Meets the following requirements: HS   

Since ancient times, cultures have set aside certain landscapes from everyday use and habitation. Using the Caribbean island of Tobago as a case study, this course will explore the diverse set of issues surrounding parks and protected areas around the world.  The IUCN has defined a protected area as an area of land or sea especially dedicated to the protection and maintenance of biological diversity, and of natural and associated cultural resources.  Students will examine the Convention on Biological Diversity and other treaties that create an international framework for protecting significant biological, historical, natural, and cultural resources. Using a 3-4 week field school to closely examine several actual proposals under consideration in Tobago, we will evaluate efforts to create and manage protected areas that serve the interests of wildlife and resident peoples.  Students will gain familiarity with UNESCO's Biosphere Reserve model and the IUCN's protected area classifications.  We will also evaluate the role that local and international NGO's can play in international conservation efforts.  The relationship between conservation and sustainable development is a fundamental question throughout the course.   Evaluation will be based on short problems sets, role playing exercises, and individual or group projects.  This course is to be taken concurrently with Conservation Biology and Policy and Tropical Marine Ecology.  Lab Fee.

Level:  Intermediate/Advanced. *HS*