Introduction

Ecology and Natural Resources Postgraduate Program

Welcome to the Ecology and Natural Resources Graduate Program (Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais, PPG-ERN) of the Darcy Ribeiro State University of Northern Rio de Janeiro (Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, UENF)!

The PPG-ERN was conceived by the faculty of the Laboratory of Environmental Sciences (Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, LCA) of the UENF in 2000, motivated by a lack of both training and qualified professionals dedicated to environmental problems in northern Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. In 2003, a structural plan for the program was consolidated, and in 2004, the PPG-ERN was recognized by the Brazilian Federal Agency for the Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, CAPES). The homologation of the PPG-ERN by the National Council for Education (Conselho Nacional de Educação, CNE) was granted with Decree No 4.310 of12/21/2004.

The PPG-ERN is rated 6 (six) by CAPES.

Why a Program in Ecology and Natural Resources?

The PPG-ERN employs a systemic ecological approach, bringing a holistic inter- and multidisciplinary view to environmental research. The plans and institutional commitments of the PPG-ERN include the following: (I) an effort to move the north and northwest regions of Rio de Janeiro State to ward the national scenario of science and technology; (II) a commitment through program development to research, training, and consultation directed at regional problems and vocations; and (III) a practical concern aimed at the humanization of academic knowledge, leading students to the concrete learning of their professions.

Why Choose the PPG-ERN?

The informative and interdisciplinary content of the PPG-ERN syllabus seeks to attract professionals from the fields of biological sciences, environmental sciences, and related areas. The academic structure seeks to stimulate students to develop not only an investigative, creative, and critical sense but also the methodological resources and modern techniques of ecological research, enabling them to teach, conduct research, create products of immediate use, and contribute to the improved utilization and management of natural resources.