Wetland Regulation: Local to Global Perspective

Overview

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/.

Syllabus

Orientation & Module 1 | U.S. Wetland Regulation & Management

You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course. Following the orientation, you will begin Module 1. This module explores the roles of federal, state, and local U.S. governments in wetland conservation, highlighting their distinct regulatory authorities. It traces the history of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the evolution of the "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS) definition. Learners will gain an understanding of how federally regulated wetlands are identified and the legal frameworks guiding their protection.

Module 2 | International Wetland Regulation and Management

This module examines the role of international law in advancing environmental conservation efforts. It explores the legal and ecological significance of key conservation conventions, with a particular focus on the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Learners will evaluate the successes and challenges of Ramsar in promoting wetland conservation worldwide, emphasizing its impact on biodiversity and sustainable development.

Module 3 | Comparative Approaches to Wetland Regulation & Management

This module explores the critical connection between wetland conservation and global sustainability objectives, such as climate resilience and biodiversity preservation. Learners will evaluate the diverse factors influencing wetland management across different ecological, cultural, and socio-economic contexts. Through case studies, the module contrasts the successes of wetland management initiatives, highlighting the role of community participation in achieving sustainable outcomes.

Module 4 | Adapting Global Wetland Restoration and Conservation to Environmental Change & Conclusion

This module focuses on the need for adaptive strategies in wetland management to address human pressures and the impacts of climate change. Learners will assess engineering-based and hybrid solutions designed to enhance wetland resilience in changing environments. Through case studies from various regions in the United States, the module provides a critical evaluation of innovative approaches to wetland adaptation and their effectiveness.