Ecocultural Conservation and Management

Catalog description

This is a short travel course for students to immerse in a new environment and experience the biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands, the culture and community. Students examine numerous ecosystems and do rapid ecological assessments creating inventories of the plants and animals. Focusing on ecosystem health and sustainability, students learn about cultural, economic and political issues affecting the ecology of the Galapagos Islands. In addition, we experience environmental sustainability modeled by the local Indigenous cultures and support their work. Students participate in conservation projects, including habitat restoration, organic farming, and marine conservation initiatives. Creating a travel portfolio documenting each experience with videos and articles encourages ecological activism locally and globally. Topics covered on the trip: flora and fauna, ecology, geography, sustainable organic farming, conservation, religion, Indigenous rights and traditions.