Sheep in the Land of Fire and Ice
Sheep grazing is an important activity in many regions of the world. In Iceland, sheep grazing is a common economic activity that sustains rural communities across the country. Sheep are also deeply embedded in Icelandic culture and represent an important part of the national identity. However, many voices question the sustainability of sheep grazing, which has been linked to vegetation degradation and soil erosion in some areas. In Iceland, high grazing pressures can disrupt vegetation cover, exposing volcanic soils to wind and water. Once the protective cover is gone, these soils are quickly blown or washed away. The cold climate and short growing seasons, together with the frequent volcanic activity, slow down the recovery of vegetation, so the impacts of excessive grazing pressures are pervasive. Understanding the environmental conditions under which grazing takes place, can help prevent undesired ecological consequences and design sustainable grazing practices.
The course Sheep in the Land of Fire and Ice covers basic ecological principles that underlie sheep grazing systems in Northern regions, and discusses the cultural, historical and economic relevance of sheep grazing in Iceland. This online course was jointly developed by the University of Iceland, Agricultural University of Iceland, Soil Conservation Service, Sheep Farmer’s Association, and several other partners. The course is free, and you can take it any time and at your own pace. The course is divided into five parts, each containing one or more sections built around short videos that provide an overview of the topics and interactive activities. A detailed glossary of terminology and annotated course notes are also provided, and there is an active Discussion Forum where students can interact with the instructors (and each other) and ask questions.
| Institution/Organization | Agricultural University of Iceland |
|---|---|
| Resource type | Course delivery (existing course with online delivery) |
| Language | English |
| Field of Study | Environmental science |
| Content Owner/Rights Holder | University of Iceland |
| Copyright/Licencing Information | EdX MOOC, open for all |
| Keywords | grazingnatural resource managementrangeland |
| Last updated | 27/03/2020 15:59:20 |