Dominica Abroad Explores Conservation and Economic Development
During January, 17 students travelled with biology professors Dr. Scott Eckert (C’79) and Dr. Chrissy McAllister (C’93) to the Eastern Caribbean island of Dominica to investigate the intersection of ecology, conservation, and economic development. During the three-week mini-abroad, the group explored these topics with geologists, historians, conservation leaders, and government officials.
Now marketing itself as “The Nature Island,” Dominica is shifting from a primarily resource-extraction and agriculture-based economy to focus on conservation and ecotourism. As the group discovered, the setting is perfect for the latter. Students hiked through two national parks and to the world’s second largest boiling lake (through knee-deep mud at times), researched endemic lizards, studied flora and fauna, visited a parrot reserve, and went on a snorkeling and whale watching expedition in Dominica’s only marine reserve. They also teamed up for a massive beach cleanup and helped paint an ecotourism center in preparation for the upcoming sea turtle nesting season.
By all accounts, the hike to the Valley of Desolation and Boiling Lake was particularly remarkable, partly because of the level of difficulty and also due to the dramatic landscape. “Located in the caldera of a volcano, the grey surface boils due to subterranean heat and truly looks prehistoric,” senior Adam Eckert wrote in the trip blog. “From our viewpoint, the lake surface lay about 50 feet below us and was masked by steam when the wind died down. The heat source was in the center of the lake, evident by the continuous bubbling of the waters. This [was our] amazing view where we stopped to eat lunch.”
Throughout their trip, students gained a perspective on conservation issues that can only be gleaned through travel. “I gained a more tangible sense of how valuable nature is for people, not only for economic reasons, such as ecotourism, but also for personal, individual reasons,” says senior Vanessa Waller. “I have many memories of contemplating the beauty of the natural surroundings and can always go back to them and feel inspired.”
Dr. Eckert, who also serves as science director of Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network (WIDECAST), has worked throughout the Caribbean for more than 25 years and has been taking college students to Trinidad for nearly a decade, but this was the first Principia mini-abroad to Dominica. “Observing and participating in conservation in a place like Dominica inspires our students to move beyond the theory of the classroom,” he explains. “They return home wiser and with a depth of understanding that cannot be equaled in any other way.”
See photos and read student accounts of the abroad on the trip blog.