EPP729 - Environmental Justice and River Restoration

Course Description

Restoration is defined as the act of returning something to its former condition. Further, restoring can also rehabilitate beyond the original circumstances due to improved knowledge, science and technology. This is often the lofty goal of river restoration. A closer examination of the actual practice of restoration reveals an unequal distribution of these ambitions, however. This begs the question of how, exactly, are restoration sites chosen? Who ch o oses them, under what circumstances and using which para meters? Are local communities consulted throughout the process? Further, are these citizens informed and empowered enough to serve as active participants? This course will ask these questions and more in an attempt to illuminate the inherent inequalities o f most environmental improvement projects. The goal of examining past programs via an environmental justice lens is to glean deeper understanding and knowledge, thereby allowing further informed and more equitable future choices.

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• River Restoration : Electives