The slope of the Andes in Ecuador is a global biodiversity hotspot, with more species than all of North America. Although in the past decade or so, Ecuador has been at the center of controversial oil drilling which is threatening the diversity of organisms that inhabit these landscapes. In this course, students will consider the ways in which cultural attitudes and government responsibility interact to protect the environment. While in Ecuador, students will have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience collecting data in the rainforest while interacting and talking to locals about their perspectives on the environment. Economic factors will be discussed and how local, national and global approaches to biodiversity, tourism and the use of resources are similar/dissimilar to that of the U.S.A.

The first few days in Ecuador will be spent in the capital, Quito. Students will partake in a walking tour of Quito where popular sites include Independence Square, with the Presidential Palace and Cathedral. Students will also shop at the local markets of Otavalo. From Quito, students will travel several hours to the Cuyabeno National Park where students will spend about one week immersed in a real rainforest research station. The group will be surrounded by jungle habitats and have the opportunity to practice data collection and ethnobotany. Time at the field station will be spent hiking through the rainforest and collecting data for research projects, under the guidance of the faculty leaders and others at the field station. Students will present their research at the end of the program.

Students should be aware that the field station is remote, and they may have limited access to showers, air conditioning and the conveniences of cities such as cell phone service, internet, and shopping. Due to the physical nature of the activities on this international experience, students must be in good health, sound physical condition, and capable of hiking in a rugged environment. *

This course is most appropriate for students interested in biology, the environment, and those who enjoy being in a natural environment. The academic course associated with this program is BIO 398 and 399: It’s hot in here: The biological and cultural impacts of biodiversity hotspots. for 4 total credits. Students may not use this course to count towards any science major. It will be taught by Professors Patricia Koplas and Scott Weir.

This is an OPEN program.
*all itinerary items are tentative and subject to change