Certificate Program Field Course: Conservation, Restoration, and Sustainable Use in Practice (Brazil)
Details
Note: Yale School of the Environment (YSE) was formerly known as the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies (F&ES). News articles and events posted prior to July 1, 2020, refer to the School's name at that time.
Summary
The Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome stands out for its remarkable levels of endemism and species diversity. Recognized as one of the 35 global biodiversity hotspots demanding urgent conservation efforts, this region is a focal point for restoration initiatives aimed at alleviating the decline of endemic species. Deforestation within the Atlantic Forest region has been a pressing issue dating back to the early 19th century, resulting in a stark reality where merely 11.7% of the original forest cover persists today.
Over six days, participants will deepen their understanding of tropical rainforest ecology and strategies for forest restoration and conservation in a complex human-dominated landscape. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with diverse stakeholders on the landscape and visit a variety of interpretive trails, research sites, demonstration areas, and agroforestry model farms. Participants will engage in hands-on field activities and interact with local landowners and community associations to learn firsthand about motives, strategies, and challenges for land management decisions.
Content
Through a partnership with the Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas (IPÊ), this course will be held at the IPÊ-ELTI training landscape in Porto Seguro, Bahia. This training landscape provides experiential, place-based learning opportunities that are designed to facilitate engagement and demonstrate the application of key concepts.
Highlights:
- Learn about the interconnected relationships of people and the environment in the Atlantic Forest region.
- See real-life conservation and restoration efforts in a mixed mosaic landscape with diverse landowners.
- Participate in hands-on exercises to learn about a range of forest restoration strategies being applied in the region.
- Meet local organizations and landowners who are pioneers in regenerative agriculture, native species reforestation, and agroforestry systems.
Location: Porto Seguro, Bahia, Brazil
Duration: 6 days
Cost: $2000 USD*
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1 – Introduction to Porto Seguro and the Atlantic Forest region of Brazil
Day 2 – Veracel Ecological Station, visits to old growth tropical forest and conservation sites
Day 3 – Ecological and social consequences of degradation, visits to degraded sites, mangrove river tour
Day 4 – Site visits to see forest restoration, agroforestry, and conservation strategies for enhancing livelihoods
Day 5 – Visits to rural settlements, community-based farmer organizations, the Jaqueira Indigenous land, sustainable land-use in practice
Day 6 – Experiences with capacity development and stakeholder engagement, group activities, final discussions
*The cost of course tuition is $2,000 USD, which covers ground transportation, course instruction and materials, activities, lodging, and food. Participants are responsible for organizing and funding their own transportation from their location of origin to Porto Seguro, Brazil and obtaining any necessary visas. ELTI-IPÊ will gladly provide a letter of invitation to support visa applications.