Ecuadorian Political Ecology, Oil Pollution, & Mycoremediation
Service Learning Course * July 12 - August 12, 2011 Ecuador – Oriente, Sierra, Costa

Section 1: Service Learning with the Amazon Mycorenewal Project July 12 – 22
Five days of classroom study about methods of mycoremediation at a comfortable jungle-lodge will prepare students for five days of service practicum in Lago Agrio, including searching for native fungi.

Section 2: Ecuador, a Country Study July 23 – Aug 1
Three days following the route of the OCP oil Pipeline from the Amazon across the Andes to the Coast where the oil is refined. Readings and observations about the county of Ecuador, the economy, politics, the new constitution, Yasuni and other, current events. 7 days discussing these topics on the beautiful beaches of the “Ruta del Sol”.

Section 3: Pathways Towards Sustainability Aug 2 - 12
Five days with Cloud Forest Institute in Mindo learning about the state of the environment, threats to biodiversity and conservation strategies, like community based eco-tourism, carbon credits, and community reforestation, agro-forestry, and permaculture projects. Then treck into the wilderness doing Service Learning with Fundacion Cambugan currently fundraising to protect over 25,000 acres of cloud forest considered “The most biodiverse and most threatened area of the planet.” by Conservation International.

Tuition & Registration
Tuition is $1,200 per section or $3,000 when enrolled in all three sections. Tuition covers instruction, food, lodging, in country transportation and special gear. Spanish instruction is available and entails further costs depending on needs. There is an additional $100 articulation and curriculum fee for students seeking college credit through independent study. Sign up before May 1st receive $100 off when enrolling in all three sections. Sign up with a friend and both get $50 off. Inquire about scholarship opportunities.

Trip Extensions and Volunteering
Spanish instruction may be arranged for before the course begins, and is available during the entire course for additional cost. Those with more time may apply to volunteer with Amazon Mycorenewal Project, Cloud Forest Institute, Fundacion Cambugan and other amazing projects. Please inquire with Cloud Forest Institute for more information.

Contact: alida (at) cloudforest.org
(707) 743-1287

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BLOG ARCHIVE: We made it back to Ecuador after an enjoyable, if busy, time running up and down the West Coast of the United States. The Amazon Mycorenewal Project has reached its first birthday and what a year it has been! To commemorate, we had ourselves an AMP board meeting in Northern California with lots of tasty food and lively conversation. I wanted to thank all of our team members, both here in Ecuador and back in the States for all of their fantastic support in helping us get to and participating at speaking events, feeding us occasionally and focusing their considerable collective brain-power to steer our endeavor in the proper direction.
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