Tanzania-Zanzibar: Coastal Ecology & Natural Resource Management

  Tanzania

Zanzibar

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: September to December/February to May

Description: Examine issues of natural resource management and poverty in this densely populated archipelago of more than 50 islands. Once the thriving hub of the East African caravan trade, Zanzibar today depends on natural resources for its very survival. Yet basic economic activities threaten fragile local ecosystems like coastal forests and coral reefs, and vulnerable fauna like flying foxes and whale sharks. Participants explore conservation practice through dialogue with ecologists, policymakers, and communities struggling to balance livelihoods with sustainability in a resource-poor setting.

Based in Zanzibar's Stone Town at the Institute of Marine Science, the program includes excursions throughout the Zanzibar and Mafia archipelagos and along the mainland coast. Lectures and visits to protected areas highlight the complex dynamics of local ecosystems. Additional excursions challenge students to reframe notions of sustainability and "overpopulation" in light of the factors driving environmental degradation.

Highlights: Two-week homestay in Stone Town. The program includes excursions to Mafia Island Marine Park, Pemba Island, the Jozani Forest, smaller islands of Zanzibar, and other areas of environmental and cultural interest in the Zanzibar archipelago to give students a firsthand look at important coastal and marine ecosystems and historical landmarks.

Cost in US$: contact sponsor

Experience Required: yes

Prerequisites: Previous college-level coursework and/or other significant preparation in environmental studies, ecology, biology, or related fields, as assessed by SIT. As a considerable amount of program time is spent on, in, or near water, swimming proficiency is strongly recommended.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

SIT Study Abroad's Mission Statement: SIT Study Abroad is the accredited higher education institution of World Learning, a private, nonprofit international organization promoting international and intercultural understanding, social justice, and economic development through education, training, and field projects around the globe. SIT prepares students to be interculturally effective leaders, professionals, and citizens through SIT Study Abroad, undergraduate, field-based academic programs operating in more than 50 countries worldwide, and thorough short-term professional training and graduate degrees in language teaching, conflict transformation, international education, social justice in intercultural relations, management, and sustainable development.

Year Founded: 1932