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Abstract Detail


Teaching Section

Shiels, Laura [1], Merlin, Mark [1].

The Neotropical Ethnobotany Field School on Ometepe Island, Nicaragua.

The 3 ½-week Neotropical Ethnobotany field school will be taught this summer through the Maderas Rainforest Conservancy on Ometepe Island, Nicaragua from July 22-August 16, 2011. The course instructors are Dr. Mark Merlin and Laura Shiels, Msc Botany and Herbalist. The course will focus on ethnoecology -- how people interact with ecosystems, and medical ethnobotany -- how people interact with medicinal plants. Students will learn from a combination of classroom-style lectures and hands-on activities. Students may also have the opportunity to conduct original ethnobotanical research. We will engage in several outdoor excursions and hikes in the attractive and diverse environments of Ometepe as part of the class. Major topics include the following:
•Overview of the science of ethnobotany•Natural history, volcanism, botany, and ecology of Ometepe, a world heritage site•Comparison of natural history and ecology of the “old” and “new” world tropics•Land management, the environment, and health•Ethnobotanical research ethics, methods/techniques, and project design •Different perspectives from which to explore the relationship between people and plants•Botanical history of medicine•How plant medicines work in the body•Herbal medicine making and medicinal specimen collecting workshops•The food-medicine-poison continuum and food/herb-drug interactions•Conduct original ethnobotanical research in a unique cultural and ecological environment
Course Objectives:
-Gain a deeper knowledge and appreciation for the relationship between people and plants, and diverse cultures and ecosystems.-Learn how plants have contributed to society as we know it and how our relationship with plants shapes the future to come.-Learn how and why people have utilized plants as medicine, for material culture, for spiritual enlightenment.-Learn how people shape environments and the associated consequences for health and the environment.-Learn to conduct ethnobotanical research/improve research skills.-Contribute beneficially to the community and environment of Ometepe.-Develop meaningful friendships with people with similar interests.-Optional: Publish original research results.

Broader Impacts:


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Course Website


1 - University Of Hawaii At Manoa, Botany, 3190 Maile Way, St. John 101, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96822, USA

Keywords:
ethnobotany
field school
ethnoecology
medical ethnobotany
ethics
Education
research skills.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Khorassan Ballroom/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Monday, July 11th, 2011
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PTE002
Abstract ID:143


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