This course draws on a detailed case study of the Himalayan region via a week -long trek with Nepali Sherpas. It introduces an applied framework of ecological design, one that minimizes environmentally destructive impacts and integrates living processes. Basic principles of ecological design are used to explore case studies in such areas as agriculture and land use, local economies, ecotourism, architecture and housing, energy technologies, manufacturing systems, and education.
Instructor(s):
Dean of Future Generations Graduate School
Dr. Mike Rechlin has practiced sustainable forestry and protected areas management in the United States, Nepal, India, and Tibet for thirty years. He has extensive teaching experience and has designed educational programs for many international groups visiting the Adirondack Park of New York State. He has served as an adjunct faculty member of the Graduate School since 2003, and he led the Graduate School’s first self-study as part of the accreditation process in 2007.
Resource Management and Policy
State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Professor, Equity and Empowerment, Conservation
Robert Fleming is an eminent natural historian with extensive global experience. Following his work with the Smithsonian’s Office of Ecology, he worked with his father Robert Fleming, Sr. to publish the Field guide, Birds of Nepal, and two subsequent editions. For the last thirty years, Dr. Fleming has been exploring the 2200-mile-long Himalayan Mountain System, as well as most of the biologically distinct regions of Asia. Bob has also studied the biodiversity of ten eastern and southern African countries and thirteen Pacific and Indian Ocean island groups. He has led numerous trips to all these places.
Zoology, Major: Ornithology, out-of-department minor: Botany
Michigan State University
