Community Travel

The Eating Locally, Thinking Globally class with travel over winter break to Belize to attend a five-day immersion trip to learn about the food system of an economically developing nation.

Belize
January 3–8, 2016

Sophomore Scholars in Residence has partnered with the Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education (BFREE), who's mission is “to conserve the biodiversity and cultural heritage of Belize.” The students will begin the trip in Southern Belize and spend four days moving north in the country, meeting with farmers and indigenous peoples and experiencing the rich natural resources of Belize.

Day One
Fly to Belize City, then board smaller planes to Punta Gorda

Day Two
Travel by bus to the small Mayan Village of San Filepe, to learn about organic cacao production and agro-forestry
End day by traveling to BFREE and night hike in the rainforest

Day Three
Tour of the BFREE organic cacao and coffee farm and a discussion about how chocolate is helping save and restore the rainforests. Then visit the Hicatee Conservation and Research Center, a facility dedicated to studying the breeding habits and ecology of the Central American River Turtle, the only critically endangered freshwater turtle in Mesoamerica.
End day by traveling by bus and boat to Placencia.

Day Four
Tour local citrus farm and learn about the citrus industry. In the afternoon, tour a local Habenaro farm and processing facility.

Day Five
Head north stopping at Maya King, a large agricultural facility, where we tour a banana farm, and other types of agriculture, including organic citrus, papaya, and others. End day by traveling and touring the Belize Zoo.