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Geography: The Tragedy of the Commons – the Challenges of Managing Common Resources with Dr Johan Oldekop from The University of Sheffield
20th March 2017 @ 12:45 - 13:45
In this session Dr Johan Oldekop will use a series of games to explore the challenges of managing common resources (e.g. fish stocks or forests) and how governance institutions can be used to address them. Specifically, the session will highlight the problems associated with managing increasingly larger resources by an increasing number of people.
Students will take part in two successive games which mimic a collectively managed fishery (e.g. a coral reef) to simulate a typical “tragedy of the commons” scenario. The game will move on to consider over consumption and the effects of property rights, prompting a discussion of the role of governance institutions for commonly managed resources.
Dr Oldekop will also be available to answer questions about further study of Geography at university level.
Lecturer Biography: Dr Johan Oldekop
Suitable for: Year 12s and 13s studying or interested in studying Geography.
Preparation/Pre-Reading: Students: None is required although students may wish to consider and discuss some of the issues prior to the event. Teacher: Simple materials will be required for the game including a table, masking tape, beads/M&Ms/smarties, and tokens to represent money. Full details will be provided when schools sign up.
The IT Setup: The setup is similar to Skype, using a pc and webcam, although students take part as a group with the image projected on a whiteboard rather than as individuals in front of lots of pcs. Dedicated videoconferencing equipment is also compatible if available to the school. We will work with your IT department to ensure everything is set up and working prior to the event. The sessions are generally limited to 3 or 4 schools to maintain the interactive nature of the experience.
Booking a Place: If you have a group of students that you would like to take part in this event, please contact us via email or via the contact form at the top right of this webpage. Subject to availability we will book a place for you.