Protection and Management of Tropical Ecosystems

The development and conservation challenges encountered in Belize present a compelling canvas upon which to study and learn about protection and management of tropical ecosystems. Learn how the major ecosystems of Belize, from rain forests to barrier reefs, are managed to both protect ecosystem integrity and meet human needs. The varied ecosystems encountered will provide an opportunity to understand what challenges are specific to certain ecosystems, and what challenges are ubiquitous to conservation across ecosystems.

During the program, students will explore conservation areas and coral reefs, encounter beautiful waterfalls, and hike through the rainforest. Enjoy a visit to the Belize Zoo at night, a Mayan village, a remote Smithsonian marine research station, the Rio Bravo Conservation Station, South Water Caye, and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve.

Quick Information

Location

Belize is a small, English-speaking country in Central America home to significant tropical biodiversity.   Belize has a wealth of natural resources, including tropical rain forests and the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. It is also a multi-cultural society with citizens from many different ethnic backgrounds.

Accommodation and Meals

Students will be housed in a variety of accommodations for the duration of the program. These include eco-lodges, cabanas, dormitories and hotels. Rooms will be shared, and the number of participants in a room will vary. In some cases, students will have only a few roommates in one location, but four or more in another location. Most bathrooms will be shared, community facilities. All housing costs are included in the program fee.

Most meals are included in the program fee; however, students will be responsible for some of their meal costs. As the program itinerary is finalized, an estimate for out-of-pocket meal expenses will be provided. Please note that the individual spending habits of each student will vary, so participants should use the estimate as a baseline and adjust according to their own eating habits.

Program Travel

International round-trip air travel will be arranged for the Belize group. This arranged flight generally departs from and returns to Lambert International Airport in St. Louis. Transportation from Columbia to Lambert will be the responsibility of the student.  The faculty program leaders, Alba Argerich, Ph.D., and Michael Byrne, Ph.D., travel with the group flight to facilitate airport check-in and transfers. The airfare estimate is included in the program fee below; however, this estimate may fluctuate as group reservations are made and the flight is finalized. All in-country program travel is organized by CAFNR and is included in the program fee.

Academics

Students are enrolled in three credits of AFNR 2190: International Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (graded A/F) for the spring semester. Students should work with their advisors to determine how these credits will count toward their individual graduation plans.

Please be aware that there will be mandatory orientation classes prior to departure. Dates and times for the class meetings will be available shortly after the confirmed program participant list is finalized, generally around mid-November. Participants will be notified of the class meeting details via email.

Estimated Cost

MU Tuition (3 Credits; Spring Semester): Varies per student. See website for details.