CDAE 195: Development & Indigenous PeoplesFour-credit course

On campus: Fall semester 2013 Belize: Dec. 29, 2013 to Jan. 11, 2014

Belize

• Only English-speaking country in Central America

• Unique combination of Caribbean and Latin American geography and culture

• Geographic area the size ofMassachusetts

• ½ the population of Vermont

Why Belize?

• One of the most ecologically and biologically diverse countries in the world

• Ideal location to study sustainable development

Ecological diversity

• Last intact tropical forest north of the Amazon

• Longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere– UNESCO World

Heritage Site

Biological diversity

World’s first jaguar preserveCockscomb Wildlife Reserve

Largest cave system in the Western Hemisphere--many sacred to the Maya

Community co-management Unique approach to managing

protected areas

Pioneer in Ecotourism

Cultural DiversityEthnic groupsinclude:

– Mestizo– Creole– Garifuna– Maya– East Indian– Mennonite – Chinese– Lebanese

“When it comes to rich cultural heritage, incredible nature on land and sea, spectacular beauty and a truly warm and friendly people, Belize makes my own top five list of the world’s best places to see and experience.”

--Costas Christ, senior editor, National Geographic Traveler

Challenges to sustainable development:--Development Pressures

--Mass (Cruise Ship) Tourism

--Solid Waste Management

--Population increase

• At the current rate, population of Belize will double in 20 years

Course description

This course examines sustainable development issues in Belize, with a particular focus on challenges facing Belize’s two indigenous populations:

– The Garifuna people

– The Maya people

Dec. 29 to Jan. 3Macal Jungle River Camp

Orientation and introductory classes

Jan. 3 to Jan. 6Laguna Village

The Maya

Jan. 6 to Jan. 7Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Development and Wildlife Conservation

Jan. 7 to Jan. 11

Hopkins VillageThe Garifuna

Where we stay

• Macal River Camp at Chaa Creek

• Toledo Ecotourism Association (TEA) Guesthouse (Laguna)

• Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve

• All Seasons Guesthouse (Hopkins)

Financial Details

Tuition– Included in fall semester tuition

Program Fee– Approximately $1400– Includes

• All lodging

• Three meals per day in all locations

• All program-related in-country transportation and admissions

– Does not include airfare (travel on your own)• Budget approx. $800

Program Dates

Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013– Students are met at

the Belize Int’l. Airport and transported to the Macal River Camp

Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014– Students are

transported from Hopkins to the Belize Int’l. Airport

Information Sessions

Dates:Mon., April 1, 5:30 p.m.

Tue., April 2, 8:00 p.m.

Location:

Morrill Hall Conference Room

Process for Instructor Permission(following information sessions)

1. Application – Due Friday, April 5

2. Interview– Week of April 8

Note: As of April 10, there are still three spaces available. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all 14 places are filled.

Selection Criteria• Year and major• Recommendations• Academic performance• Community service• Our perception of

– your commitment to maximizing the benefits of this experience, personally and for others

– “intangibles”• flexibility• sense of adventure• ability to “roll with

the punches”

For more information:jay.ashman@uvm.edu