Conflict Sensitive Conservation, Community Organizations & Coffee

Jan 3, 2015 - Mar 18, 2015 | International Peace Park Expeditions
Panama & Costa Rica

Students will have a unique opportunity to explore Conflict Sensitive Conservation initiatives in a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Parque Internacional La Amistad (International Friendship Park) on the border of Panama and Costa Rica.  Gain practical experience applying conflict analysis methodology, interview a diverse range of stakeholders, learn how to work with a language interpreter, and build real world skills for a career in international fields such as: development, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, conservation, natural resource management and community development.  Cross cultural homestays with local families; meetings with Indigenous community members, day hikes in rainforest biodiversity hotspots, and an opportunity to explore a sustainable organic coffee cooperative provide a rich learning experience.

On this expedition, we will learn how to apply methods of conflict analysis, practice active interviewing skills, and learn how to work with a language interprester. Students will learn about transboundary conservation and the concept of a peace park and its role in promoting community development, conflict sensitive conservation and responsible economic growth through agriculture and eco-tourism.  You’ll be exposed to sustainable and organic agricultural practices that are common in the area and learn about the fair trade market for products such as organic coffee and produce that Panamanians and Costa Ricans consume every day.  Students will be immersed in the culture as they meet with local community organizations, live with homestay families, participate in a community fútbol game, and enjoy community fiestas. 

In addition to working in the local communities, students will quench their thirst for adventure with two day hike backpacking treks in Parque Internacional La Amistad in Costa Rica and Parque Nacional Volcán Barú in Panama.  Students should be in good physical condition (able to hike for a full day) and have a love of being and learning outdoors.  No experience is necessary, just a willingness to try. 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Apply conflict analysis methodology in the field by completing stakeholder profiles, conflict profiles and peacebuilding profiles

Interview a diverse range of stakeholders: indigenous community members, local NGO leaders, National Park Rangers, organic coffee cooperative community members, and more.

Gain an understanding of International Peace Parks in Central America - how they are created, managed and utilized as a tool of environmental conservation, community based development, cross border collaboration and eco-tourism.

Experience the cultures of Costa Rica and Panama - through trekking in Parque Internacional La Amistad with Park Rangers, learning with local community organizations about their projects and their relationship to the International Peace Park, and enjoying unique traditions in meals, music and sport through cross cultural homestays.

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS

Conflict Analysis Matrices - Complete written Stakeholder, Conflict and Peacebuilding Matrices and explain your analysis in a brief oral presentation

Readings - Pre-expedition readings to be completed before you step on the airplane.  Required readings to be completed prior to each class discussion. Each student is required to present one reading to the entire team and facilitate the group discussion of that reading; and is expected to participate in the discussion of other readings.  

Expedition Blog Post - Students are required to work in three teams to write an Expedition Blog post.  One post will cover the stakeholder matrix, one will cover the conflict matrix and one will cover the peacebuilding matrix.  Each team will write a draft, submit accompanying photographs, identify appropriate hyperlinks, and work with the Instructors to edit the blogs for submission and publication on the New Security Beat (award winning blog of the Environmental Change and Security Program at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars.) 

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