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Eating some invasive species could help to mitigate the impacts of climate change-related invasions, and may increase future food security
Get PDFClimate change is predicted to increase the spread and abundance of invasive species and to erode global food security. I hypothesized that by incorporating edible invasive species into local food sheds, these two problems could help to mitigate each other. I set out to answer two questions: could eating invasive species reduce their spread and abundance? And could eating invasive species minimize the impacts of climate-change related food shocks? To answer these questions, I surveyed the existing literature on human consumption of invasive species, created a list of criteria that make an invasive species suitable for management through human consumption, and identified what components of global food security could be strengthened by edible invasive species. I found that some invasive species populations could be reduced by human consumption, but that careful management would be required to ensure eating invasive species did not create perverse market incentives that facilitated further invasions. I found that invasive species might offer possible interventions to increase food quantity, promote food access, increase food safety, and contribute to environmental stability, four important components of food security. However, no studies exist specifically on the topic of invasive species and food security, and much further research is required to substantiate my hypotheses. In order to ground my research in practical applications and communicate my results to a wide audience, in addition to written results, I created two recipes using edible invasive species in Iceland, informed by my research on invasive species population biology and climate change-related food insecurity
Packaging Morocco for the foreign eye: A survey into the Moroccan tourism industry
Get PDFThe history of tourism in Morocco cannot be separated from the country’s colonial legacy. Tracing its’ roots back into the 1920s, tourism was yet another medium where the West manifested their fascination with exoticness in “the other”. Within the past decades, the Moroccan tourism industry has witnessed continued growth in tourist arrivals and media attention. Morocco’s geographical and linguistic proximity to Europe has made it an “accessible” option to many European tourists. Tourism is not only a promising driver of economic growth, an employment generator, but also has become how many foreign individuals come to understand the country. Through the careful examination of marketing materials and observations in Marrakech, the project will outline a tourist’s experience from research to arrival. It will focus on material and experiences generated by Moroccan governments and private organizations. How is Morocco packaged? What is included and excluded? What is the end narrative? Ultimately, this paper hope to identify the intersection of tourism, economic pressure, and colonial legacies
Getting them In the Door: A Study of Programming Within Boys & Girls Clubs of Vermont
No full textWhile it is clear that strong, evidence-based youth-centered programming has a significant impact within an organization, there are often challenges and barriers which can significantly impact these programs. To understand these barriers more fully, it is important to understand the context through which these programs are being operated in, and by analyzing the perceptions surrounding what makes a program successful or sustainable over time. The Boys and Girls Club of Brattleboro is a local non profit which strives to grow and increase its impact on the youth members of the community. The purpose of this research was to collect and analyze the perceptions of barriers to sustainable and effective programming offered at the Boys & Girls Club of Brattleboro VT and at Boys & Girls Clubs located in Vermont, USA , the role of staff in developing and assessing programming, and improving overall staff practices and program implementation. The research methods included a literature review on the analysis of the effects of evidence-based after school programming on youth development, the use of a logic model framework in developing programs, the review of secondary data collected by mixed-methods in a survey, and analysis through personal observation. The findings revealed that the effects of program staff\u27 investment in programs, sufficient funding, recognition from the Board of Directors on the impact of programs increase the likelihood of a program being successful. Building on good practices such as utilization of a logic model, long term planning, resource sharing, and increased communication, recommendations are made to establish better communication between the Leadership team, the Board of Directors, and the Program staff, and for higher priority be given to High-Yield activities and Initiatives which have proven to increase club attendance, improve club climate, and increase staff investment of their job
Identifying the Gaps in Resources for Education in Emergencies
Get PDFWhen children are thrust into emergencies, either by natural disasters or man-made conflict, education has until recently always taken a backseat. The field of humanitarian aid which focuses on the delivery of material assistance to people in emergency settings, has become more professionalized over the past two decades as conflicts become more complex. Humanitarian aid has always involved the provision of food, shelter and medical care. In the past few decades, however, education for those affected by emergencies that focuses on the practical provision of livelihood skills while also conveying conflict resolution and peace-building skills has become an increasingly important part of a humanitarian response. This research was conducted in conjunction with the Inter-agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE) which is a coordinating body in the Education in Emergencies (EiE) field and offers a number of resources to help EiE professionals. This study explores the history and foundations of EiE and seeks to answer the question “What are the gaps in resources for the EiE field?” The research was conducted utilizing three methods: 1) a survey of EiE professionals about the resources they use in the field; 2) a review of the INEE database and, 3)a list of inquiries from EiE professionals seeking assistance. Results concluded that there are gaps in terms of materials for specific vulnerable groups, data collection, inter-sectoral/inter-agency collaboration and training on existing materials. Closing these gaps will result in a more effective resource database for EiE professionals to use in their daily practice of providing education services to those affected by conflict
Not-So-Decriminalized: Consequences of Intersectional Identity for Migrant Sex Workers in Switzerland
Get PDFSex work in Switzerland, which was decriminalized long ago, has been regarded as one of the most liberal systems of sex work in the world. However, this reputation is contested when factoring in the interaction between immigration and sex work policies. Migrant sex workers in Switzerland are put at a precarious intersection of decriminalized sex industry and restrictive migration policy and attitudes, and are not addressed or protected from violations of the law or violations of their human rights. Using databases containing Swiss legislation, I will critically examine the intersectional effects of migration policy and the treatment of migrants on the sex industry. Specifically, I will analyze how Swiss regulations of sex work serve to perpetuate the vulnerabilities of migrant sex workers given the context of labor migration and policy. This will be done using a discourse analysis of government regulations of sex work and migration, in conjunction with analysis of publications issued by advocacy organizations.
I find that despite having decriminalized sex work in the early 20th century, Swiss legislation fails to adequately and legislatively address the intersectional identities of sex workers. Despite acknowledging that the majority of sex workers in the Swiss sex industry are migrants–and that the number of irregular migrants has increased steadily alongside the rise of restrictive migration policy–the Swiss government chooses to continually criminalize migrant sex workers through repressive migration and sex work policies rather than offering them protections. Thus, migrant sex workers–as a result of their already precarious identities as migrants and sex workers, in conjunction with repressive policy-making–become utterly unprotected politically, legally, and socially in Switzerland. This study serves to highlight that (seemingly) liberal policy alone, for example decriminalizing sex work, is not enough to ensure the effective and safe functionality of the system. Instead, specific protections must be implemented that reflect the actual demographics of those affected by the legislation
The Giant Rodents of Sumak Allpa: A Preliminary Study of the Ecological Niche of Amazonian Capybaras in Ecuador
Get PDFSumak Allpa is an island on the Napo River in the eastern rainforest of the Orellana Province of Ecuador that functions as a rehabilitation center for primates. The objective of this investigation is to conduct a preliminary study on the ecological niche of the Amazonian capybaras ( Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris ) that inhabit Sumak Allpa and a small adjacent island known in this study as Island A. Very little information is known about jungle capybaras, especially in Ecuador, and this study aims to establish baseline information about their distribution, diet, and population dynamics. Research was conducted throughout the day, with mornings dedicated to searching for evidence of capybara activity, including the presence of feces, tracks, and feeding, and afternoons spent hiding in one spot along the coast or a lagoon looking for capybaras. Additionally, one camera trap was used to supplement data collection for population analysis. Evidence indicated that capybaras cluster geographically along the eastern coast of Island A and travel between the two islands. Capybaras were found to eat grasses most frequently, and Alismataceae, Convolvulaceae, Poaceae, Pontederiaceae were all found to make up a portion of their diet. Finally, population data was lacking and insufficient to draw strong conclusions although they indicate diurnal activity and a tendency for capybaras to travel in small groups.
Sumak Allpa es una isla en el Río Napo en el bosque lluvioso oriental en la provincia Orellana del Ecuador que funciona principalmente como un centro de rehabilitación por los primates. El objetivo de esta investigación es para conducir un estudio preliminar del nicho ecológico de los capibaras amazónicos ( Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris ) que viven en Sumak Allpa y una isla adyacente se llama Isla A en este estudio. Hay poco información sobre los capibaras de la selva, especialmente en Ecuador, y este estudio trata que establecer información de referencia sobre su distribución, dieta, y dinámica poblacional. La investigación se llevó a cabo durante el día, con mañanas dedicada a la búsqueda por evidencia de la actividad de los capibaras, incluyendo la presencia del heces, las huellas, y el alimentación, y los tardes pasadas escondidas en un sitio en la costa o una laguna buscando por los capibaras. Adicionalmente, una trampa de caméra fue utilizada para complementar la colección de los datos por análisis poblacional. La evidencia indica que los capibaras agrupan geográficamente en la costa oriental de Isla A y viajan entre las dos islas. Los capibaras fueron encontrados para comer los pastos más frecuentemente, pero Alismataceae, Convolvulaceae, Poaceae, Pontederiaceae fueron encontrados para componer parte de su dieta. Finalmente, faltan los datos de población, y es insuficiente para hacer conclusiones fuertes a pesar de que indican actividad diurna y una tendencia para viajar en grupos pequeños
La Pertinencia Cultural de los Proyectos Relacionados a la Planificación Familiar de las ONGs en el Distrito de Acomayo
Get PDFEsta investigación identifica y analiza la pertinencia cultural de los esfuerzos de ayuda ambos de una ONG local (Kallpa) y de una ONG internacional (Plan International), examinando específicamente el proyecto de cada ONG vinculado al aumento del acceso y uso de la planificación familiar en el Distrito de Acomayo en la región de Cusco para evaluar cómo opera (o no opera) cada ONG con una pertinencia cultural. Además, esta investigación explora la forma en que las estrategias de cada ONG mantienen un enfoque intercultural, y también analiza las percepciones de los beneficiarios del proyecto como testimonios de cómo este método de enfoque resuena con las personas que tratan de ayudar. A través de un estudio cualitativo utilizando observaciones personales, así como entrevistas en profundidad con el personal de cada ONG, un obstetra en el Centro de Salud local, directores de colegios donde las ONGs se ejecutan estos proyectos, y mujeres beneficiarias de los proyectos, esta investigación termina con conclusiones sobre cada ONG refiriendo a su habilidad o su falta de habilidad para lograr la pertinencia cultural en sus proyectos vinculados a la planificación familiar en el Distrito de Acomayo. Además, esta investigación termina con conclusiones sobre la legislación en Perú en relación a la Política Sectorial de Salud Intercultural, aprobada en 2013 por el Ministerio de Salud, el Instituto Nacional de Salud y el Centro Nacional de Salud Intercultural en Perú.
Los resultados se recopilaron durante un período de trabajo de campo de dos semanas en el distrito de Acomayo, trabajando en colaboración con el personal de Kallpa y Plan International, observando sus proyectos, y hablando con los beneficiarios de los proyectos. Los resultados revelaron que mientras Kallpa sí mantiene un enfoque intercultural en su proyecto y por lo tanto logra la pertinencia cultural, Plan International no hace lo mismo y por lo tanto no logra la pertinencia cultural. Los resultados también revelaron que la Política Sectorial de Salud Intercultural es en realidad una política simbólica más que una que legisla eficazmente.
This investigation identifies and analyzes the cultural pertinence of the aid efforts of both a local NGO (Kallpa) and an International NGO (Plan International), looking specifically at each NGO\u27s project pertaining to increasing the access to and use of family planning resources in the District of Acomayo in the Cusco region as a lens through which to evaluate how each NGO operates (or fails to operate) with cultural pertinence. Further, this investigation both explores the way in which each NGO’s strategizes to maintain an intercultural approach, and also analyzes the perceptions of the project beneficiaries as testaments for how this method of approach resonates with the people they seek to help. Through a qualitative study using personal observations as well as in-depth interviews with personnel of each NGO, an obstetrician in the local health center, directors of high schools where these projects are implemented, and female beneficiaries of the projects, I was able to make conclusions about each NGO as it relates to their ability or failure to achieve cultural pertinence in their project pertaining to increasing the access to and use of family planning resources in the District of Acomayo. Moreover, I was able to make conclusions about legislation in Peru as it pertains to the Política Sectorial de Salud Intercultural (Sectoral Policy of Intercultural Health), passed in 2013 by the Ministry of Health, the National Institute of Health, and the National Center for Intercultural Health in Peru.
Results were collected during a two-week field work period in the district of Acomayo, working closely with personnel from both Kallpa and Plan International, observing their projects, and speaking with project beneficiaries. Results revealed that while Kallpa successfully and exceptionally maintains an intercultural approach in their project and therefore achieves cultural pertinence, Plan International fails to do the same and therefore does not achieve cultural pertinence. Results also revealed that the Política Sectorial de Salud Intercultural is in reality a symbolic policy rather than one that legislates effectively
Foraging Behavior in Atta Leaf-Cutter Ants: A comparison of disturbed versus undisturbed nests
Get PDFThe genus of ant, Atta, is one of the most prolific and ecologically impactful genera in the subfamily of Leaf-Cutter ants. They prefer to build nests and forage in disturbed areas or on the borders between secondary forest and disturbed areas, as much of their preferred harvest is cultivars. Two nests of Atta were studied at the La Hesperia Nature Reserve, one an undisturbed nest aged about four years and one a recently disturbed nest aged about seven years. General foraging behaviors were observed and compared for both nests, including peak foraging hours, headwidth of foraging ants, trail length, plants foraged, and percentages of foraged plants. General foraging behaviors differed only in the difference in location and the population of the nests. Peak foraging hours differed greatly between the two nests. The disturbed nest foraged nocturnally while the undisturbed nest foraged diurnally. According to locals, the nest switched from diurnal to nocturnal foraging after the disturbment, indicating that the disturbment may be the cause of the switch. Head width was found to be greater at the disturbed nest, which may support previous studies that when a large amount of the foraging force is removed from the population other castes with slightly larger head widths can switch tasks to foraging.
El género de hormigas, Atta , es uno de los géneros más prolíficos y ecológicamente importantes de la subfamilia de hormigas que cortan hojas. Prefieren construir nidos y forrajean en áreas perturbadas o en las fronteras entre bosques secundarios y áreas perturbadas, ya que gran parte de su cosecha preferida son cultivares. Dos nidos de Atta fueron estudiados en la Reserva Natural de La Hesperia, un nido sin perturbaciones de unos cuatro años y otro un nido recientemente perturbado con una edad de unos siete años. Se observaron comportamientos generales de forrajeo en ambos nidos, incluyendo horas pico de forrajeo, ancho de cabeza de hormigas forrajeras, longitud del sendero, plantas forrajeras y porcentajes de plantas forrajeras. Los comportamientos generales de forrajeo diferían sólo en la diferencia de ubicación y la población de los nidos. Las horas pico de forrajeo diferían mucho entre los dos nidos. El nido perturbado se alimentaba nocturnamente, mientras que el nido no perturbado se alimentaba diurnamente. Según los lugareños, el nido cambió de forrajeo diurno a nocturno después de la perturbación, lo que indica que la perturbación puede ser la causa del cambio. Se encontró que el ancho de la cabeza era mayor en el nido perturbado, lo que puede apoyar estudios previos de que cuando una gran cantidad de la fuerza de forrajeo se elimina de la población, otras castas con anchos de cabeza ligeramente más grandes pueden cambiar las tareas a forrajeo
Music as a Cultural Gateway: A Short-Term Folk Music Program in Albania
Get PDFFolk songs have been described as a musical representation of a society’s entire culture. The field of ethnomusicology combines aspects of music and anthropology, and the study of folk music can give considerable insight into worldviews, histories, and traditions. Yet there are few study abroad program providers using this discipline as an approach to cultural analysis and exploration.
The proposed Middlebury Music Studies in Albania program would introduce diverse folk music traditions in three distinct cities, giving students the chance to learn the basics of the Albanian language, understand the historical, geographical, and social influences on the music in the past, and analyze the significance of folk music as it relates to current issues of Albanian identity. A series of individual interviews was conducted, and the resulting data informed the program design and supported the rationale and needs assessment.
This program would be proposed as a one-time Summer Study course at Middlebury, and would tie in well with the institutional goal of developing Middlebury’s global network. The combination of coursework, co-curricular activities, and guided reflection would provide an appropriate and effective introduction to Albanian folk music, complete with the cultural learning and engagement that is at the heart of Middlebury’s international programs
TOWARDS PREVENTING VIOLENT EXTREMISM: Challenging Extremist Recruitment Narratives Through Youth-To-Youth Oral Storytelling In Iraq
Get PDFIt is necessary to draw on different strategies rather than military methods in order to challenge and delegitimize ISIS extremist narratives in Iraq. This study proposes the hypothesis that oral storytelling from former Iraqi ISIS child soldiers plays a key role in changing youths’ perspectives and contributes to preventing their peers from joining ISIS. The research was executed through a quasi-experimental design and comparison of data through a pre and post test during a one-week timeframe. The study examines oral storytelling from former Iraqi ISIS child soldiers as a counter-strategy to expose ISIS recruitment propaganda and false narratives. I used a qualitative research method and participatory action research approach with four Iraqi participants (n=4) aged 16-18 years. Data was collected through virtual interviews. The findings of this study indicate the transformative power of oral storytelling on participants’ perspectives and attitudes and the impact of spoken words on combating ISIS false narratives. It enabled the participants to humanize and sympathize with former child soldiers. Furthermore, the data provided by the participants identified the reasons behind their lack of exposure to former Iraqi ISIS child soldiers’ stories as socioeconomic status and sociocultural characteristics. Accordingly, the data offered ways that oral storytelling, as a post-conflict initiative, can serve as a powerful prevention tool in amplifying former Iraqi ISIS child soldier stories and spreading mass-awareness through broadcasting these stories on TV, radio, and inviting them to speak in their local communities.
Keywords: ISIS, Extremists, Child Soldiers, Recruitment, Oral Storytelling, Narrative, Youth, Ira