Recent Activities

Tracing Darwin's Path (TDP) Study Abroad Course 2014-2015

Tracing Darwin's Path (TDP) study abroad field course was successfully completed from December 29th 2014 to Jan 18th 2015. The field course "Tracing Darwin's Path" was co-taught by UNT and UMAG for the last 9 years. A total of 30 students from three U.S. universities and three Chilean universities participated; University of North Texas (UNT), Buena Vista University (BVU), University of Connecticut (UConn), and the three Chilean universities were University of Magallanes (UMAG), Universidad de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile with 8 faculty members and 1 visiting faculty from Rikkyo University in Japan.

For 15 years, the UNT Sub-Antarctic Biocultural Conservation (SBC) Program has been co-directed by philosophy professors, Ricardo Rozzi and Eugene Hargrove, and biology professors, James Kennedy and Jaime Jiménez. They have led work in science, tourism and education in the biosphere reserve, one of the world's last pristine wilderness areas and home to many species of mosses, lichens, aquatic invertebrates and birds.

The goals of the course were to provide students with an interdisciplinary research, conservation and education experience at one of the most pristine wilderness areas remaining in the world. The course explored ways of defining, studying, communicating, and conserving biocultural diversity. These goals were achieved by exposing students to a first-hand experience in the Omora Ethnobotanical Park (OEP), a long-term ecological study site that serves to link society and development with biodiversity, history and ecosystems in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve.

Additionally, this year's TDP students received a great opportunity to participate in the International Association of Bryologists "World Conference" held at Puerto Williams, the Capital of the Antarctic Province of Chile in the UNESCO Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve (CHBR), from 11 to 15 January 2015. They participated in the international pre-conference workshops as well as field activities and seminars during the conference. The students took this opportunity to interact with world leading researchers in the fields of environmental conservation, environmental sciences, arts, and bryology.

This international event was hosted by UNT's SBC Program and the Center for Environmental Philosophy, and UConn from the USA and the Chilean host partners were the Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB), Omora Ethobotanical Park, and UMAG. The conference marked the first time environmental philosophers and ecologists from across the world have converged at Omora's Navarino Island to share their perspectives on environmental ethics as it relates to their countries and the world. This further fostered the trans-disciplinary, international experience of students, encouraging the exchange of ideas and exploration of opportunities to work in the field of biocultural conservation. Participating in the workshop on the novel activity, "Ecotourism with a hand lens" helped students' to be actively involved in the Conference and practice the biocultural conservation approach. The students were ambassadors for the universities that they are attending.

The conference was inaugurated by the President of Chile, Ms. Michelle Bachelet together with three Ministries of the State and several other Chilean authorities. The details of the conference was highlighted by different media outlets in Chile.

During the Conference, leading researchers and students from the U.S. and Chile, Chilean authorities and tourism operators participated in the "Tracing Darwin's Path" and the workshop "Ecotourism with a Hand Lens."

Dr. Richard Nader, Vice Provost for International Affairs from UNT-International also participated the IAB Inauguration and met all the TDP students in Puerto Williams.

All photographs below are courtesy of Dr. Rajan Rijal, this was his first trip to Chile in which he assisted in the TDP course.

Picture 1: Dr. Ricardo Rozzi, UNT Philosophy Professor teaching a session of the TDP course at the entrance of Reserva de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile.

Picture 2: Students listening to a lecture on the UMAG campus in Punta Arenas, Chile.

Picture 3: TDP participants heading towards the Otway Penguin Colony about an hour drive from Punta Arenas, Chile.

Picture 4: Penguins on the sea shore.

Picture 5: Dr. Rozzi lecturing at the Otway Penguin Colony.

Picture 6: TDP participants enjoy the New Year's Eve dinner in Punta Arenas, Chile.

Picture 7: UConn faculty, Dr. Robert Capers lectures at Hostel Hain, Punta Arenas, Chile.

Picture 8: Campsite and tent on the mountain near the Robalo River watershed area. Students camped 3 days in this beautiful place near Puerto Williams, Chile.

Picture 9: Dr. Jaime Jiménez, UNT Biology Professor demonstrates bird's morphometric measurement in mist netting process near Puerto Williams, Chile.

Picture 10: Dr. James Kennedy, UNT Biology Professor gives a TDP lecture while in the mountains near the Robalo River watershed near Puerto Williams, Chile.

Picture 11: UNT students and faculty in the mountains by the Robalo River watershed near Puerto Williams, Chile.

Picture 12: Students learn how to use the hand lens to study lichens and mosses, and to understand the concept of "Ecotourism with Hand Lens" at Omora Park, Puerto Williams, Chile.

Picture 13: Philosophy graduate student, Justin Williams gives a talk about "Field Environmental Philosophy" at Omora Park, Puerto Williams, Chile.

Picture 14: Dr. Richard Nader, Vice Provost for International Affairs from UNT-International meets all of the TDP students at Omora Park, Puerto Williams, Chile.

Picture15: Dr. Rozzi provides instructional training to TDP students about the "Ecotourism with Hand Lens" process at Omora Park, Puerto Williams, Chile.

Picture 16: TDP students are mingling with the participants of International Association of Bryology (IAB) World Conference from January 11-15, 2015 in Puerto Williams, Chile.

Picture 17: Students hiked to Cerro Bandera, near Puerto Williams, Chile. Students with the Chilean flag made it to the mountaintop.

Picture 18: TDP students having group discussion time in the hostel in preparation for their final presentation towards the end of the TDP course in Puerto Williams, Chile.

Photo 19: TDP students give presentations at the field station in Puerto Williams, Chile.

Photo 20: Traditional Magellanic Bar B Que as a farewell dinner.

Dr. Ricardo Rozzi at International Union for Conservation of Nature in Australia

Dr. Ricardo Rozzi, a Professor of Philosophy and Religion Studies, and co-director of the Sub-Antarctic Biocultural Conservation Program at the University of North Texas (UNT) has been invited by Marton-Lefèvre, General Director of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and former Rector of the UN University for Peace to Australia to participate as a panelist at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The theme of the World Parks Congress 2014 is Parks, People, Planet: Inspiring Solutions. Dr. Ricardo Rozzi will participate as a panelist in the World Leaders' Dialogue entitled "Stand up for your rights: parks and social equity" on November 15th. This World Leaders' Dialogue will look into indigenous and traditional peoples' cultures and their role in biodiversity conservation; gender equity; poverty and human development; tenure and natural resource rights; and environmental security and vulnerability.

For more information see the World Parks Congress 2014.
http://worldparkscongress.org/programme/wld_stand_up_for_your_rights.html.

Participants in the opening ceremony of World Parks Congress, Sydney 2014. Dr. Ricardo Rozzi second from the bottom left on the side of Dr. Ernesto Enkerlin, World Commission on Protected Areas, Chair, IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).

World Leaders' Dialogues in the World Parks Congress, Sydney 2014, participants in the panel entitled "Stand up for your rights: parks and social equity." From left to Right: Patsy Sciutto-Doerr (US), Myrna Cunningham Kain (Nicaragua), Luvuyo Mandela (South Africa), Lucky Sherpa (Nepal), Ricardo Rozzi (Chile), Sally Ranney (US).

Study Abroad Course "Tracing Darwin's Path" Student Orientation:

Orientation Session for Tracing Darwin's Path (TDP) and Partners of Americas (POA) fellowship winners was organized on October 29th at 8:00 am. Core faculty and assistant faculty for the course highlighted the important information during their course in Chile. In the Orientation, two experienced (had been to research site in Chile couple of times) and former TDP graduate students (Jeffrey Mabe and Heather Perry) explained all the personal items, clothes and things to bring for the trip as it is very important to understand all these essential items due to location of the study site and the airline weight restriction of 20 pounds. SBC Program administrative assistant, Judy DeLay explained some official information including safety and international insurance. POA coordinator Dr. Rajan Rijal and SBC Program administrative assistant, Judy DeLay organized the session.

Orientation program for Tracing Darwin's Path (TDP) and Partners of Americas (POA) fellowship winner was organized on October 29th. Core faculty and assistant faculty for the course highlighted the important information during their course in Chile.

Orientation program for Tracing Darwin's Path (TDP) and Partners of Americas (POA) fellowship winners was organized on October 29th. Graduate students, Jeffrey Mabe and Heather Perry explained all the personal items, clothes and things to bring for the trip as it is very important to understand all these essential items due to location of the study site and the airline weight restriction of 20 pounds.

Nexos Chile-USA 2014 5th Annual Meeting of Chilean Scientists in the USA:

Dr. Jaime Jimenez, a Professor of Biological Sciences and co-Director of the Sub-Antarctic Biocultural Conservation Program at the University of North Texas was invited as a Closing Keynote Speaker at the Nexos Chile-USA 2014 5th Annual Meeting of Chilean Scientists in the USA. In the meeting, Dr. Jimenez highlighted the SBC program, ongoing research and the importance of POA in continue conducting research activities in collaboration with different research institutes in Chile. This annual meeting will be held at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA from Oct 17th to 18th, 2014.

Dr. Jaime Jimenez, a Professor of Biological Sciences and co-Director of the SBC Program at the University of North Texas was invited as a Closing Keynote Speaker at the Nexos Chile-USA 2014 5th Annual Meeting of Chilean Scientists in the USA.

Dr. Jaime Jimenez, a Professor of Biological Sciences and co-Director of the SBC Program at the University of North Texas with other participants at the Nexos Chile-USA 2014 5th Annual Meeting of Chilean Scientists in the USA.

UNT Sub-Antarctic Biocultural Conservation Program participated in 26th International Ornithological Congress (IOC) from August 18th to 24th, 2014 in Tokyo.

Directors of the Sub-Antarctic Biocultural Conservation (SBC) Program, Drs. Ricardo Rozzi and Jaime Jiménez, and Research Assistant Professor and Partners of the Americas (POA) Coordinator, Dr. Rajan Rijal from SBC Program participated in the 26th International Ornithological Congress (IOC) that took place at Rikkyo University in Tokyo, Japan from August 18th to 24th, 2014. During the congress three posters and one oral symposium was presented. The presentations communicated results generated by the longest sub-Antarctic forest birds mist-netting program in the Southern Hemisphere encompassing research on ethno-ornithology and ecology of the world's southernmost forest avifauna. Long-term ornithological research from southern Chile was presented in the Congress. Dr. Rozzi presented (oral) Ethno-Ornithology and Environmental Ethics during IOC Symposium.

In addition, Dr. Rijal also had a table displaying the editorial line of the SBC books associated with UNT Press and the Center for Environmental Philosophy, including among them the 2014 Magellanic Sub-Antarctic Ornithology book (Rozzi & Jiménez, eds.) a summary of the first decade of bird studies at Omora Park in Cape Horn, Chile. Dr. Rijal also introduced to the IOC audience the UNT-Chile Partners of the Americaa (POA) research grant that includes collaborative research and educational activities for 2014 and 2015. This grant provides an ideal opportunity for UNT students and other students to travel to Chile to participate in educational activities and conduct research. IOC opened great new opportunities for collaboration with world class ornithologists and broader international academic exchanges.

For his participation, Dr. Rijal received an IOC 2014 travel award. He was further supported by UNT-International, the UNT Department of Biological Sciences, the Institute of Applied Sciences, and the SBC Program.

Welcoming sign in front of Rikyo University, Tokyo Japan to all the participants of 26th International Ornithological Congress, Tokyo, Japan from 18th to 24th of August 2014.

Dr. Rajan Rijal in front of information desk at 26th International Ornithological Congress, Tokyo, Japan from 18th to 24th of August 2014.

Editorial line of Sub-Antarctic Biocultural Conservation Program and Center for Environmental Philosophy at University of North Texas and POA poster for information dissemination during 26th International Ornithological Congress, Tokyo, Japan from 18th to 24th of August 2014.

Bird wheel display in the IOC registration room

Dr. Ricardo Rozzi presenting (oral) Ethno-Ornithology and Environmental Ethics during International Ornithological Congress Symposia at during the 26th International Ornithological Congress, Tokyo, Japan from 18th to 24th of August 2014.

Dr. Ricardo Rozzi presenting (oral) Ethno-ornithology and environmental ethics during International Ornithological Congress Symposia at IOC

International Ornithological Congress Symposia Presenters on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014 from left to right: Andrew G. Gosler, United Kingdom; Shan Su, Taiwan; Nicole S. Dauphine, USA; Ricardo Rozzi, USA; Mark A. Bonta, USA; and Mel Galbraith, New Zealand.

Poster presentation during the conference entitled: "Migration Patterns of Birds in the Southernmost Forests of the World" by R. Rijal, J. E. Jimenez and R. Rozzi.

Poster presentation during the conference entitled: "Maximum Record Longevity of Birds in the Southernmost Forests of the World" by - J. E. Jimenez, R. Rozzi, R. Rijal and A. L. Wynia.

Poster presentation during the conference entitled: "Diet of the Passerine Assemblages in the Southernmost Forests of the World, Omora Park, Cape Horn, Chile (550S, and 640W) by -R. Rozzi, J. H. Kennedy, T. Contador, A. Pineiro, O. Barroso, R. Rijal and J. E. Jimenez.

POA coordinator Dr. Rajan Rijal presented a poster disseminating POA fellowships and award information during the 99th Annual Meeting of Ecological Society of America (ESA) in Sacramento, from August 10 to 15, 2014.

POA coordinator Dr. Rijal presented his research at 99th Annual Meeting of Ecological Society of America (ESA) Annual Meeting along with POA fellowship and award information to the larger audience in Sacramento from 10 to 15 August 2014. ESA annual meeting is the world´s largest ecological conference. Information disseminated about POA fellowship and award could reach interested and engaged groups of young qualified scientists. The POA fellowship and award information will be displayed in a poster format, and a brochure will be distributed. Dr. Rijal will be on-location to talk with and answer questions of interested persons.

POA coordinator Dr. Rajan Rijal is presenting a poster disseminating POA fellowships and award information during the 99th Annual Meeting of Ecological Society of America (ESA) in Sacramento, from August 10 to 15, 2014.

Dr. Rodgrio Vasques talk at UNT

Sub-Antarctic Biocultural Conservation Program (SBCP) and Center for Environmental Philosophy (CEP) at University of North Texas, Denton organized a seminar by Dr. Rodrigo Vasquez from Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity (IEB), Universidad de Chile in the topic "Behavioral Ecology at the End of the World: New Biological Models" on Friday, 8th August, 2014.

Dr. Ricardo Rozzi introducing Speaker Dr. Vasquez for his talk behavior ecology at the end of the world - New Biological Model

Guest Speaker Dr. Vasquez introducing his topic: Behavior ecology at the end of the world - New Biological Model

Audience includes UNT faculty, grad and undergrad students as well as staff attending his talk.

Bulletin Board at University of North Texas with Partners of Americas (POA) Fellowship and Award information for all the qualified U.S. Students

A bulletin board with information about the POA fellowship and awards was posted on the 1st floor of the Environmental Education Science and Technology (EESAT) Building at University of North Texas where students, faculty from different UNT departments, and other campus visitors from the local community, state, and country meet to participate in organized lectures, programs, and workshops. It is estimated that during the regular semester more than 500 people will be in and out from the building every hour. This bulletin board serves to promote the POA fellowship and awards, and communicate to a broader audience this UNT-Chile POA's activities.

Bulletin board with the information about POA fellowship and award displayed on the 1st floor of the Environmental Education Science and Technology (EESAT) Building at University of North Texas. This bulletin board is in a high-traffic building with an approximate reach of 500 people in and out every hour in the regular semester.

Dr. Jaime Jimenez presented at the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA) Conference in San Diego on May 29th 2014.

Sub-Antarctic Biocultural Conservation Program Co-Director Dr. Jaime Jiménez presented at the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA) Conference 2014 in San Diego on May 29th. The presentation on our Partners of Americas (POA) project catalyzed valuable exchanges with other participants at the conference, including a meeting with Lee Tablewsky, Director, 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund. Other attendees explored future research collaborations with SBC Program. Dr. Jiménez's presentation on NAFSA conference emphasized on:

Expanding the annual number of U.S. students participating at field courses in Chile.
Increasing the international collaborative network.

Presentation also highlighted the research topics offered to POA students and the importance of the course in student´s learning.

Dr. Jaime Jiménez presenting at the National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA) Conference in San Diego on May 29th 2014.

Dr. Ricardo Rozzi presented at American Corners in Chile's third workshop held in Punta Arenas on May 2014.

The Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy in Chile offered a workshop for evaluation and planning with the six coordinators of the American Corners Program in Chile. The workshop was organized by Dinah Lee Arnett, Coordinators of the American Corners Program in Chile/EST Initiatives, Public Affairs Section, US Embassy to Chile, in collaboration with Beba Garcia Marinkovic, coordinator of American Corner at the University of Magallanes since 2010. Participants included local coordinators of the American Corners Program in Chile, which has offices located in Arica, Santiago (2), Valdivia, and Punta Arenas. As part of this one week workshop, on Thursday, May 29, 2014, a session was dedicated to the subject of education, including 100,000 Strong in the Americas initiative as one of its topics in this session. Dr. Rozzi of the UNT/IEB- UMAG alliance, presented our experience with the application process, and development of our Partners of Americas project in the broader context of the International Sub-Antarctic Biocultural Conservation Program. This session provided "hands-on" perspective at this program and contributed to promote 100,000 Strong in the Americas Initiative as part of the portfolio of the American Corners-Chile. Furthermore, the workshop was followed up by a meeting with Lee Z. Ullmann, Country Coordinator of the Education USA Program on June 6, 2014. Rodrigo Vera and Veronica Morales, coordinators of International Sub-Antarctic Biocultural Conservation Program in Chile and Santiago, respectively, met with Lee Ullmann and Ricardo Rozzi to discuss options of collaboration for increasing academic exchanges and student mobility between the USA and Chile.

PI, Dr. Ricardo Rozzi participating in the American Corners Chile Third Workshop Held in Punta Arenas.

Presentation of the Book

"Magellanic Sub-Antarctic Ornithology", First Decade of Long-Term Bird Studies at the Omora Ethnobotanical Park, Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, Chile.

Opening remarks by UNT Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Warren Burggren.

Guest speaker was Dr. Mario Rivera, Program Director, Identity at the End of the World, University of Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile.

PI, Dr. Ricardo Rozzi with guest speaker Dr. Mario Riveria, Program Director, Identity at the End of the World, University of Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile in front of the UNT SBCP office.

Dr. Jaime Jimenez, Professor of Biological Sciences, UNT, co-director, SBCP and co-author of the book presenting an overview of the book.

International Graduate Course

"Trends in Ecology of Plant Invasions" was co-taught by PI, Dr. Ricardo Rozzi in Malalcahuello National Reserve in Chile from 6-12 April, 2014. This course aims to strengthen the skills of graduate students from Latin America and UNT about the conceptual frameworks, methodologies and results of the study of plant invasions with emphasis on mountain ecosystems.

Participants of International Graduate Course - "Trends in Ecology of Plant Invasions" in Malalcahuello National Reserve in Chile from 6-12 April, 2014.

PI, Dr. Ricardo Rozzi lecturing at the International Graduate Course - "Trends in Ecology of Plant Invasions" in Malalcahuello National Reserve in Chile from 6-12 April, 2014.

From left to right: PI, Dr. Ricardo Rozzi, UNT Ph.D. student Ramiro Crego, Course Coordinator Dr. Ramiro Bustamante, and IEB Outreach Coordinator, Dr. Nelida Pohl during the final day of the International Graduate Course - "Trends in Ecology of Plant Invasions" in Malalcahuello National Reserve in Chile from 6-12 April, 2014.