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Summer 2010 Project Info (to be updated with Brigade Report):
Nusatupu has a population of about 400 people and is one of 49 inhabited islands off the coast of Kuna Yala, which is an autonomous territory on the Atlantic side of Panama. Having previously worked with the indigenous Kuna in December 2009 on matters pertaining to renewable energy, we are looking to expand our focus as part of a greater project on environmental sustainability. Two of the community’s recent and emerging concerns about their natural environment are waste management and the increased frequency of flooding during the wet season. The introduction of foreign waste from boat merchants such as plastic wrappers, cans, glass bottles, and other man-made materials has led to an accumulation of harmful substances in their surroundings, which not only impacts the well-being of marine organisms but also the health of the Kunas. The annual flooding aligns with recent findings of climate scientists in regards to rising sea levels due to climate change. This has raised the issue of relocation of the community to the mainland.
We are committed to answering the call for help to the community of Nusatupu and the neighboring island communities. They seek assistance in forming methods to address waste management, a relocation plan, and greater knowledge in how to deal with the rising sea levels and climate change. We will address both the short and long term implications to compile a unified and cohesive yet feasible list of goals. In addition, we will provide environmental education to address immediate concerns while acting upon the long term issue of climate change and rise in sea level. In a large community meeting with all leaders and members of Nusatupu, we will provide an informative presentation on climate change and find the most efficient and culturally sensitive method of relocation to the mainland. From here forward, we want to accompany the community of Nusatupu as well as its neighboring Kunas in their gradual relocation in a sustainable manner.
Within our school, we will involve both returning and new members of Global Environmental Brigades. Undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in environmental and social sustainability or in related areas of studies will be contacted through department emails as well as electronic mailing lists of sustainability-minded groups. Professors and faculties in these respective majors can be our advisors, especially if they have had past experiences in international development work.
WHEN: June 20-27th, 2010
WHERE: Kuna Yala, Panama
WHAT: Spend a week in beautiful Panama doing memorable environmental volunteer work and experiencing a whole new indigenous culture!
WHO: Anyone who is environment-loving, likes to travel, and genuinely wishes to make a significant impact in the world through helping others. People who only wish to have a vacation or spice up their resume need not apply. Students at the graduate level, alumni, and working professionals are welcome. Spanish-speaking ability not required but highly helpful. An informal, conservation-style meeting will be conducted for applicants.
PROJECT: For the December '09 brigade our group voted to take on the Sustainable Energy project with the indigenous Kuna people. We will continue developing our understanding of the Kuna people and their needs for a long-term waste management system, environmental education, and the vital discussion on climate change, specifically on rising sea levels.
June '10 brigade goals:
1) Devise viable solutions for and discuss with the indigenous Kuna people to manage their inorganic wastes
2) Further explore the issue of climate change/rising sea levels and seek possible methods of a large-scale migration to the mainland
3) Open the conversation to neighboring Kuna islands as well
GROUP SIZE: Up to 15. Applications will be accepted until 45 days before departure.
COST: Approx $1500. Breakdown - Airfare & Traveler's Insurance: ~$650, Program: $850 (in-country lodging, all meals, local transportation)
A $150 non-refundable deposit will be required at the time of application to secure your spot and goes directly towards your airfare/program cost
CONTACT: Please email us at ucsdgeb@globalbrigades.org for an application
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Winter 2009 Project Report:
We are proud to present to you our formal report of the very first environmental brigade at UCSD as well as at Global Brigades (GB). In working with GB, you can have the unique opportunity to not only travel to a foreign country to take on projects that have a direct impact on the quality of life of local communities, but also gain valuable hands-on experience not found in the classroom.
Our team of student volunteers, aka "brigaders", consisted of 16 UCSD undergraduates and alumnus. The primary objective of our week-long project was to install a photovoltaic system and implement environmental education at a densely populated island in Kuna Yala of Panama, home to the indigenous Kuna people. The project was developed by GB's Environmental Brigades Coordinator, who has established a fruitful relationship with the Kuna Cultural Congress as well as various Panamanian environmental organizations that have contributed to the success of this brigade.
Open publication - Free publishing
