Conservation, Tourism, and Development: Fieldwork in Coastal Management
The Bocas del Toro Archipelago, on the Caribbean Coast of Panama, is made up of over 20 nearshore islands. It boasts an amazing diversity of cultures (Ngöbe Indian, Afro-Caribbean, Panamanian Mestizo, European and North American expatriates), as well as high quality coastal environments (coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangrove forests, tropical rainforests, and beaches).
The region is currently experiencing rapid tourist growth, as well as residential development projects for foreigners. The cultural and biological diversities of the region, as well as the development pressures they face, provide an excellent opportunity to study the socio-economic and environmental impacts of tourist development; regional attempts to create land use plans; conflicts among different uses and users of the coastal and island resources; and various cultural perspectives on the current evolving situation. The course will allow participants to develop projects tailored to their interests and skills.
Please Note:
This course meets per a normal schedule but also involves travel during spring break.
This course will have a required course fee, but that varies by instructor, destination(s), and year. Please contact the instructor regarding questions about the course fee.
Travel details will be specified by the instructor.
All travel courses have limited capacity. Interested students should contact the instructor as soon as possible.
Contact:
Please contact Daniel Suman, dsuman@rsmas.miami.edu if you are interested.
Reminder: All Travel courses are subject to change, and may not be offered each Spring semester. Please contact the instructor with questions.
