214 McCone
Email Address
jeff.langholz@miis.edu
Phone Number
831.647.6418
Language(s)
Español
Related Links
Jeff Langholz
Professor
I am passionate about: research and teaching that makes a difference and focuses on the "real world" rather than the "ivory tower".
What excites me about being a professor at MIIS: Our students and faculty are on fire! People here want to build a better world, and have the skills and knowledge to make it happen.
Dr. Langholz’s research focuses on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Much of his work takes place in and around protected natural areas, especially in the tropics. His passion is identifying and evaluating resource use options that cover all three pillars of sustainability, i.e. are ecologically, economically, and socially viable. He is a recognized authority on the growing role that privately owned areas play in accomplishing the triple goals of biodiversity conservation, economic development, and social justice. For example, as a past member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s World Commission on Protected Areas, he served as a principal author of the 2004 Private Protected Area Action Plan, approved by delegates from 152 nations at the 5th World Parks Congress in Durban, South Africa. He was also a Visiting Fulbright Scholar at South Africa’s Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University for the 2005-2006 academic year, working on a new book called Conservation Cowboys: Perils and Promise of Privately Owned Protected Areas. Dr Langholz’s conservation work has been cited in numerous media outlets including: The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, National Public Radio and The Washington Post.
Dr. Langholz’s scholarly publications span multiple fields. They appear in journals that focus on biology (Conservation Biology, BioScience), sociology (Society and Natural Resources), economics (Ecological Economics), business (Corporate Environmental Strategy) and law (Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy). He has also published a popular climate change paperback that describes simple things people can do to reduce household greenhouse gas emissions. Called You Can Prevent Global Warming (and Save Money!), the book has been covered by the New York Times, National Geographic, Chicago Tribune, and more than 250 other media outlets.
A popular international speaker and trainer, Dr. Langholz is a past recipient of the campus Excellence in Teaching Award. He teaches a wide portfolio of courses at the Monterey Institute such as Protected Area Policy, Natural Science Foundations of Environmental Policy, Conservation Project Design and Evaluation, Sustainable Agriculture, Research Strategies for Environmental Policy, and Environmental Conflict Management. In 2007, he founded the Institute’s Conservation Leadership Practicum – an intensive hands-on program that delivers key skills and knowledge to the next generation of global environmental leaders.
Before entering academia, Dr. Langholz worked for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington D.C., where he spent five years designing and implementing environmental policy. He is also a trained mediator with experience in two- and multi-party disputes on environmental and other topics. He has served as a consultant in Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, North America, and Europe for a variety of international organizations, especially ones focusing on biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource use, and conflict resolution. In a previous life, he was a fisheries technician in Prince William Sound, Alaska and a rice farmer with the U.S. Peace Corps in Sierra Leone, West Africa.
Recent Accomplishments
Dr. Langholz recently co-authored a landmark study on U.S. sustainable agriculture that made national news, with articles in USA Today and the San Francisco Chronicle, and on National Public Radio (NPR). Working as consultants to The Nature Conservancy and Georgetown University, Dr. Langholz and his co-authors documented how U.S. farmers are being pressured to unravel decades of on-farm conservation practices in a scientifically misguided effort to improve food safety. The report and ensuing briefings also directly influenced U.S. environmental policy, in particular the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act.
Dr. Langholz participated in two summits on “Measuring Conservation Effectiveness” that included approximately 50 individuals from the world's leading biodiversity conservation organizations. The summits led to several new initiatives designed to improve conservation outcomes worldwide.
Dr. Langholz also published an article in World Watch Magazine entitled, "Saving Species, Privately". World Watch is a flagship publication of the Washington DC-based World Watch Institute, which authors the annual State of the World Report. The article focused on how community groups, land trusts, individuals, businesses, and others can all contribute to biodiversity conservation.
Dr. Langholz is also undertaking various research and teaching projects with the new Center for the Blue Economy. A highlight is the new "Ocean Leadership Practicum" course at MIIS. Dr. Langholz designed this unique course as a Stanford adjunct professor, in collaboration with faculty and staff from the Center for Ocean Solutions. The course is available not just to MIIS students, but also to students from Stanford, University of California, and other area colleges and universities that form part of the MARINE consortium. The course delivers priority skills and knowledge that successful marine leaders indicated as being the most critical to their success, with an emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and communication.
Finally, Dr. Langholz delivered several recent guest lectures at locations around the country, such as Stanford, Ohio State University, the University of Maryland, and the Stanford University Center for Ocean Solutions.
Expertise
Biodiversity conservation, environmental conflict management, international environmental policy, protected natural areas, research methods, program evaluation, social entrepreneurship, adaptive management, conservation leadership, sustainable development
Education
PhD, Natural Resource Policy and Management, Cornell University; BA, History, Dana College; MS, Sustainable Development and Conservation Biology University of Maryland
Publications
Langholz, J. and F. DePaolis. 2012. Economic Contributions of Monterey County Agriculture. Office of the Agricultural Commissioner, Monterey County, CA.
Langholz, J. 2010. Global Trends in Private Protected Areas and Their Implications for the Northern Great Plains. Great Plains Research 20(1): 9-16.
Lowell, K., Langholz, J. and D. Stuart. 2010. Safe and Sustainable: Co-Managing for Food Safety and Ecological Health in California’s Central Coast Region. Georgetown University and The Nature Conservancy. 131 pp.
Langholz, J. 2009. Saving Species, Privately. World Watch Magazine 22(5):7-11.
Langholz, J. and K.Turner. 2008. You Can Prevent Global Warming (and Save Money!): 51 Easy Ways (2nd Edition). Kansas City: Andrews McMeel Publishing.
Sims-Castley, R., G.Kerley, B.Geach, and J.Langholz. 2006. Socio-economic significance of ecotourism-based private game reserves in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. PARKS 15:2, 6-15.
Langholz, J. and Krug, W. 2004. New Forms of Biodiversity Governance: Non-State Actors and the Private Protected Area Action Plan. Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy 7:9-29.
Langholz, J. 2004. Forest Recreation on Private Lands. In: Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems. New York: United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Langholz, J. 2004. Lessons from Global Climate Change: A Proposed Kyoto Protocol for the World’s Oceans. Pages 43-58, In: S. Uno, T. Katsumura, and H. Imaoka (editors), Development of Marine Resources and Ocean Governance: The Environment of Coastal Regions along the Sea of Japan. Hamada, Japan: University of Shimane Press.
Langholz, J. and K.Turner. 2003. You Can Prevent Global Warming (and Save Money!): 51 Easy Ways. Kansas City: Andrews McMeel Publishing.
Langholz, J. 2003. Privatizing Conservation. Pages 117-135, In: S. Brechin, P. Wilshusen, P. West, and C. Fortwangler (editors),Contested Nature: Promoting International Biodiversity with Social Justice in the 21st Century. New York: State University of New York Press.
Langholz, J. 2002. Privately Owned Parks. Pages 172-188, In: J. Terborgh, C. van Schaik, L. Davenport, and M. Rao (editors), Making Parks Work: Strategies for Preserving Tropical Forests. Covelo, CA: Island Press.
Langholz, J. 2002. External Partnering for the Triple Bottom Line: People, Profits, and the Protection of Biodiversity. Corporate Environmental Strategy 9(1):1-10.
Kramer, R., Langholz, J. and N. Salafsky. 2002. The Role of the Private Sector in Protected Area Establishment and Management: A Conceptual Framework for Analyzing Effectiveness. Pages 335-351, In: J. Terborgh, C. van Schaik, L. Davenport, and M. Rao (editors),Making Parks Work: Strategies for Preserving Tropical Forests. Covelo, CA: Island Press.
Langholz, J., and J. Lassoie. 2002. Combining Conservation and Development on Private Lands: Lessons from Costa Rica. Environment, Development, and Sustainability.
Langholz, J. and K. Brandon. 2001. Ecotourism and Privately Owned Protected Areas. Pages 303-314, In: D.Weaver (editor), The Encyclopedia of Ecotourism. Oxon, United Kingdom: CAB International.
Langholz, J., and J. Lassoie. 2001. Perils and Promise of Privately Owned Protected Areas. BioScience 51(12):1079-1085.
Langholz, J., J.Lassoie, and J. Schelhas. 2000. Incentives for Biodiversity Conservation: Lessons from Costa Rica’s Private Wildlife Refuge Program. Conservation Biology 14(6): 1735-1743.
Langholz, J., J.Lassoie, D.Lee, and D.Chapman. 2000. Economic Considerations of Privately Owned Parks. Ecological Economics33(2):173-183.
Langholz, J. 1999. Exploring the Effects of Alternative Income Opportunities on Rainforest Use: Insights from Guatemala’s Maya Biosphere Reserve. Society and Natural Resources 12:139-149.
Uphoff, N., and J. Langholz. 1998. Incentives for Avoiding the Tragedy of the Commons. Environmental Conservation 25(3): 251-261.
Langholz, J. 1996. Economics, Objectives, and Success of Private Nature Reserves in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.Conservation Biology 10(1):271-280.
Langholz, J. 1996. Ecotourism Impact at Independently Owned Nature Reserves in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. In: Miller, Joseph and E.Malek-Zadeh (editors), The Ecotourism Equation: Measuring the Impacts. New Haven, CT: Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies Bulletin Series, No.99
Courses
Courses offered in the past four years.
▲ indicates offered in the current term
▹ indicates offered in the upcoming term[s]
CLPG 8600 - Conservation Leadershp Pract
The Monterey Institute Conservation Leadership Practicum's mission is to provide conservation projects world-wide with students and professionals trained in relevant and practical skills for successful environmental project management and leadership. The two weeks are divided into ten key skill areas taught by Monterey Institute professor Jeffrey Langholz and leading local and global conservation practitioners. CLP trainers are qualified professionals in the field from such organizations as Foundations of Success, Pact, Elkhorn Slough Foundation, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Big Sur Land Trust. The first week of the training will cover leadership in project design. The course will cover the Conservation Project Cycle, comprehensive site assessment tools, management plans, and project monitoring and evaluation. The second week of the training will cover how to build project teams, financial management for conservation leaders, leadership ethics, conflict resolution, and effective outreach and media relations. Assignments will include a team conceptual model presentation, team management plan, budgeting exercise, media deliverable, self-assessment, and class participation. Students may elect to complete an additional 2-unit directed study course that expands on a project started during the CLP training under the supervision and guidance of Prof. Langholz.
Spring 2010 - MIIS, Spring 2011 - MIIS
CLPG 8698 - DirStudy:ConsLeadershipApps
The Conservation Leadership Practicum (CLP) provides professional training that combines readings and hands-on applications, classroom instruction and site visits, and a post-seminar reflection paper. The two-module CLP training occurs over two intensive weeks. An eclectic collection of practitioners teach the modules, bringing a unique mix of insights and experience into the classroom. The practicum concludes with a post-CLP reflection period and the submission of a short written assignment. Participants who successfully complete the practicum will receive a Certificate of Completion from the Monterey Institute. CLP 8698A requires the completion of two 10 page deliverables related to the content and tools provided during CLP. Deliverables are confirmed through a proposal process with the course instructor.
Spring 2010 - MIIS, Spring 2011 - MIIS
IEPG 8503 - Resrch Strategies for Env Pol ▲
Environmental policy-making requires high quality research at every stage of the process. This course introduces students to the design and implementation of research, with an emphasis on applied research into contemporary environmental policy problems.
Fall 2013 - MIIS
IEPG 8616 - Environmntal Conflict Mgmt ▲
Environmental conflicts continue to rise in frequency and intensity across much of the world as populations grow and natural resources dwindle. The growing number of "resource wars" has convinced scholars and government leaders alike that environmental factors are critical to international security. Despite increased attention to the role that natural resources play in conflicts, a crippling information gap persists. Scholars know surprisingly little about the conditions under which fisheries, forests, wildlife, water, and other resources lead to (or exacerbate) conflict, let alone the best ways to prevent or resolve such conflicts. Growing demand exists for professionals who can analyze root causes of these conflicts and apply tools for resolving them. This course helps fill that demand. Using lectures, case studies, role plays, and simulations, it trains students in techniques for analyzing and resolving natural resource disputes worldwide.
Fall 2013 - MIIS
IEPG 8664 - Conservatn Prjct Design & Eval ▲
A preponderance of scientific data show that fisheries, forests, freshwater, and other natural resources continue to decline across most of the world, and that conservation projects usually fail to accomplish their goals. This course addresses both of these complex problems. It delivers state of the art techniques for designing conservation projects that have the strongest possible chance of success, and evaluating the extent of that success. Examples include: knowing the conservation project cycle, assessing site conditions, developing management plans, and creating monitoring and evaluation plans. This "learn by doing" course emphasizes practice, especially through learning a conservation project management software program called Miradi. Although the course emphasizes site specific, in situ biodiversity conservation (i.e. protected natural areas), the skills and knowledge can apply to a wide range of environmental projects and programs.
Fall 2013 - MIIS
IPOL 8501 - Policy Analysis
This course introduces students to the theory and practice of policy analysis. Students will be introduced to the stages of the public policy process, including agenda setting, formulation, implementation, and evaluation. Students will also develop basic policy analysis skills, including problem structuring, stakeholder identification, summarization of current policy, development of policy options, elaboration of criteria for selection, and recommendation of course of action. These concepts are illustrated by examples policies that fall within students' range of interests. This course also introduces students to scientific methods that are used as a means for structuring policy inquiry. A series of research approaches and techniques are presented in the context of forecasting, monitoring, and evaluation for the analysis of domestic and international policies.
Fall 2009 - MIIS
IPOL 8502 - Public Policy Research Methods
Research Methods for Policy introduces students to the many facets of international policy research and is a required course for all students enrolled in the GSIPS curricula. The methods of research and analysis dealt with here focus on problem-solving, as they apply to contemporary issues in a policy analysis context.
Fall 2009 - MIIS
IPOL 8503 - Resrch Strategies for Env Pol
Environmental policy-making requires high quality research at every stage of the process. This course introduces students to the design and implementation of research, with an emphasis on applied research into contemporary environmental policy problems.
Fall 2010 - MIIS, Fall 2011 - MIIS, Fall 2012 - MIIS
IPOL 8591 - Natural Sci Foundtns 4 Env Pol
This course is about saving life on earth. It provides the scientific foundation required to formulate sound environmental policies capable of addressing human population growth, habitat destruction, resource overexploitation, and other anthropogenic factors that continue to undermine the earth’s ecological systems. The course focuses on scientific underpinnings of conserving the world’s remaining biological diversity (aka “biodiversity”). It draws from biology, ecology, and other natural sciences to deliver the broad scientific training that future policymakers need. As a short survey course, the goal is not to transform you into a biologist or an ecologist, but rather to equip you with the basic knowledge you need to understand how the natural world works, speak the language with confidence, and use science to develop sound environmental policy.
Fall 2009 - MIIS, Spring 2010 - MIIS, Fall 2010 - MIIS, Spring 2011 - MIIS, Fall 2011 - MIIS, Spring 2012 - MIIS
IPOL 8616 - Environmntal Conflict Mgmt
Environmental conflicts continue to rise in frequency and intensity across much of the world as populations grow and natural resources dwindle. The growing number of "resource wars" has convinced scholars and government leaders alike that environmental factors are critical to international security. Despite increased attention to the role that natural resources play in conflicts, a crippling information gap persists. Scholars know surprisingly little about the conditions under which fisheries, forests, wildlife, water, and other resources lead to (or exacerbate) conflict, let alone the best ways to prevent or resolve such conflicts. Growing demand exists for professionals who can analyze root causes of these conflicts and apply tools for resolving them. This course helps fill that demand. Using lectures, case studies, role plays, and simulations, it trains students in techniques for analyzing and resolving natural resource disputes worldwide.
Fall 2009 - MIIS, Fall 2010 - MIIS, Fall 2011 - MIIS, Fall 2012 - MIIS
IPOL 8639 - Sem: Sustainable Agriculture
Despite several decades of research and practice, "sustainable agriculture" remains more an idea than a reality. We all depend on the world's farmers to keep us alive, yet we also expect them to minimize their ecological footprint, contribute to social well-being, and prosper financially. This triple mandate is onerous to say the least, especially as the world's population increases by another 3 bilion people between now and 2050, and demand for agricultural products doubles over the next 40 years. This class examines sustainable agriculture in detail, focusing on whether and how agriculture can meet rising productivity requirements while at the same time embodying sustainability. Key questions to be explored include: what does "sustainable agriculture" really mean? How can we measure agricultural sustainability? How sustainable is agriculture currently? Which policies support and/or detract from sustainable agriculture? What will it take to expand sustainable agriculture to a scale commensurate with the rising human population? How do answers to these questions vary across crops and countries?
Spring 2010 - MIIS
IPOL 8645 - Protected Areas Policy
National parks and other protected areas form the cornerstone of global biodiversity policy. Despite tremendous popularity and importance, these bastions of biodiversity face conflicting mandates and escalating threats. This course examines protected area policies in an international context, emphasizing key policy issues that transcend national borders. We will analyze several case studies from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and North America, seeking to isolate factors of apparent success, failure, and institutional learning. Key questions include: How have protected area paradigms changed over time? Can parks be financially self‐sustaining? How can protected areas balance conservation with local economic development? What role can and should local and indigenous communities play in protected areas? What is an appropriate role for the private sector in establishing and operating parks? How can we evaluate the effectiveness of protected areas? To what extent can transboundary protected areas (aka “peace parks”) foster international peace, security, and conservation? The course includes field trips to local protected areas representing different management regimes and challenges. It also includes an overview of career opportunities with a wide variety of international conservation organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, Conservation International, World Wildlife Fund, The World Conservation Union (IUCN), the U.S. Agency for International Development, and The World Bank.
Spring 2010 - MIIS, Spring 2011 - MIIS, Fall 2012 - MIIS
