Related Publications
Conservation Beyond Borders: Balkans 2011 Academic Expedition
Events
International Conference on Environmental Diplomacy and Security October 21-23, 2011
Through a 16-day accredited academic expedition led by IEDS Fellows Anna Grichting and J. Todd Walters, a unique learning opportunity, a cross-cultural experience, an introduction to their fields, and an overview of the dynamics involved in creating and managing an International Peace Park. Students are challenged with academic rigor through readings, journal entries, and a group project designed within an innovative experiential learning curriculum. Additionally, students will participate in meaningful cross-cultural interactions while cross-border trekking in remote alpine mountain landscapes.
Students will hear guest lectures from experts, practitioners and professionals within diverse fields – addressing issues of sustainable forestry management, biodiversity surveys, eco-tourism plans, development and infrastructure planning, environmental conservation, water resource management, peacebuilding initiatives, and cross-border projects. At the culmination of the course, students will have a strong understanding of the multi-disciplinary issues that converge in International Peace Parks and a working recognition of the interplay between local communities, broader culture, international development, environmental conservation and peacebuilding initiatives. Students will have an opportunity to build a professional network before graduation, making connections in government agencies, international development agencies, as well as international, national, and local NGO’s working in related fields.