About the Course
In the spring semeter, Miami Law offers the course, "Conservation, Tourism, and Development." The course meets weekly throughout the semester in Miami to discuss background readings and develop research field projects that participants then carry out during a Spring Break trip to various travel sites. Upon return to the University of Miami, the class prepares manuscripts and presentations based on the field data that course participants have collected during the trip. (Reminder: All Travel courses are subject to change, and may not be offered each spring semester. Please contact the instructor with questions.)
Sampling of Past Research Sites
Chiloé Island, Chile
This is the second largest island in Chile and is located in southern Chile in the Los Lagos Region. The course explored its physical geography, culture, legal framework and institutions, and tourism--development-- aquaculture conflicts. In addition, the course examined different methodologies for diagnosing the site's socioeconomic, governance, and environmental characteristics. Read story about this course in 2023.
Valle de Cauca, Colombia
This class was organized in collaboration with the Law Program at the Pontíficia Universidad Javeriana (PUJ) in Cali. Seminars, discussions, and field trips examined the strategic development of Colombian ports (particularly the Colombia's principal Pacific port of Buenaventura); port structure, management, and institutionality; and environmental and social issues related to port development and expansion. The course also used the Uramba Bahía Málaga National Natural Park (Parque Nacional Natural Uramba Bahía Málaga) as a case study to examine park management and conflict resolution. Read story about this course in 2019.
Bocas del Toro, Panama
For this location the coursed focused on environmental planning in a relatively pristine coastal region of Panama that is experiencing rapid tourism development. Additionally, the class spent three days in Panama City visiting numerous controversial coastal development sites. During the week visit to Bocas del Toro the class had discussions and presentations by local experts in topics relevant to the course (marine resources in Bocas del Toro, organization and problems of the artisanal fishing communities, development of the municipal land use plan, activities of Environmental Groups in Bocas del Toro, management of the Bastimentos Island National Marine Park, sea turtle conservation in Bocas del Toro, among others). Read story about this course in 2013.
Panama Canal, Panama
For this location, students visited the Panama Canal locks learned about watershed management. They also learned about the challenge to provide enough drinking water for Panamanians from Lake Alajuela, which feeds water into the Panama Canal, while also keeping up with the ship traffic through this major trade route. The class also spoke with environmental groups about the deforestation of its mangroves as part of the explosive growth of Panama City. Read story about this course in 2024.
For More Information
Questions about the course should be directed to Professor Daniel Suman.
