Integration of Ecosystem Services as Part of the Nexus Approach into the Applied Teaching of Ecological Engineering

Abstract

Sustainability awareness plays a crucial role for the practical implementation of sustainable development strategies in a globalised world. Universities have a special responsibility to take over this task within their educational mission according to SDG 4 on Higher Education and Life Long Learning. Subject of the contribution is the upgraded study course “Ecological Engineering” at the University of Applied Sciences Magdeburg-Stendal, Germany. The scientific and educational approach for the development of the upgraded curriculum is highlighted in this paper, starting with the methodology, followed by the description of the steps to an integrated resources management under the Nexus approach as framework. The main objective of the upgrade and revision was the intention to unlock the full potential of the study course for the practical implementation of sustainability for a resource efficient future. In this frame, the further scope of this paper is to highlight how the concept of Ecosystem Services, in the frame of Ecological Engineering and the Nexus approach with consideration of Material Flow Analysis, can facilitate sustainable development through its incorporation into an engineering curriculum.