Natural Resource Management in Australia and New Zealand

  Australia

• Queensland: 
Yungaburra

  New Zealand

• Auckland: 
Auckland

Term: Summer 
Dates: June 9 - July 8, 2008

Description: Students compare and contrast the ecological, geographical, social, economic, and historical factors that have shaped natural resource management in far north Queensland and northern New Zealand. These two countries share a similar Gondwanan ancestry; however, indigenous and European settlement patterns and economic development significantly differ between the two countries. In Australia, students discover the critically endangered flora and fauna of the Wet Tropics and the factors that have led to their disjunct populations. In New Zealand, students take their Australian experiences and examine similarities and differences in political structure, land use patterns, and biogeography.

Highlights: Examine the influence of fragmentation and other impacts on abiotic and biotic attributes of forest communities in Australia and New Zealand. Visit the ancient rainforest refugia at Mossman Gorge, Daintree National Park, and the ancient Kauri forests of northern New Zealand. Examine Aboriginal vs. Maori historic land-use practices in Australia and New Zealand.

Cost in US$: Inquire for more info.

Experience Required: yes

16 years of age; good academic standing; completion of at least junior year of high school

Participants Travel Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 4-6

Application Process Involves:

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

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

The School for Field Studies's Mission Statement: The School for Field Studies (SFS), an accredited, international non-profit academic institution, provides environmental education and conducts research through its field-based programs. SFS is committed to providing: *Hands-on, field-based interdisciplinary education *Environmental research in partnership with natural resource dependent communities. Our goals are to: *Provide students with a unique and challenging educational and life experience that assists them in successfully advancing their careers as skilled professionals and globally aware citizens; *Work with local community stakeholders to develop models for the sustainable management of their natural resources.

Year Founded: 1980