(Preparation meeting: 7 June 2010)
Wageningen University, The Netherlands
University of Bonn, Germany
El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Mexico
SCOPE
Human induced soil degradation in the tropics is a very actual and increasing
problem in tropical countries. Increasing poverty and increasing population
growth and unsustainable management of natural resources lead to high
deforestation rates as well as contamination of the environment. Soil
degradation is one of the main consequences. The phenomena of soil degradation
has to be considered in an socio-ecological context such as with respect of
economic, cultural and social conditions.
In the course we use an interdisciplinary approach to learn about the different
syndromes of soil degradation in the tropics and their consequences for people
and the environment. Furthermore, we look for solutions and sustainable
management strategies.
GOALS
The course is interactive, that means that students present a special soil
degradation syn-drome that occurs in their home country, its effects on people
and environment and work out possible solutions. Therefore, we get an overview
of the soil degradation phenomena in different tropical countries and compare
these with the syndromes present in tropical Mexico. Discussions with
stakeholders in affected areas in Mexico will lead to interdisciplinary visions
of the situation and how possible solutions could be implemented in real live.
The main goals are:
- Theory of the different syndromes of soil degradation in the tropics and their
effect on peo-ple and the environment
- Applying an intercultural and interdisciplinary approach to compare the
syndromes in the different countries of the world, their consequences and
possible prevention and remediation strategies
- Practical experience with soil degradation and its consequences and designing
solutions in tropical Mexico
- Learning to distinguish between theoretical and realistic solutions.
|
PROGRAM |
|
| 7 June 2010
10:00 – 12:00 |
Preparation in Wageningen, Bonn and Tabasco |
| 7 June to 15 July |
Students prepare an oral presentation (1 hour) and a report (max. 20 pages)
about chemical, physical or biological soil degradation in their home country or
in other places in the tropics. The topics are related to the syndromes
presented in “World in Transition – threats of soils” (1994) and in the EU Soil
Thematic Strategy |
| 15 July |
Students send their powerpoint presentation and the report to the responsible professor. |
|
1 – 14 August 2010 |
EXCURSION TO MEXICO (preliminary program) |
| 1 Augustus |
Flight from Amsterdam to Campeche, Mexico |
| 2 Augustus | Presentation of the group, introduction in the subject: Human induced soil degradation. Students presentations and discussion: land degradation: Sao Paolo Syndrom, Aral Sea Syndromç and related subjects |
| 3 Augustus | Students’ presentations and discussion: physical soil degradation: Dust-Bowl Syndrom, Sarawak Syndrom, Sahel Syndrom and other related. |
| 4 Augustus | Students presentations: chemical soil degradation: Bitterfeld Syndrom, Acid Rain Syndrom and others |
| 5 Augustus | Excursion to Calacmul: land use forms on calcic Leptosols |
| 6 Augustus | Calacmul – Villahermosa |
| 7 Augustus | Excursion to the banana plantation area and natural forest in Teapa, Tabasco to discuss the effects of agro industry on soil degradation and the environment |
| 8 Augustus | free day |
| 9 Augustus | Excursion to petrol contaminated and restored soils and soil affected by acid rain |
| 10 Augustus | Excursion to Karstification and soil restoration areas in Macuspana, Tabasco |
| 11 Augustus | Excursion to San Christobal and the highland of Chiapas: Land use change and its effect on soil erosion, visit of El Colegio de la Frontera Sur in San Christabal |
| 12 Augustus | San-Christobal - Palenque |
| 13 Augustus | Palenque – Pyramids - Conclusions and recommendations: students present their recommendations for the region |
| 14 Augustus | Flight from Villahermosa - Amsterdam |
|
GENERAL INFORMATION |
|
| Target group: |
The course is meant for MSc and PhD students and Postdocs |
| Group size: |
25 participants |
| Course duration |
14 days |
|
Language |
English/Spanish |
| Lecturers |
PD Dr. Violette Geissen, Prof. Dr. Coen Ritsema, PD Dr. Johannes Botschek,Dr. Jorge Mendoza |
| Number of credits |
3 ECTS (1.5 ECTS self-study, 1.5 ECTS courses) |
| Location |
Southeast Mexico |
|
COURSE FEE |
|
| PE&RC PhD's with TSP |
€ 300.00 |
| Other PhD and staff WU |
€ 400.00 |
| Non WU, Non PhD's |
€ 1,000.00 |
Please register by sending an email to pe-office@wur.nl, providing the following information:
your name:
your email-address:
name of the course you want to participate in
status: PhD student // post-doc // else:
name of your graduate school:
if you are a member of PE&RC, whether you have an approved education plan (TSP): yes // no
name and address of research group (if applicable internal bode number):
name of department/Science Group
the address to which we can send the invoice for the course fee
Do you have any dietary requirements?
Full registration only occurs once you have provided us with the requested information as stated above. Afterwards you will receive an official registration confirmation by one of the course organizers.
Dr. C. Van de Vijver
Tel: + 31 (0)317-485116
Email:
Claudius.vandeVijver@wur.nl