The Andomojo Watershed as an ecology and entrepreneurship classroom The University of Vermont, in conjunction with other universities including Fordham, University of California, Brown University, and Connecticut College in the U.S. and EARTH University and the National University of Costa Rica in Costa Rica, brings teachers and students together with local residents to merge modern methods and traditional wisdom and create initiatives for improving the Andamojo watershed while generating economic opportunity. Since 2004, the University of Vermont has used the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica as a classroom. Thirty students and their teachers -- restoration ecologists, watershed managers, ecological economists and entrepreneurs --journey to the Rio Andomojo region each year to study a holistic approach to restoring the region's 25,000-acre watershed.   "Participating in the 2005 course in Costa Rica was truly inspiring. We worked to find solutions to environmental problems and in the process investigated new ways in which to stimulate the local economy. Exposure to such positive, alternative development strategies motivated me to minor in Community and Applied Economic Development and pursue it as a career." -- Lauren Hibbard, UVM graduate class of 2006     Upcoming 2007 Course In 2007, the course will be presented in two sections – “Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Natural Capitalism” and “Ecological Restoration and Sustainable Develoment” - in order to offer more intensive study for business and environmental students in a multi-disciplinary learning environment. This is a great opportunity for environmental students to learn about business or business/economics students to learn about the environment. For more information: Contact Us   Recent Courses 2006: "Watershed-Based Ecological and Economic Restoration." Students brought their expertise and energy together to determine strategies for reinstating the year-round flow, clean waters and improved aquifer of the Andomojo River while incorporating the economic needs of local farmers and families. Students assisted locals with initial development of the Plan Regulador process, created strategies for conservation development on large and smaller farms, outlined alternatives to mono-cropping teak in the region, and created a local organic gardening workshop series for local women. 2005: "Ecological Restoration and Entrepreneurship." The course turned its attention to the entire watershed to understand what has happened over the past half century and to the development of a watershed-wide restoration land use plan. Specific community development and economic strategies were initiated such as the Paraiso Community Farm and new collaborations formed with a sea turtle conservation program and local environmental beach and estuary advocacy committees 2004: "Ecological Design and Sustainable Development." Students established the conservation principals that guide the Tierra Pacifica ecological residential community -- a pivotal 220-acre project that is setting a model of how development can coexist with the natural environment. © 2006 Greening Paraiso, Inc. All rights reserved.