Example environmental science dissertation topic 6:

An evaluation of the Greater Manchester Biodiversity Project: Local perceptions.

Although the Greater Manchester Biodiversity Project has formulated action plans over the last five years, its impression upon the public -and their support – has not been thoroughly tested. This dissertation determines the understanding of Article 6 of the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity amongst the general populace of Greater Manchester, as well as the actions undertaken by various bodies locally to effect action plans, particularly that of the North West Brown Hare. Primary research is carried out by surveying a minimum of 25 residents each in Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan, determining the areas that have most successfully conveyed the need for biodiversity.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Scott, N.J. and Parsons, E.C.M. (2005). ‘A survey of public opinion in south-west Scotland on cetacean conservation issues’, Aquatic
• Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, Vol. 15, pp. 299-312.
• Smith, R.K., Jennings, N.V., Robinson, A. and Harris, S. (2004). ‘Conservation of European hares Lepus europaeus in Britain: Is increasing habitat heterogeneity in farmland the answer?’, Journal of Applied Ecology, Vol. 41, pp. 1092-1102.
• Waymont, S. (2009). Species action plan 2009: Hares. Manchester: Greater Manchester Ecology Unit.