Amazon Field School

Mon, 02 Dec 2013 19:00:00 -0500

This unique course introduces students to the social and biological realities of conservation and research in Latin America. Students have firsthand investigation into key resource management systems, and apply conservation research techniques. Students complete case studies of important resources found in lowland tropical forests of southeastern Peru. Students interact with a mix of native peoples, colonists, conservation organizations, loggers, gold miners, and eco-tourism experts. While the course is aimed at graduate students, high achieving undergraduate students are invited to participate as well. Our course has been taught to National Science Foundation funded United States citizen trainees as well as students from Brazil, Argentina, France, and Senegal. These culture rich forums are key to cultivating a high achieving, globally linked scientific community. Students are encouraged to speak Spanish with the local community members to broaden their communication skills which also serves well for engaging local communities. The intensive introduction through the field school to this area serves students well in their research objectives by providing an in-depth examination of conservation issues and history. Students research is enriched by the experience and enhanced by interdisciplinary cooperation.