Growth or conservation? – valuing Falmouth’s sea, shore and people
Growth or conservation? – valuing Falmouth’s sea, shore and people (Cornwall campus)
Falmouth is a microcosm of the challenges and opportunities posed globally by people’s interactions with the sea. It is almost a cliché – the idyllic Cornish coastal town, reaping a bountiful harvest from the sea, with its picturesque architecture reflecting its maritime heritage. Tourists flock there, enjoying its resources and environment. But do they value the real Falmouth? And how do those who live in Falmouth understand the value of the sea, the shore and its people? What lessons could other coastal communities learn from developments in Falmouth?
Lead Academic: Professor Kevin J Gaston
Anchor Academic: Professor Brendan Godley
External Champion: Nick Baker
Taster session
Date: 30 October
Time: 9:30 - 11:00
Location: Chapel lecture theatre, Cornwall Campus / The Exchange lecture theatre, Cornwall Campus
Description: Globally, there has been much exploitation of the sea and seaside environment for its resources: economic, health and wellbeing, tourism etc. Falmouth is a microcosm of the challenges and opportunities posed globally by the interaction of people with the sea and seashore. There is a need to understand the impacts and conflicts emerging in Falmouth, which serves as a model for sea and seaside resources worldwide.
To introduce our Challenge, Professor Kevin Gaston will set the scene and Professor Brendan Godley will outline the range of exciting activities that the Challenge will encompass. We are pleased also to have celebrated University of Exeter alumnus Nick Baker (Vice President of the Wildlife Trusts) who will speak about Living Seas: the importance of marine conservation zones.
Sign up: If you miss this session you can view it on ELE.
If you wish to pick this dilemma sign up through My Career Zone from 5th November.
Professor Kevin Gaston
Professor Kevin Gaston is an ecologist and conservation biologist, who has conducted influential research on a range of topics, including rarity, biodiversity, ecosystem services and urban ecology. In Spring 2011 he was appointed Director of the University of Exeter’s Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) and Professor in Biodiversity & Conservation. ESI, a £30 million development, carries out cutting-edge and interdisciplinary research into the impacts of environmental change and the mitigation and management of its effects, and actively supports the creation of a dynamic ecosystem services industry in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.
Professor Brendan Godley
Professor Brendan Godley is a conservation scientist with wide ranging interests in biodiversity conservation. His past research largely focuses on the study of marine vertebrates, but more recently has involved invasive species, sustainable fisheries and the impacts of renewable energy facilities.
Nick Baker
Nick Baker is a naturalist, author and television presenter, notably on the BBC's The Really Wild Show. He frequently appears on Autumn Watch and has recently presented a new 3D programme Beautiful Freaks. Nick also spearheads many Wildlife charities including the RSPB and the Wildlife Trusts. He graduated from the University of Exeter in 1993 with a degree in biological sciences, but was a keen naturalist from an early age. He co-founded Exeter University's national Bug Club and has recently led University Bio blitzes in Exeter and Cornwall. He is honorary research fellow in the College of Life and Environmental Sciences.
Inquiry Groups
If you sign up for this dilemma you will have the opportunity to work in an inquiry group focusing on one of these areas:
- The dredging of Falmouth harbour – development and conservation?
- Seafood industry and responsible sourcing
- Fisheries in Cornwall: past, present and future
- Health and Falmouth – does living in Falmouth improve your health?
- What makes Falmouth a creative centre?
- Rising sea levels: does the past inform the future?
- Living in Falmouth – how much is a sea view worth?
- Declining porpoise sightings in Falmouth harbour
- Foodbank –v- Fancy Yachts
- Renewable energy from the sea
The types of outputs that you will produce will include:
Debate, presentation, film making, YouTube, social media, employability skills, podcasts, case studies
