Kenya: Challenges in Conservation: National Parks at Risk

Instructor: Dr. Abdelwahab Sinnary

Dates: May 17-June 3

Costs: $5,225 + airfare*

Listing: ANTH 248/BIO 248/AFS 248

Units: 1.5 SLU Units/5.4 Credits

Course Description: Human development has been encroaching on wildlife habitats, severing corridors and cutting off migratory routes. Several parks, including Nakuru, had to be completely fenced off, as a result. Within a few years, Nairobi national park, currently partially fenced, may be added to the list of Kenya’s fenced parks. Current efforts to save the migratory roots of the elephants of Amboseli national park may be too little too late. Fenced parks, considered by some as large zoos, may be the norm, rather than the exception, in the rapidly developing Kenya. Yet, conservationists are sharply divided between supporters of fencing and those who argue in favor of maintaining open parks, to be maintained by saving the existing migratory roots and corridors. This field based course introduces students to critical issues and debates on how Kenya’s parks should be managed in the future. Local practitioners, scientists and experts will introduce the main issues and offer their perspectives on possible solutions. Our analytical, interactive and, solution-oriented approach to learning, does not only result in better understanding of the issues, but also places students in a unique position to understand the wider management problems and issues of biodiversity conservation in the East African region.

  *This is an estimated cost for the program, and is subject to change.

*Students may take one course in Kenya Summer Session 1 followed by another in Session 2. Students chosing this option will receive an $1,000 discount off the total program fees.