor recreation planners.

Summary and Objectives:

This course will foster a common understanding and application of human dimensions of natural resource conservation. It will provide an overview of key concepts, methods, and practical applications; historical context and "must have" tools for the natural resource professional's toolbox. The course is based on a human dimensions framework and relies heavily on case study applications, including experiences of the participants, to demonstrate the benefits of addressing the human dimensions of conservation challenges.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Provide a working definition of human dimensions, including key disciplines of the field.
• Identify the overall need for human dimensions approaches and how they can be effectively integrated into management planning and decision making.
• Describe key human dimensions application areas such as human-wildlife conflict, public participation, behavior change, and strategic communications.
• List some of the tools and methods used to address these application areas and know where to find human dimensions resources.
• Frame conservation problems more broadly to include the human dimensions elements.
• Describe, through example, how human dimensions has been useful in addressing specific management challenges.

Competency Addressed:

Human Factors - Awareness, Partnering - Awareness, Public Planning - Awareness