BIOL 345 - Human Ecology
Course Album- the documents
Individual Research Papers - We are not alone: humans are part of a complex system. ................ 2
This Summer or Fall Make a Difference: Live and Work on Another Culture .................... 4
Volunteer Service Programs ....................................................................................................... 4
Paid Internship Opportunities Abroad Related to Human Ecology & Sustainability................. 5
Group Project Research Papers Summaries .................................................................................... 7
UBC Farm Project....................................................................................................................... 7
U-Hill Project .............................................................................................................................. 7
Sprouts Project ............................................................................................................................ 8
Scouts Project.............................................................................................................................. 9
Human Ecology: Test Your Knowledge ....................................................................................... 10
What significant human ecology event took place in each of these cities? Any idea when? ... 10
What do these acronyms stand for? What do you know about the significance of each in
Human Ecology? ....................................................................................................................... 11
Where in the world do each of these initiatives or projects take place? What else do you know
about each?................................................................................................................................ 11
What is the human ecology significance of each of these? Who oversees / administers each
one? ........................................................................................................................................... 12
Did You Know This Existed in Our Community?........................................................................ 14
Individual Research Papers - We are not alone: humans are part of a
complex system.
Humans are part of a complex system which includes the interactions with other
organisms. Humans interact with the environment and are affected by the actions of other
organisms in a wide variety of ways. If we do not take care of our environment, it is possible for
our interactions with biodiversity to have adverse effects on humans. For example, seagulls are a
type of bird which may have seemingly very little effect on humans. However, their fecal matter
can be found in water supply causing salmonella. This would cause adverse effects on our
health, if we drank that water. When water is unsafe or unclean, it can lead to all kinds of
sicknesses. In fact, approximately 5,000,000 people have died as a result of water-related
diseases. Also, with respect to water, there is the world water forum which has debates over
whether water is a public or private resource. People have debated whether water is a resource
which should be controlled by states or companies, as with the production of oil or diamonds.
This would cause habitat systems to run with profits in mind. As water is essential for survival,
it is paramount that water be made available to everyone at minimal cost.
As the developing world struggles for survival, genetically modified foods can now
provide a new way to maximize the benefits to crops in resisting viruses that could otherwise
decimate an entire harvest. However, genetically modified foods are not without their risks.
Genetically modified foods remain extremely controversial in terms of health and safety. Food
is not the only modified organism. The technology now exists to modify animals as well. There
are also other allergy related genes which could be modified.
Genes also play another important role – the role of increasing or decreasing biodiversity.
Genetic drift is a type of evolutionary process whereby genetic variation is reduced. If genetic
variation is reduced it may eventually lead to a decrease in biodiversity, which may have an
impact on human lives, as a result of the interconnectivity of all living things. Another important
biological process is bioaccumulation, whereby chemicals can affect living things by
accumulating inside them. This has an important effect on humans as there are many potential
adverse effects of chemical exposure which in turn affect how we consider the regulation of
chemicals.
Humans are also affected by the amount of wildlife in a city. There are many species
such as birds, which actually thrive in cities more so than in a natural habitat. This also changes
the way in which humans react to different organisms. As different plant or animal species are
found in cities, they come closer to human contact, leading humans to take particular actions to
protect themselves or to accommodate the new species. For example, as birds become more
prevalent in the cities, more people build screens on their attics to prevent birds from entering.
Urban creeks also create more wildlife in cities. Urban creeks may; however, also cause the
transportation of pollution, thus leading to, as mentioned above, bioaccumulation.
The transportation of pollution affects humans in important ways. Pollution destroys the
environment not only by endangering organisms, but also causing climate change, such as global
warming. Global warming is a very real prospect. The Kyoto Protocol has been ratified by 180
nations to reduce greenhouse gases which cause global climate change which has the potential to
affect all forms of life. Humans are not alone in this world, and if we are to survive, it is
necessary to protect all forms of life and ensure a sustainable life, because all forms of life are
increasingly inter-connected and dependent on one another.
This Summer or Fall Make a Difference: Live and Work on Another Culture
Volunteer Service Programs
CUSO
- Canadian-based international development organization and one of the leading volunteersending organizations in the country. They work with partner groups and individuals seeking to
foster equality and freedom, safeguard cultures and communities, and protect the environment.
-2yr professional postings or short-term internships
-Agriculture, capacity building, human rights, community development, forestry, environment,
gender, technology
www.cuso.org 1-888-434-CUSO (2876)
Cross-Cultural Solutions: An International Volunteer Program
-2-12 weeks year round
-Work side-by side with local people on locally designed and driven projects—see the country
through the eyes of its people.
-Programs available in: Brazil, Ghana, Russia, China, Thailand, Costa Rica, Peru, and Tanzania
www.crossculturalsolutions.org , Info@crossculturalsolutions.org, 1-800-380-4777
WorldTeach
-Summer, 6months, or 1 year
-Participate in a WorldTeach program, and serve and learn in a host community through a
volunteer teaching position.
-Programs available in: China, India, Nambia, Costa Rica, Marshall Islands, Poland, Ecuador,
Mexico, Tuvalu
www.worldteach.org, info@worldteach.org, 1-800-4-TEACH-0
Visions in Action
-Volunteers in International Development in Mexico, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa,
Zimbabwe, or Burkina Faso.
-Human rights, health, refugee relief, youth, media, environment, and more
The International Partnership for Service Learning
-semester, summer, year, or 3-week session for academic credit in: Czech Republic, Ecuador,
England, France, India, Israel, Jamaica, Mexico, Philippines, Russia, Scotland,
-Academic study abroad & volunteer service
www.ipsl.org
Paid Internship Opportunities Abroad Related to Human Ecology & Sustainability
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
International Youth Internship Program (IYIP)
www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/cida_ind.nsf
-IYIP is an employment program for young Canadians between the ages of 19-30.
-Offers post-secondary graduates the chance of a lifetime to gain international development work
experience.
-The program is part of the Career Focus stream of the Government of Canada's Youth
Employment Strategy (YES) which gives young people the tools and experience they need to
launch successful careers.
-Goals: make young people aware of global issues and encourage them to contribute to
international cooperation.
Internship i.e. Agribusiness Research assistant in Kenya, Agricultural Educator in Honduras,
Advice Center Office (HIV) in South Africa
Youth on the Move Internships
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/canadaeuropa/youth/
-thinking of working, studying, or visiting abroad?
-this site is dedicated to helping young Canadians looking for adventure and experience find
what they’re looking for.
Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA)
-Will coordinate placements with agricultural organizations in France, Italy, Zambia, New
Zealand and the United States.
-Participants may be engaged in agricultural policy development, economics, trade liberalization,
conservation and resource management, or information technology and communications.
-Candidates will have a degree or college diploma in agriculture or a related field.
http://www.cfa-fca.ca, questions: dorothypoole@sympatico.ca
Environmental Youth Alliance
-Will organize placements in consumer organizations in Hungary, Germany, France, the United
Kingdom and the United States.
-Participants will work on sustainable procurements, research environmental markets, and
compile case studies of 'green' procurement. Participants will have backgrounds in business,
commerce, environmental studies or resource management.
http://www.eya.ca, questions: karun@eya.ca
Falls Brook Centre
-Will implement placements in Germany and the United Kingdom with international
organizations in the fields of agriculture, forestry policy development, organic agriculture and
forestry certification.
-Participants will work in the areas of corporate social responsibility, international trade and the
environment. Participants will typically have graduated from business, political science or
technical programs.
http://www.fallsbrookcentre.ca, questions: ms@fallsbrookcentre.ca
International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
-Will place participants with partner organizations in Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United
Kingdom, South Africa, and the United States.
-Placements focus on trade and the environment, environmental security, climate change,
business and sustainable development, or capacity building.
-Candidates will have a university degree and an interest in sustainable development.
http://www.iisd.org/interns/, questions: cbuckler@iisd.ca.
British Trust for Conservation Volunteers
- Volunteer or paid employment in the UK
- BTCV is the UK’s leading charity creating better environments where people feel valued,
included and involved
- BTCV works with and provides accredited training to over 10,000 unemployed individuals.
www.btcv.org
011-44-1491-821-600
Group Project Research Papers Summaries
UBC Farm Project
Research Paper: Farming Effects on the Environment
by:
Alina Horga
Ben Mulhall
Christina Mercie
Elsa Sardinha
Jonny Starling
This paper evaluates the learning experiences taken from volunteering on the UBC Farm.
Four major topics are researched and discussed: Global citizenship, food security, organic food,
and nutrient cycles. The research on global citizenship focuses on how our behaviour impacts
the environment. It proves the value to consider the needs of future generations. UBC
involvement is also examined. The topic of food security is explained in relation to the
availability of safe food. That is, food that reaches the dietary need of the poor and is accessible
to them. The burden on food banks is shown in the research. Supermarket’s policies are
explored in relation to the waste of discarded food. Research defines organic food. The organic
certification process is explained. Research on the health and environmental benefits of organic
food is explored and analysed in relation to the availability and cost of the product. The research
on nutrient cycles lists the potentially harmful chemicals in fertilizers and pesticides. Examples
such as the nitrogen cycle and the phosphorous cycle are used to show the relationship between
plants and their environment. The benefit of organic farming is reinforced. The topics of
research in this paper are all tied together and relate directly to the work and learning done on the
UBC Farm.
U-Hill Project
Research Paper: Green Spaces in Urban Contexts
by:
Erica Brown
Colleen O’Brien
Cara Vanayan
This paper describes the policies of regional, national and international bodies that relate
to green spaces. The paper starts with research that defines and explains the importance of green
spaces. Policies that protect green spaces in the Greater Vancouver Regional District are
described in relation to why Vancouver is rated as one of the most liveable cities in the world.
The research shows that green space is a priority. Green spaces balance urban life and are vital
to living in Vancouver. On the national level, the research in this paper presents organizations
that aim to protect and restore green spaces. The barriers that these organizations face are shown
to be substantial. Citizens’ attitudes toward green spaces are examined. Solutions, such as roof
top gardens, are given as ways to increase green space in urban areas. Research on the
international level describes, in detail, the positions of other countries. It is made apparent that
western countries such as Australia, the Netherlands, and the UK have policies that favour green
spaces. As well, less developed countries such as China, Egypt and Indonesia are becoming
green space aware. This paper explains attitudes and policies on green spaces and presents
solutions on ways to promote them.
Sprouts Project
Research Paper: Organic Food: Agricultural and Animal Product Issues
by:
Amy Brener
Meredith Severin
Erin Weerts
The research in this paper is focused on the differences between organic and conventional
food production. The response of the consumer and criticisms are explained. Organic and
conventional agriculture are looked at in terms of health and environmental benefits. The
research shows that mainstream agriculture takes a negative toll on the environment and provides
less healthy food. Consumer response is researched and criticisms are dealt with, with the
positive conclusion that the organic food sector is growing. Research on factory and organic
livestock production explores the differences in moral treatment of animals, as well as health and
environmental concerns. It shows that factory production of livestock runs a higher risk of
pollution. The methods of production are explored and it is concluded that factory livestock
suffer and are less healthy than organically produced animals. The research on the health
benefits is inconclusive. The consumer response to organic meat is described but takes into
account the limited supply of products. International application and acceptance is compared.
This paper supplies good proof of the benefits of organically produced food and shows why it is
becoming the consumer’s choice.
Scouts Project
Research Paper: The Impact of Humans on Air Pollution in the Fraser Valley
by:
Brian Cheng
Kevin Chernoff
Cyrus Huang
Dan Sarkany
Merryn Sturgess
The focus of this paper is on clean air. The research presented covers the sources,
effects, restrictions and solutions surrounding air pollution. Air quality ratings are provided and
a comparison to other regions is offered. A detailed account of the various pollutants and their
sources is given. The effects of air pollution on human and plant health are described and the
aesthetic effects on the region are considered. Restrictions and laws are examined with regard to
permits to pollute and repercussions to violators. The research explores the ineffectiveness of
current policies. Solutions to the problem of air pollution are offered. These solutions include
government policies such as the GVRD’s Clean Air Strategy as well as environmental solutions
such as photosynthesising phytoplankton that can act as a carbon dioxide sink. This paper
cultivates an understanding of the causes and effects of air pollution. The research leads to
possible solutions to the problem.
Human Ecology: Test Your Knowledge
What significant human ecology event took place in each of these cities? Any
idea when?
Stockholm, Sweden
- 1972 UN Conference on Environment
- UN Environment Programme resulted
Vienna, Austria
- 1985 Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer
- led to the 1987 Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone
In 1987, there was the Bruntland Commission “Our Common Future”
Rio De Janiero, Brazil
- 1992 Earth Summit
- a meeting of world leaders to agree on a sustainable development strategy
- largest-till-then meeting of world leaders that wanted something to do with a sustainable
development strategy
- goal: “to meet our needs while ensuring that we leave a healthy and viable world for
future generations”
- 155 countries, including Canada, signed UN Framework convention to address issues of
climate change
- A key agreement adopted at Rio was the Convention on Biological Diversity
http://www.biodiv.org/
- Goals:
(1) Conservation of biological diversity
(2) Sustainable use of its components
(3) Fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from use of genetic resources
Kyoto, Japan
- 1997 Kyoto Protocol
- 160 countries agreed to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with climate
change (mainly CO2) by 6% below 1990 levels by 2012
- ratified by Canada in 2002
- came into force internationally in 2005
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Feb 2004, 7th meeting held
- priorities of meeting included protecting the biological diversity of mountain
ecosystems and the role of protected areas in the preservation of biological diversity
- key finding: 60% of cloud forests are in Asia - Indonesia and Papua New Guinea
Paris, France
- Jan 2005 Biodiversity: Science and Government
What do these acronyms stand for? What do you know about the significance of
each in Human Ecology?
COSEWIC
- Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
SARA
- Species at Risk Act
- protects endangered species in Canada
- federal and provincial governments play roles
- legislated in 2003
WWF
- World Wildlife Fund
- protects endangered species
- Tiger example in Russia – population survey being done to determine numbers
CITES
- Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species (and threatened species)
- concerned with the import and export of endangered species (ie cacti and orchids)
GHG
- Greenhouse Gas ‘calculator’
- 1 tonne challenge
- http://www.climatechange.gc.ca/onetonne/calculator/english/ - can see what
much greenhouse gas you produce and suggestions for change
how
Where in the world do each of these initiatives or projects take place? What else
do you know about each?
Probiotics to fight HIV/AIDS
- probiotics are bacteria that is added to food
- in Tanzania, bacteria is added to yogurt
Calakmul Biosphere Reserve
- Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
- 150,000 ha of tropical rainforest are protected
- US environmental group says this is “voluntary land from natives”
Green Roofs
- big in the UK, catching on in US and Canada
- rooftop gardens
- MEC in Toronto has a big rooftop garden
Bike Kitchen
- UBC Co-op
- will fix your bike or show you how
Paper Birch – Nitrogen Cycle ‘breakthrough’ importance in forest industry
- UBC and Okanagan – BC Forests
- microhyzral fungus on the roots of trees take up nutrients (N2)
- can “trade” nutrients between trees and other species through the fungus on the roots
On February 15, 2005, the provincial Finance Minister, Colin Hansen, delivered the
budget. What did it offer to issues important in human ecology?
The provincial budget allocated money towards many different environmental projects,
including: the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, the Living Rivers Trust, and BC Trust Public
Lands. $6.5 million is allocated to acquire more land for conservation purposes, maintain the
lands we do have and fund public conservation initiatives.
What is the human ecology significance of each of these? Who oversees /
administers each one?
Habitat Stewardship Program
- part of SARA
- work with community members
- BC Provincial government
Habitat Conservation Fund
- supports protection and restoration of wildlife and habitat in BC
- BC Provincial government
Living Rivers Trust
- 2002, restore major rivers
- $7 million endowment
- BC Provincial government
BC Trust for Public Lands
- buy public property for conservation
- $8 million endowment
- BC Provincial government
Clean Air Fund
- GHG
- Canadian government
Biomass Incentives
- Vancouver Landfill Project
Energuide Program
- amount of electricity used, efficiency
Canadian Environmental Protection Act
- pollution protection
- Environment Canada
Power Smart Initiative
- tips for consumers
- BC Hydro
Did You Know This Existed in Our Community?
UBC Farm Summer Markets
The UBC farm provides a model for integrating sustainable land management and food
production practices with the help of student influenced research, education, and community
involvement. In order to increase the awareness of urban agricultural ecosystems, community
members were encouraged to take a ‘hands on’ approach to farming, and in doing so, contributed
towards the ecological, economical, and social health of our surrounding community. In May
the Market opens up to the public and the Farm springs to life. This is their busiest time and they
need lots of helping hands. Check out http://www.agsci.ubc.ca/ubcfarm/proj_mkt.php to find
more information about volunteering!
Mountain View Conservation and Breeding Society
The Mountain View breeding is the modern-day Noah’s Ark situated just a stones throw
away in Langley, BC. Featured on the Discovery Channel, Mountain View’s claim to fame is in
its dedicated mission to maintain the genetic and phenotypic viability of critically endangered
species to enable future animal releases back into the wild. At present, the animal collection at
Mountain View contains 49 species and 224 specimens. The center specializes in endangered
exotic cats and endangered hoof stock. Another major focus at Mountain View will be
endangered Canadian species, and our participation in the Vancouver Island marmot recovery
program is the beginning of this endeavor. Mountain View accomplishes this by breeding and
housing the species in natural surroundings and by feeding diets closely related to those found in
the wild. This ensures the mental and physical condition of the animal is maximized to enable
future successful releases back into their natural wild habits. Great tours are offered! Check it
out at http://www.mtnviewfarms.com/f.html.
Cook Studio
Long-term unemployed residents of the Downtown Eastside are getting more
opportunities to get into the workforce thanks to James Kennedy and his Cook Studio. Thanks to
a growing reputation for well-priced gourmet food, groups of local Downtown Eastside residents
eat side-by-side with police officers and judges from the nearby courthouse.
(http://www.bctsvp.org/enterprise/Default.asp?ID=2&action=a)
CAN: The Cooperative Auto Network
CAN is a car sharing organization, so that you do not need to own a car- you can use
other methods of transportation and when there are a few occasions where you need a car there is
one for you to use. “People wishing to save money on their transportation costs join a co-op to
jointly own vehicles with others. Members pay a small monthly administration fee to cover some
of the fixed costs of the car and when they use a car, they pay low fees for it by the hour and by
the kilometer.” Check it out at http://www.cooperativeauto.net/.
Community Gardens
Community gardens are plots of land shared by a group of people for growing. These
gardens are often found in urban areas whose land were previously brown-field sites. Brownfield areas are often old industrial areas, or other such urban locations that are under-used and in
need of revitalization. In this way, the community gardens along the Arbutus corridor moved
in and revitalized the unused railway allowance, which up until then, routinely received pesticide
applications Another well-known community initiative is the Strathcona gardens and the
community garden at Trimble Park in West Point Grey.
For human ecology, community gardens act as viable partners in the fight to ensure food
security. Community gardens provide residents or gardeners with access to fresh produce, and it
is usually organic. Food security initiatives like these are very basic yet highly effective for
bringing the community together in a participatory initiative which fosters a greater sense of
community and encourages an appreciation for healthy green spaces. Walk around your
neighbourhood, you might just stumble across a community garden. If you live in an apartment
building or rental property that does not afford a space to grow your own fruits, vegetables, and
herbs then check out www.cityfarmer.org for more information on a community garden near
you. They have very helpful composting tips too!
“Greenways are paths designed for pedestrians and cyclists that enhance the walking and
riding experience and provide different ways to move through the city”. The City Greenways
Program includes a network of 14 routes extending 140 km. Local Neighbourhood Greenways
have been established throughout various communities, including new cycling routes at Georgia,
Kent Avenue, Pacific Boulevard, and the Inverness connection to the Knight Street Bridge.
Check out http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/sustainability/initiatives.htm#Environment for more
information about this and other initiatives
Vancouver Community Network and Community Access Programs (CAP)
Youth interns work in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver helping the disadvantaged
residents in the area. CAP Youth Initiative Program is designed to give young people across
Canada an opportunity to learn about computers and Internet technology, and share their
knowledge with people at CAP funded sites. The Interns come from many different political,
cultural, and intellectual backgrounds, as well as life experiences and have been inspired by the
places and the people of the Downtown East Side. Check out http://cap.vcn.bc.ca/ for
information on how to get involved!