Ithaca College

Isn’t it time for you to learn about sustainability from cultures that practice it? Meet the Achuar. Meet the Salasaca. Two Ecuadorian groups of indigenous peoples that honor the earth, uphold community values, and are anxious to teach us how important this is.This summer opportunity taking place May 22 to June 7 may be for you. 

This course examines the ecology and cultures of the Amazon Basin through the lens of sustainability.  Through reading and discussing primary literature, historic accounts, and popular books, we will learn about the environmental and economic importance of the Andes and the Amazon River Basin, as well as the various cultures that have developed and adapted to this ecosystem.

We will investigate the threats to the Amazon Basin from agricultural development, mineral exploration, oil and gas operations, and tourism. We will explore community-based plans to achieve sustainability.    Our first immersion experience will be in the Quechua-Caranqe community of San Clemente that sits above the city of Ibara.  From there, we will transverse the Continental Divide, and enter the Amazon Basin, and the territory of the Achuar. Our third immersion experience will be in Salasaca, a predominantly agricultural and weaving community in the Andes.  
For more information visit this site and contact Dr. Susan Allen-Gil at sallen@ithaca.edu.