ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Courses: Grade 11 University/College Environmental Science (SVN3M) or Grade 12 University/College The Environment and Resource Management (CGR4M)

Located on an island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the Dominican Republic can be viewed as a microcosm of the world. Managing the same environmental issues as Canada such as solid waste management, renewable energy vs. fossil fuels, protection of national forests, impacts of climate change on agriculture and oceans, the country offers a perfect platform for comparison. Students will not only acquire in depth knowledge and understanding of these issues but they will develop the critical thinking skills required to analyze the complexity of underlying factors that must be addressed in order to develop solutions to these issues.
Upon arrival to Las Canas, participate in a beach walk and investigate examples of renewable and alternative energy sources. Compare and contrast the impact of conucos (family farming) vs. industrial farming, when you visit an organic coffee and cacao plantation in the Gaspar Hernandez area. Trek through the abundant forest of the El Choco National Park, and explore one of the many caves that house brilliantly clear underground freshwater reservoirs. Take a trip to Taino Farm to see permaculture in action – a sustainable farming design that works with the surrounding ecosystem for a true farm-to-table production process.