Eco-Education in Puerto Lopez from the Foundation for the Center for Research of Whales

Gandhi once said…..”Be the change you want to see in the world“….That applies perfectly to educators; for we are the ones who institute change, we allow our students to understand how to learn…..we are the music makers of thought.

The Foundation is proud to offer educators an opportunity to experience the eco-system of Ecuador in the city of Puerto Lopez in the province of Manabi. You will immerse yourself in the culture and land of coastal Ecuador throughout a 17 day excursion. There are two eco-excursions offered during the summer with both allowing you to experience Ecuador at its Purest.

Excursion A is offered June 23th through July 9th 2010
Excursion B is offered July 20th through August 5th, 2010.

Your arrival / leaving date from Quito will be on either side of the dates listed giving you a full 17 days in Puerto Lopez. Within the eco-education excursions you will experience the following:

Ecuadorian Eco-system/Environment:

Educators will experience the eco-systems of coastal Ecuador with a broad analysis of the fauna, birds and marine life found in dry-rain forests, clouds forest, and the Isla de la Plata (The poor man’s Galapagos Islands). Environmentalist Dierdre Platt and guis (guides) from Parque de Nacional Machalilla will help you understand how to identify different species of birds and fauna. Nature photography with Dr. Jim Lehmann will be introduced to you to better understand how to identify species in the wild utilizing digital photography.

Scientific Research:

Humpback whale migration and breeding occur off Ecuadorian coastal waters during these months and you will conduct research utilizing a photo-id process to determine Ecuadorian whale population. You will work with internationally known biologist Dra. Cristina Castro (Ecuadorian director for the Pacific Whale Foundation). In addition to whale identification, you will collect data on whale behavior, weather and ocean conditions, and use GPS to locate points of transects. When not in the field you will classify and analyze data comparing it to previous data in Ecuador along with data collected from other pods found in the Pacific region.

Language---Immersion in Ecuadorian Culture/Language:

Spanish lessons will be provided to enhance your ability to communicate or to improve upon existing language skills. Foundation staff will introduce you to schools surrounding the area of Puerto Lopez. Additionally, special educational programs exist (Taught by degree candidates from Universities in Quito and who work on our staff) which allow you to work with a select group of local students who gain a more in-depth knowledge of their eco-system by working with fisherman, analyzing species caught, performing autopsies on beached animals etc…as opportunities arise.

~~Accommodations~~

Living accommodations are located in our research center as we work towards completion of our three story structure. Food will be provided within our center as well as prepared meals, but many previous visitors to our Foundation Center have found they enjoy dining in the local cuisine found in Puerto Lopez. Upon arriving in Quito, Ecuador, you will fly into the coastal city of Manta. Foundation staff will greet you and drive you the remaining 120 km to the coastal town of Puerto Lopez. Local culture and customs will be experienced along this short drive.

~~Contribution Fee~~

The Foundation for Research of Whales is a 501(c) (3) corporation with all contribution fees tax deductible. The contribution fee is $1750 with airfare not included. No salaries are paid to any officers or board members….all fees stay in Ecuador to support the local economy and environment.

~~Contact Information~~

Life is an adventure……are you ready to experience a new eco-system, immerse yourself in a different culture, and learn how to bring the environment alive in your own classroom?.... If so, contact Dr. Jim Lehmann at edecuador@yahoo.com