[study abroad]: Coastal Ecosystems of Micronesia in a Changing Climate

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This exploration seminar (OCEAN 496) is pre-approved to fulfill requirements for the marine biology major and minor.

Synopsis

August 31 – September 23, 2018

Students in this field-based Exploration Seminar in Kosrae will study & conduct ecological assessments of coral, mangrove & seagrass habitats to understand how development and climate change are impacting the largely pristine coastal ecosystems of this remote island.

Kosrae is the eastern-most island in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) in the expansive Caroline Island chain of the western tropical North Pacific Ocean. Magnificent mangrove swamps and coral reefs surround much of the coastline. With just over 7,000 people, and minimal tourism or industry, Kosrae’s 42 square miles of lush mountainous terrain remain largely undisturbed and stunningly beautiful. Closely connected to land and sea, Kosraeans are deeply rooted in their cultural heritage and traditions, while being gracious and hospitable to visitors.

In this 23-day, 5-credit course, students will apply basic principles of biology, ecology, oceanography, & geology to develop an understanding of Kosrae’s coastal ecosystems, learn about the ways climate change is impacting those ecosystems, and experience the rich Kosraean culture. The course will include units on mangroves, coral reefs, estuaries and seagrasses. Most days will feature a field-based activity, during which students will conduct a rapid ecological assessment of a mangrove swamp, coral reef, or seagrass meadow.
Ecological assessments from pristine settings will be compared to those from locations impacted by human activities, such as development or logging. The final project will be to conduct a workshop for Kosraean K-8 teachers on mangroves, oceans & climate.

Logistics

Students & staff will live at the lovely Pacific Treelodge Resort. Lodging on Kosrae is included in the program fee of $5,550. A discounted rate of $23 has been negotiated for 3 meals/day at the Resort. Kosrae is accessed 4x/wk by United Airlines flights from Guam and Honolulu. For more information please contact Julian Sachs at jsachs@uw.edu.

Study Abroad: From Andes to Amazon: Biodiversity, Conservation, and Sustainability in Peru

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Students interested in complementing their exploration of the marine environment with a study abroad program studying the environments of Peru should look into Tim Billo and Ursula Valdez’s exploration seminar below. Info Session on Wednesday, February 17 from 3-4 pm in Wallace Hall 012 (Program on the Environment Commons)

 

Andes to Amazon Picture

2016 UW Exploration Seminar to Peru
Andes to Amazon: Biodiversity, conservation, and sustainability in Peru

Dates: 26 August-20 Sept 2016
Program Directors: Ursula Valdez (uvaldez@uw.edu), Tim Billo (timbillo@uw.edu)
Program Fee: $3,800 Credit: 5 credits of ENVIR 496, BIOL 493 or Honors 223; other options can be arranged

 

An ecological and cultural exploration from the high mountains to the rainforest of southeastern Peru. We will explore the fascinating diversity of this region, while studying the conservation challenges confronting it. Through surveys of the biodiversity, and meetings with indigenous people, land-use managers, conservationists, and other stakeholders, we will analyze sustainable alternatives for the conservation of this world biodiversity hotspot.

Topics and places:

  • Natural history and research techniques for birds, mammals, and other vertebrates as well as invertebrates and plants
  • Ecology and conservation of Andean grasslands and cloud forest of Manu Biosphere Reserve
  • Ecology and conservation of Amazon rainforest along the Madre de Dios River
  • Traditional agriculture and resource use by Andean and Amazonian native communities
  • Historical relationships of the Incas and the environment, & current tourism impacts on ecosystems around Machupicchu

More information on the program, application, costs, etc. can be found here
The course website is http://faculty.washington.edu/timbillo/

Info Session: Wed 17 Feb, 3-4 pm (POE Commons, Wallace Hall First floor)

THIS COURSE IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS UNTIL 4 MARCH. APPLY EARLY IF YOU CAN!