Conservation Economics Course | IIT Kanpur | Prof. Ankur Awadhiya
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 5514 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Multidisciplinary |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 19 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Conservation Economics: The Critical Bridge to a Sustainable Future
We live at a pivotal moment in history. Concepts like climate change, mass extinction, and habitat loss have moved from academic textbooks into the fabric of our daily lives, manifesting as extreme weather, polluted air, and vanishing biodiversity. While we possess the technological know-how to address these crises, a critical piece of the puzzle is often missing: the economic framework to implement solutions effectively. This is where the field of Conservation Economics becomes indispensable.
About the Course: Why Economics Holds the Key to Conservation
The central premise of this course is that our most pressing environmental problems are not solely technological failures but profound economic challenges. Treating wastewater, transitioning to renewable energy, designing wildlife-friendly infrastructure, and funding green innovation all come with significant costs. Traditional economic models, which prioritize short-term profit over planetary health, have largely driven the destruction.
This 12-week course, designed and taught by Prof. Ankur Awadhiya, delves into the heart of this dilemma. It critically examines the processes of Conventional Economics that have exacerbated environmental degradation and introduces the principles of Green Economics—a paradigm that values natural capital and seeks sustainable well-being for all.
Meet Your Instructor: A Unique Blend of Expertise
The course is led by Prof. Ankur Awadhiya, an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer whose credentials provide a rare and powerful perspective:
- Academic Excellence: B. Tech and Ph.D. from IIT Kanpur.
- Forestry & Wildlife Expertise: Postgraduate diplomas from the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
- Practical & Creative Insight: As an IFS officer on the Madhya Pradesh cadre, he brings real-world policy and ground-level experience. His interests in photography, research, and creative writing enrich the course's delivery, making complex concepts accessible and engaging.
Who Should Enroll?
This multidisciplinary course is meticulously designed for a diverse audience:
- Officers and staff of Forest and Wildlife departments.
- Students of Forestry, Wildlife Biology, Economics, Environmental Science, and Developmental Studies.
- Policy makers and analysts.
- Aspirants of the Civil Services Examination.
- Anyone passionate about understanding the economic tools needed for environmental sustainability.
Prerequisite: A 10+2 background in Science or Economics is recommended.
Course Layout: A 12-Week Journey
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | What is Economics? |
| Week 2 | What is Conservation? |
| Week 3 | Modern impacts necessitating conservation |
| Week 4 | Threats to wildlife |
| Week 5 | How can Economics help? |
| Week 6 | Markets: Places where Economics works |
| Week 7 | Markets, welfare and conservation |
| Week 8 | Public sector and conservation |
| Week 9 | Industrial organisation and conservation |
| Week 10 | Labour market economics and conservation |
| Week 11 | Practical issues in Economics and Conservation |
| Week 12 | Case Studies |
Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Analyze environmental problems through an economic lens.
- Understand the limitations of conventional market systems in valuing nature.
- Explore economic instruments (like taxes, subsidies, and cap-and-trade) for conservation.
- Evaluate the role of public policy and industrial organization in promoting sustainability.
- Apply economic concepts to real-world case studies in conservation.
Recommended Reading & Industry Relevance
The course draws upon foundational economic principles from renowned texts such as:
- Economics by Krugman and Wells
- Economics by Hubbard & O'Brien
- Principles of Economics by N. Gregory Mankiw
- Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell
The skills and knowledge imparted are directly relevant to industries at the forefront of the green transition, including:
- Tourism & Education: For sustainable ecotourism and environmental education.
- Green Energy & Renewable Materials: For understanding market dynamics and policy incentives.
- Construction & Infrastructure: For implementing cost-effective, environmentally sound development.
Enroll Today: Shape the Future
"Conservation Economics" is more than an academic course; it's a toolkit for change. In an era where ecological and economic crises are intertwined, this course offers the critical thinking and practical knowledge needed to design a future where both the planet and its economies can thrive. Join Prof. Ankur Awadhiya in this essential exploration of how we can pay the true cost of a living planet, and in doing so, secure our own future.
Duration: 12 Weeks | Level: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Enroll Now →