Biodiversity and Clean Energy

Discover nature conservation first hand in Costa Rica

This course is designed to explore biodiversity and clean energy sites in Costa Rica. Costa Rica has the highest density of Biodiversity in the world. The country covers only 0.03 percent of the of the globe but shelters 5% of the existing biodiversity in the entire world. 26%of the country is composed of conservation and natural protected territory. 92% of the installed capacity for production of energy is from clean sources: hydro, Eolic, geothermal, solar and biomass. In fact, Costa Rica is the only country in the world where you can find all these types of energy in a 10mile radius.

Understand the limitations of sustainable development as a tool of measurement in progress.
Increase awareness of economic impacts of sustainable development.
Define the scope of sustainable development of the respective country.
Evaluate business practices and initiatives.
Development of inter-group skills and adaption capabilities in an Experiential Camp

At the end of the camp you will be able to:

Familiarize students with the alternative development paradigms that can be used to ensure a sustainable environment.
Increase awareness of economic impacts of sustainable development.
Define the scope of sustainable development of the respective country.
Evaluate business practices and initiatives.
Provide a first-hand experience in an experiential camp.

7 Feb	Introduction to the Camp and presentation of the general agenda.
16 May	Presentation of the final travel agenda, introduction of assignments, requirements and guidelines for self-reflective report.
May 19 8:00 AM	Costa Rican Tourism Board Ana Corrales, Manager at Horizontes Nature Tours. Speech about the Certificate on Sustainable Tourism. This governmental institution works with all the different companies, organizations and tourism services suppliers in the country to develop an attractive, innovative and sustainable offer to visitors worldwide. ICT is the organization that grants the Certificate for Sustainable Tourism – CST, which provides financial and marketing incentives and advantages to those who get certified, helping the Institute promote sustainable practices in the industry.
May 19 Afternoon	Coffee Tour at Doka Estate The rich soil, ideal altitude and climate surrounding the Poas Volcano are essential for the prime coffee produced by Doka Estate. The plant was built early last century and has been declared historical and architectural heritage; it still operates and maintains its original structure and machinery. The production is certified by Rainforest Alliance. Exploration and biodiversity tour in La Paz Waterfall & Peace Lodge with over 100 species of animals.
May 20 Morning	Protected Areas (Caribbean side of Costa Rica) Region of Sarapiqui, LaTirimbina Rainforest Center, Braulio Carrillo National Park
May 20 Noon	Payment of Environmental Services (PES). Expert talk with FUNDECOR engineer Gabriel Villalta to learn about Payment of Environmental Service. Presentation of Elicino Flores (Entrepreneur and Farmer) who benefits from from PES.
May 21 Morning	EARTH UNIVERSITY, Tour of the University campus and facilities since 1990 , EARTH University’s innovative educational approach has been preparing young people from Latin America, the Caribbean and other regions, including Africa and Asia, to contribute to the sustainable development of their countries and construct a prosperous and just society.
May 21 Afternoon	EARTH UNIVERSITY, Edmundo Castro, Ph.D. Sustainable Farming and Carbon neutrality. Project visit and explanation “Enhancement of Agro-Ecology” (PFTF)
May 22 Morning	La Fortuna, The city La Fortuna has an elevation of 350 feet above sea level and is best known as the base from which to explore the magnificent Arenal Volcano and national park nearby. Organic educational farm tour in La Fortuna, Finca, Don Juan.
May 22 Afternoon	Arenal, Renewable Energy in Costa Rica Professor Rodolfo Van der Laat Introductory presentation about renewable energy in Costa Rica. Ecotermales, Hot Springs setting and rainforest scenery.
May 23	Clean Energy Route, Professor Rodolfo Van der Laat Visit of clean energy sites. 92% of the installed capacity for production of energy is from clean sources: hydro, Eolic, geothermal, solar and biomass. In fact, Costa Rica is the only country in the world where you can find all these types of energy in a 10mile Radius. An expert engineer explains the benefits of Wind, Hydroelectric Power and Geothermal Energy, turns into a very enjoyable learning experience. It is also an opportunity to witness efficient use of water, and the very clever transfer of water from where it is abundant, in the Atlantic region, to the dry Pacific.
June 5 (10:30 AM – 12:30 PM)	Wrap up of Costa Rica experience July 3 (9:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
July 13	Presentation of self-reflective reports (Option 1) and presentation of Blogs (Option 2)
Due date	Self-reflective report - Presentations of Self-reflective report - Blog(s)