Course Description

"Natural Resource Governance: Harnessing Extractive Industries for Sustainable Development" is an innovative 12-week course designed to equip participants with comprehensive knowledge and skills in managing natural resources sustainably. Developed by the Natural Resource Governance Institute, the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment, and the World Bank, this course offers a unique opportunity to explore the complex interplay between extractive industries, sustainable development, and environmental stewardship.

What Students Will Learn

• The historical context and evolution of extractive industries
• Strategies for translating natural resource wealth into sustainable development outcomes
• The impact of governance on long-term economic development in extractive industries
• Policies essential for sustainable management of natural resource wealth
• The importance of effective communication between government, industry, and citizens in resource management
• Balancing sustainable resource use with business investment

Prerequisites

This intermediate-level course does not have any specific prerequisites. However, a basic understanding of environmental science, sustainable development, or business concepts would be beneficial.

Course Coverage

• History and challenges of oil, gas, and mining industries
• Political economy of natural resources
• Industry considerations and policy fundamentals
• Legal and regulatory frameworks for extractive industries
• Fiscal regime design and revenue collection
• Environmental impact management and climate change considerations
• Community rights and social impact
• Artisanal and small-scale mining
• Revenue management and economic linkages
• Investing in sustainable development beyond extractives
• Citizen engagement and aligning extractive industries with SDGs

Who This Course Is For

1. Sustainable development practitioners and private-sector actors in corporate sustainability and renewable energy
2. Extractive industry professionals seeking to enhance sustainability in their field
3. Graduate and advanced undergraduate students studying extractives, environmental science, environmental law, sustainable development, or sustainable business
4. Climate change activists and practitioners interested in balancing resource use and business investment

Real-World Application of Skills

Graduates of this course will be well-equipped to:

• Develop sustainable strategies for natural resource management in both public and private sectors
• Implement effective governance frameworks for extractive industries
• Design and execute environmental impact assessments
• Engage with local communities and address social concerns related to extractive projects
• Create policies that balance economic growth with environmental protection
• Contribute to the alignment of extractive industries with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Syllabus

This comprehensive course offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in natural-resource-governance, extractive-industry management, and sustainable-development practices. By enrolling, you'll join a global movement of citizens and practitioners committed to harnessing the transformational impacts of our natural resources while addressing critical environmental-challenges and promoting sustainable-business practices.