Independent Research – Page 3 – GW Blogs from Abroad

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AdminJanuary 30, 2014December 14, 2018

WEll, it's been a fun journey in Jordan. My research has come a long way in the last months and I'm happy to say I'm leaving this country with so much more knowledge then I had before. My argument is much different then I thought it would be coming into this semester, but I know that this reflects the difference in how much I know about water scarcity and water development int he region.

I've finished my paper, and the argument revolves around the concept that Jordan must work with it's neighbors to tackle the growing water issues. In particular, I believe that Israel offers the best choice in this endeavor. Not only would both nations benefit from mutual water projects and policy, but they could accomplish so much more then being on their own. Projects like the Red to Dead canal are perfect chances for Israel and Jordan to establish political networks and methods in which coordination between he two could be improved. Without efficient coordination, the Red to Dead will fail and be a complete waste of money and time. A successful system of communication would guarantee success and allow similar projects to begin. I also make arguments for projects that revitalize the Jordan River Valley, and looking into the possibility of a Med to Dead canal.

Many of the things necessary for greater water sharing is dependent on Israel's ability to open up and make concessions. For instance, revitalizing the Jordan River Valley would mean the Stat of Israel letting water flow into Jordan once again, taking water from the Sea of Galilee. The benefits of such action far outweigh the loss, not only would Israel be working with Jordan to save the Dead Sea (which maintains a 600 million dollar industry for both nations), but it would push jordan to share its water resources in the south and provide water for the central locations in both countries.

I've had an a amazing time learning more about a subject I love. While I faced a lot of challenges, especially in the interview process and getting officials to be blunt with me, I overcame many of them and certainly learned more about research. Additionally, I plan on continuing my research in the water field, and combining what I've done here with previous work I've done in Egypt. I know I will return in the future, water development has become such a huge part of my academic career that I can't avoid it.

So, farewell Jordan, masalama!

Goodbye Zanzibar

AdminDecember 12, 2013December 14, 2018

By fdecristofaro

While abroad, my research included a wide variety of subjects, from behavioral studies of the endemic Red Colobus monkey to sea urchin biomass. My main focus for my Independent Study project was the water quality of small rivers located near a sugar cane plantation and processing factory. The project was not as easy as I expected it to be, I ran into many roadblocks from all sources. The factory was difficult to get in contact with, collection of samples took longer than expected, lab analysis was slow moving, but with patience and excellent advisors I was able to make connections with assistant managers, local drivers to take me to sites, and peers to help with the chemical analysis of the water samples. This project made me grow a lot as a student and researcher because I was testing my limits. Coming from an International Affairs background I was not used to data collection, nutrient analysis, and quantitative science. Zanzibar was such a place that even though my science background was limited individuals encouraged me to challenge myself and I gained a deep respect and understanding for hard science as I practiced it. The goal of my project was to get the ball rolling for the Mahonda town where the sugar cane is processed. I hope that students in the future will continue my study and make it more comprehensive. This will continue the research into the effects of the plantation and factory on the local community and environment. In this way my project has begun to help increase communication between the inhabitants of Mahonda and the industries located there. At this point I do not think any other type of study abroad program could have been better for me. Experiential learning and hands on work made my knowledge of the people and environment of Zanzibar much deeper. My semester with SIT (the School for International Training) was incredible and I hope to keep being curious and willing to get my hands dirty when I return to the States. My interest in water sheds and the roles of local communities is heightened and I foresee this type of volunteer work and research playing a large role in my future. My commitment to community, although increased by the huge volunteer community at The George Washington University, is heightened and I will bring back my renewed enthusiasm and passion for giving back to the GW community by encouraging others to get involved by sharing my stories.

A Step in the Right Direction: River Water Assessment

AdminNovember 14, 2013December 14, 2018

By fdecristofaro

I completed my Portfolio for SIT. This project is meant to work out some of the kinks we may encounter for our final Independent Study Project (ISP). I did a small case study of 4 rivers upstream of the sugar cane processing plant and studied the water quality to determine level of pollution. I did the data collection working with my adviser, Dr. Mmochi of the Institute of Marine Sciences, a part of the University of Dar Es Salaam in Zanzibar. Everyone at IMS is very helpful however they are also extremely busy so it was hard to get everything completed in a timely fashion. Also due to external factors, such as two national holidays, and a weekend my week was eaten up before I could analyze my data. I was able to take extra time to complete the study but it was frustrating. This was a good experience to test the waters for my ISP such as going to the site and getting an adviser. I also learned the valuable skill of learning the layout of the lab here so I feel much more comfortable expanding my research to an area downstream of the factory during the month of November that is set aside wholly for our ISPs. At this point I am still going to look at Dr. Mmochi’s 1997-1999 study of the water quality in the Mahonda sugar cane factory area and collect samples to compare how the shut down of the factory has improved or degraded the surrounding environment since its shut down in 1999. I also did research and found that the WWF has created Better Management Practices (BMPs) for sugar cane factories in critical areas such as Zambia, South Africa, and the Indus River Valley. I hope to compare the management plan of the Mahonda factory with these and create a new plan that will help improve the local environment by integrating aspects of natural resource management, and the BMPs. But we shall see if this ends up being my final plan. For now I am excited to have a purpose and a preliminary study of the situation.

Research Step One

AdminOctober 28, 2013December 14, 2018

By kneander

What a month its been! Our program spent weeks in the Bolivian Administrative Capital La Paz meeting with the famous Bolivian artist Mamani Mamani, a feminist lesbian indigenous rights group and a non profit youth theater and circus troupe. After our time in La Paz we traveled to Lake Titicaca for an indigenous home-stay on the Island of the Sun to learn from a community that has existed for over 3,000 years. This rural isolated island in the middle of the world's highest navigable lake is accepted as the spiritual and cultural center for all Andean civilizations dating back over 4 thousand years. These past few weeks were filled with new experiences, long bus rides and lots of potato soup, all these experiences were also incredible different than what the final part of my semester is about to turn into.

I am preparing to work on ambulances in Bolivia and learn the strengths and weaknesses of the EMS system in Latin America's third poorest country. At this point I have just begun to explore various organizations and research opportunities in Cochabamba where I currently live as well as the country's two largest cities, La Paz and Santa Cruz. I have my first official ambulance ride along tomorrow (October 18th) with SAR Bolivia, a volunteer ambulance, fire fighting and search and rescue organization whose 450 volunteers are Cochabamba's primary emergency response organization. I have had a few interviews and meetings with the one of the founders of the organization and have learned a little bit about the sacrifices that the volunteers must make in their professional and familial lives in order to be apart of this organization. Though I am really excited to work with SAR Cochabamba I will likely end up completing the majority of my research in another city.

I will make sure to provide an update this weekend after my ride along and will include as many photos and stories as I can.