Global Policy and Conservation of Marine Mammals (July 8-Aug 16) Location: Bali, Indonesia and Langkawi, Malaysia (taught through George Mason University Global Education Program) 6 credits (Environmental Science and Policy, or Biology and International Studies) (undergraduate or graduate) Application Deadline: March 10, 2023
Come learn about how to solve conservation issues related to endangered species, gaining firsthand experience in the field and networking with global experts. Focus will be on IUCN red listed endangered marine mammals (but lessons learned are applicable to all endangered species). From a home base in Bali, we will examine conservation issues in the classroom, covering for each species, laws available, stakeholders involved, and actions taken to date for each species. The class as a group will examine and discuss what is working and what is not, and will brainstorm to consider solutions. Insight from world experts (some local, some through Zoom) will inform students as well. Students will also get first-hand experience in the field studying local conservation issues which are global in nature (e.g., the positives and negatives of ecotourism), and will get the chance to discover how everything from culture to economics can play a role in conservation problems and solutions. Field based activities (in Bali and Langkawi) will give students experience learning more about marine mammals (not necessarily endangered), what is impacting them, and how to collect data to inform better management. These may include spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, humpback dolphins, sperm whales, dugongs, Bryde’s whales, irrawaddy dolphins and finless porpoises. Students walk away up to date on all marine mammals in crisis globally, and with significant experience in considering how to prevent their extinction. During off time (home base Bali), students can learn to surf on some of the best waves on the planet, dive pristine reefs, hike up volcanoes and explore incredible jungle forests. Not bad! • Anyone can take this course (you do not have to be a George Mason University student, or a university student) (given prerequisites involving some background in biological sciences). Costs cover tuition, all lodging (5 weeks), all ground transportation, all field trips on the water, RT airfare to Malaysia (trip during the class), breakfast though the whole trip and all meals when on the trip to Malaysia. All tuition charged will be at the Virginia in-state rate, no matter what the student’s situation (so even if out of state or international). Price for the trip is estimated to be $4300 (half is tuition cost). Airfare is not included to Bali, but prices will be in the low season (summer). Dr. Lewis will be working with students to help them learn how to get the best flight deals. Food and transport in Bali are low cost (average large meal at a nice place = 3USD, but you can easily find street food at much lower cost). Some scholarships are available. Including a grant to cover the cost of a first time passport for those that acquire one for the trip. Financial aid can also be applied to cover the costs including those with GI bill benefits. Dr. Lewis will also work with students to locate internships pre or post trip if desired, to make the flight across the world worth even more. Considering any species or conservation groups in SE Asia, Australia or New Zealand. Because there will be a cap at 17, it is best to get your name in the hat ASAP. Hold your spot with 200USD deposit towards price of trip. The 200USD is applied to the class fees. The remaining balance is not due until the summer semester for George Mason University. To apply: https://masonabroad.gmu.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular&id=10601 To learn more: Contact Dr. Jennifer Lewis jlewi...@gmu.edu Whatsapp: +17039752661
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