Petroleum Legacy Case Study
From CFI
Course Description
Cloud Forest Institute has been networking, teaching, and conserving forest in Ecuador for over 10 years. CFI provides in-country logistical administration and fully qualified bilingual instruction for groups of five to fifteen students. Whenever possible students may choose to stay in safe, comfortable, boarding with local families. While at bioreserves eco-tourism style boarding varies from basic accommodations to almost luxurious. Otherwise students are lodged at international hostels recommended by trusted travel guides and approved by our staff.
A Country Study: Introduction to Ecuadorian Culture, History and Ecology
We begin in colonial Quito and spend the first few days learning about Ecuador's history and culture, including do's and taboo's and the importance of respectful behavior while in a foreign country. Students then travel to Mindo where they experience world class cloud forest while learning about Ecuador's incredibly diverse ecology. Students will be able to participate in a wide range of activities while in Mindo including bird watching, river rafting, visiting waterfalls, orchid and butterfly attractions, etc. Spanish language instruction is included during this leg of the educational adventure.
Peak Oil Issues – Production: Destruction of Ecology, Community and Traditional Ways of Life
Students will next travel to the hot springs of Papallacta where they will begin a three day “toxic tour” to Lago Agrio. Stops along the way introduce students to indigenous communities and visit toxic sites abandoned by the oil industry. Students will travel 4 -5 hours in car stopping throughout to visit a variety of toxic sites including, pipeline ruptures, abandoned wells, and communities located near active wells. We will stop mid afternoon at comfortable eco-lodges en route where participants will be able to bathe, relax and recuperate in intact nature while processing the days activities.
Field Study: Mycorenewel of Toxic Sites in the Amazon
Students will next arrive in Lago Agrio and spend five days with the Amazon Mycorenewel Project. This Service Learning mycoremediation course will run in conjunction with community workshops training locals to utilize mycorenewal techniques to clean toxic petroleum pollution. This section ends with a four day foray into Amazon wilderness to observe and compare intact Amazonian environment. The journey is over and students travel back to Quito to return home or extend their travels independently.
Cost $3,600 per person, covers food, lodging and in country transportation, special gear, as well all activities listed in the itinerary.
Additional costs not covered may include, but are not limited to: airfare, required travel insurance, optional travel immunizations, suggested reading, beverages, souvenirs, tips and donations.
Register by March 31st with your $500 security deposit and receive a $400 discount.
When three or more participants register together each receives a $100 discount.
Limited scholarships available. Contact us for more information.
Itinerary
Dates: June 10th - 31st, July 8th - 29th, August 5th - 26th
First Day Arrive in Quito, evening introductions.
Day 2 - Morning welcome and orientation, afternoon cultural tour through colonial Quito, evening talk: A Peoples History of Ecuador.
Day 3 - Morning Teleferico and museums, afternoon Spanish lessons, evening talk: Democratic Participation of Indigenous Movements.
Day 4 - Morning Spanish lessons, picnic lunch at Botanical Park, afternoon free to explore Quito.
Day 5 - Morning travel to Mindo, afternoon explore town, evening talk: Biology of the Cloud Forest.
Day 6 - Morning birdwatching, afternoon Spanish lessons, evening talk: Threats to the Cloud Forest.
Day 7 - Morning river rafting, afternoon Spanish lessons, evening talk: Conservation of the Cloud Forest.
Day 8 - Morning trips to butterfly farm and orchid park, afternoon Spanish lesson, evening night hike in the forest.
Day 9 - Leave Mindo, back to Quito for the night.
Day 10 - Leave Quito, arrive to hot springs at Papallacta for the night. Begin Toxic Tour, discussing the petroleum industry throughout the day.
Day 11 - Toxic Tour from Papallacta, stopping at significant sites en route to Baeza.
Day 12 - Toxic Tour from Baeza to Coca.
Day 13 - Toxic Tour from Coca to Lago Agrio.
Day 14 - Day 18 - Myco Workshop with AMP.
Day 19 - Leave to indigenous community on the Rio Napo.
Day 20 and 21 - In jungle hiking, learning and sharing with amazon natives.
Day 21 - Leave jungle and return to Quito, program ends.
Add on alternatives
Cost an additional $1,000.
Second week of Myco Workshops through Day 25, then visit the indigenous community Days 26 – 29. Extended stay with the Indigenous community from Day 19 through Day 29.
Participate in the Toxic Tour and Service Learning Mycorenewal portion of the program only, at a cost of $2000.
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