Integrative Conservation

Session II

Sharanya Dutt, Skylar Hartgerink, Emma Hugo, "Exploring Lessons from Livelihood Initiatives Led by Kenyan Conservation NGOs"

This project investigates how Kenyan conservation NGOs use community-led livelihood initiatives to achieve both conservation and economic outcomes. Focusing on two organizations- SORALO and the Amboseli Ecosystem Trust- this research explores how initiatives such as beekeeping, beadwork, kitchen gardens, and grass seed banks are designed and implemented in partnership with women from pastoralist communities. Through fieldwork, including interviews, participant observation, and site visits, the study documents the experiences of local participants and identifies factors that influence success, such as climate, market access, and infrastructure. A key goal is to create a decision-support tool to help conservation organizations design sustainable and impactful livelihood programs. Preliminary findings suggest that when communities are deeply involved in these initiatives, they are more effective and culturally appropriate, while also supporting conservation. This work highlights the importance of integrating local knowledge and priorities into conservation strategies and offers insights into scaling similar models in other regions.

Student Major(s)/Minor: Sharanya: Undecided; Skylar: History/Environmental Policy Majors, Global Business Minor; Emma: Biology Major, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Minor

Advisors: Graham Henshaw (Business); Dr. Troy Wiipongwii (Entrepreneurship and Conservation)

Lydia Crouch, "Improving Lesson Plans for Ages 9 to 12 to Create a Reflection of Students’ Interconnectedness With Nature and Communities"

Within Western society, we are often taught to view the environment as a resource to be used. Many Indigenous and local communities view their connection to the environment in a very different way, but these unique viewpoints are missing from the current Western scientific curriculum and create a significant gap in education worldwide.  At the request of the Marubo Tribe from the Vale do Javari Territory of Brazil, the Javari Education Project was developed for students ages 9-12 to create a bridge between the Marubo Tribe and students throughout the world so they may begin to understand and create connections with different people and cultures and the environment we all share. To achieve this, from 2021-2023, Tara Vasanth ’24 developed an eight-lesson curriculum, which was a crucial part of this process but was just the first step. After piloting the lessons and receiving teacher and student evaluations, the lessons will be improved for further global use of the curriculum. 

Student Major(s): Integrative Conservation and Environmental Science

Advisor: Erica Garroutte

Helen Tiffin, "Prevalence and Spatial Distribution of Water-Borne Zoonotic Diseases in Buhoma Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Linkages Between Livestock, Gorilla and Human Health"

This study investigates how shared water resources contribute to the spread of diseases between humans, livestock, and mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. Mountain gorillas live in close proximity to people and livestock, often sharing streams, rivers, and other water sources. This overlap creates a high risk for transmitting the waterborne Cryptosporidium which can harm both human health and gorilla conservation efforts. Ecotourism, limited sanitation infrastructure, and livestock grazing along the park boundary further increase the chance of disease spread. This project maps water sources, tracks how humans, livestock, and gorillas use them, and tests for waterborne pathogens in water samples, livestock, and gorilla groups. It also analyzes health facility data and community knowledge about waterborne diseases. Findings will guide strategies to reduce transmission, improve public health, and protect endangered gorillas, supporting long-term coexistence between people and wildlife. 

Student Major(s): Geology, Integrative Conservation

Advisor: Eric Garroutte