Where Buddhism and Biodiversity Meet
Sept. 4 - Sept. 21, 2024
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024.
What is biodiversity and why is it important? Why should biodiversity be conserved? How does our understanding of biodiversity change as we consider different scales, from ecosystems to species to DNA? How do different world cultures and thought systems conceptualize biodiversity? More specifically, how do the Buddhist traditions of Nepal, emphasizing compassion and interdependence, think about human-nature relationships? How does this differ from Western frameworks of human-nature relationships? How might Buddhist contemplative practices change the way that you think about biodiversity?
Students will investigate these questions while immersed in Nepal’s diverse ecosystems and cultures during the 17-day program. From snowy Himalayan peaks to lowland jungled canopies, Nepal exhibits unparalleled biodiversity gradients and species richness. As a world leader in biodiversity conservation efforts, Nepal has developed innovative management strategies that integrate social, cultural, and environmental approaches to balancing the needs of wildlife and humans. Beyond its magnificent biodiversity, this country hosts tremendous cultural diversity and is a crossroads for many spiritual traditions. Nepal is the birthplace of the Buddha, and supports numerous Buddhist traditions practiced by different indigenous ethnic groups and Tibetan refugee communities. Students will investigate biodiversity and Buddhist cultures on journeys to the lowland jungle of Chitwan National Forest, and then through the high-alpine Himalayas of the Annapurna Conservation Area. Modes of transportation will include treks on foot, jeep tours, canoe rides, and even research conducted on the back of elephants. We will visit centuries-old sites of deep spiritual and cultural significance. Throughout the course, students will learn about and integrate knowledge across Western scientific frameworks of biodiversity and Buddhist philosophical perceptions of nature. Students will engage with and learn from conservation scientists, indigenous community members, academic scholars, and Buddhist monastics and thinkers in Nepal.
This Nepal study abroad program is intentionally designed to welcome and support students from many different backgrounds. The program leaders have extensive diversity, equity, and inclusion professional training, and experiences supporting students from diverse backgrounds. The leaders are committed to providing an experience that is accessible to diverse learning styles and abilities, and to students representing different identities. Come join us in Nepal!