Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program

Tropical Biodiversity Conservation

Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea, Africa

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About the Program

This study abroad program, now in its 6th year, takes place on the island of Bioko, part of the Spanish-speaking central African country of Equatorial Guinea. The format of the program includes individual field research projects at the Moka Wildlife Center in the Southern Highlands of Bioko, coursework at National University of Equatorial Guinea in the capital city of Malabo and additional fieldwork in the tropical forests, mountains, lakes and beaches of Bioko Island. To maintain the high level of individualized study, the program is offered twice a year (September - December and January -- March) to a class of eight students. A description of the program (.pdf file) is available.

The program offers a unique opportunity for undergraduates and recent graduates to:

• Study tropical biodiversity and its conservation, with an emphasis on field work that takes advantage of Bioko Island's pristine rainforests ranging from sea level to over 10,000 ft in altitude, its seven species of rare monkeys, and its four species of nesting sea turtles.


• Work in collaboration with an experienced African field biologist on an individual research project, thereby adding to the biodiversity database being created for Bioko Island .


• Work in collaboration with an established conservation program on the political, economic and ecological issues involved in biodiversity conservation, thereby building personal credentials and contacts.


• Explore the linguistic and cultural diversity of Equatorial Guinea by collaborating with local university students on research projects and on Spanish language skills.

The program is run in conjunction with the Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program (BBPP), part of the academic partnership between the National University of Equatorial Guinea and Drexel University. Formerly (through Spring 2008) the program was offered by Arcadia University's highly respected Center for Education Abroad. Beginning Fall 2008, sponsorship of the program has been assumed by Drexel University's Study Abroad Office because the two principal scientists affiliated with BBPP (Dr. Gail Hearn and Dr. Tom Butynski) relocated to Drexel University.

The island of Bioko is one of the most beautiful and biologically-significant places in all of Africa. It is home to Africa's greatest concentration of endangered primates and to more than fifty unique species of plants. During the dry season (November to February), butterflies gather in the rainforest and endangered marine turtles come ashore to nest on the black sand beaches. Nearly 200 species of birds fly amongst the island's three volcanic peaks, the highest almost 3000 meters above sea level (~ 10,000 ft).

Located 20 miles (32 km) off the coast of Cameroon in west central Africa, Bioko is a part of the African country of Equatorial Guinea. At Bioko's northern tip is the country's capital city, Malabo (population: 100,000), a city pulsing with petroleum wealth and easily accessible from many European capitals. Moving south the island becomes increasingly rural, devolving into large swaths of undisturbed virgin rainforest.

The Experience

The cornerstone course of the program is ENVS 410 Research in Tropical Ecology (6 quarter credits= 4 semester credits). Since its inception we have engaged a prominent field biologist with extensive Africa experience to teach this course. In past years Dr. Janette Wallis (University of Oklahoma) and Dr. Esteban Sarmiento (American Museum of Natural History) contributed their expertise. Since Fall 2006 the instructor for the course has been Dr. Tom Butynski.

Dr. Butynski has implemented research and conservation projects in Africa for over 35 years, mostly in Botswana, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Equatorial Guinea. Most of his research has been on the behavior, ecology and conservation status of tropical forest primates and birds. His primary conservation focus is on tropical forests that hold especially high numbers of endemic and threatened species. Dr. Butynski serves on more than a dozen scientific and conservation committees, is the IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group's Vice-chair for Africa, Senior Editor of the journal African Primates, and Coeditor of the book series The Mammals of Africa. He has well over 100 scientific publications.

Take a look at three example papers (galago distribution; turaco distribution and forest regeneration) and two example posters (galago distribution and fig tree density) that resulted from the Fall 2006 Field Research in Tropical Ecology course.

The Field Research in Tropical Ecology takes place at the Moka Wildlife Center in Bioko's comfortable southern highlands, home to many of Bioko’s most interesting forest animals.

A second shorter field course, ENVS 411. Field Methods in Tropical Ecology (3 quarter credits = 2 semester credits) involves a one-week expedition to Bioko's undisturbed southern coast. This expedition gives students the opportunity to census forest animals, especially the seven species of monkeys which occur at high densities in this area, and also to record nesting activities by the four species of sea turtles.

The remaining courses (Natural Resource Economics; Society and Environment; and Spanish Language Study) are taught at the National University of Equatorial Guinea in the capital city of Malabo.

See these photos from a 2002 study abroad student.

The Academics

The courses offered in this program have been specifically designed to reflect the realities of biodiversity conservation in developing countries. The following five courses have been approved by Drexel University and will be offered in the Fall 2008 term (Mid- September -Mid December)

• ENVS 410: EQUATORIAL GUINEA: Field Research in Tropical Ecology (6 quarter credits = 4 semester credits) An Intensive Research course that takes advantage of the unspoiled rainforest adjacent to the Moka Wildife Center, a university affiliated research station located in the highlands of Bioko Island. Opportunities exist for student research on topics including primates, antelope, birds, chameleons, butterflies and plants.


• ENVS 411: EQUATORIAL GUINEA: Field Methods in Tropical Ecology (3 quarter credits = 2 semester credits) A lecture and field excursion course based at the University of Equatorial Guinea (UNGE) combining instruction in standard methods for studying rainforest communities (expedition planning;GPS and mapping, forest diversity and productivity; wildlife population monitoring) with multi-day field experiences in Bioko Island's remote protected areas.


• ENVS 412: EQUATORIAL GUINEA: Natural Resource Economics (4.5 quarter credits = 3 semester credits) A lecture course that combines instruction in the economic implications of natural resourcees (renewable and non-renewable resources, efficient utilization, market performance, government controls, sustainability and discounting) with a university-wide guest lecture series addressing local issues.


• ENVS 413: EQUATORIAL GUINEA : Society and Environment (4.5 quarter credits = 3 semester credits) A lecture and community outreach course based at UNGE that combines instruction in mankind's relationship with the natural environment (human population, natural resources, environmental degradation, pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change) with environmental outreach activities specific to Equatorial Guinea.


• LANG 180: SPANISH LANGUAGE AND AFRICAN CULTURE IN EQUATORIAL GUINEA. (4.0 quarter credits = ~3 semester credits) A lecture and discussion course that explores the social and cultural traditions of Equatorial Guinea through readings of significant works (poetry, fiction, social and cultural commentary) in Spanish by Equatoguinea authors.

Students typically take 4 or 5 courses for a total of 18 to 22 quarter credits (= 12 to 15 semester credits) during each 11-week term. There are opportunities for service learning, especially teaching English as a Second Language, as well as volunteering in local schools, clinics and at BBPP's Moka Wildlife Center.

The environmental sciences courses in the program are taught in English and the professors (some US citizens; some Equatoguinean citizens) typically have advanced degrees from accredited universities in the United States. The Spanish language course is taught in Spanish, by a bilingual (Spanish and English) Equatoguinean professor.

Language

While all coursework on this program will be in English, the national language of Equatorial Guinea is Spanish, thus students are required to have one year of university level Spanish (Spanish 103) or the equivalent or several years of university level French, the second language of Equatorial Guinea.  

To advance their language skills more quickly before studying abroad, Drexel students should consider taking more language courses during their freshman summer vacation term or on campus during their co-op terms. For more information please contact Modern Languages Program at 215-895-5816.

Students are encouraged to continue taking Spanish while they are in Equatorial Guinea by enrolling in Lang 180: Spanish Language and African Culture in Equatorial Guinea.

Grading

Drexel students will receive Drexel credits and Drexel grades. The grades will be tabulated in their GPA.

Visiting students will receive one official Drexel transcript sent directly to your home institution. It is your responsibility to make sure that you understand how you will receive credit for the work you do on Bioko Island. Please check with your study abroad and academic advisors before you leave in order to avoid future disappointment.

Housing

Students live in tents while on the Field Research in Tropical Ecology course, and while on the Southern Beaches field trip (Field Methods in Tropical Ecology), a total of about 4 weeks of the program, but during the rest of the program live in a group house. The house is located in the Los Angeles section of Malabo on a busy street 4 minutes walk from the University. The house has hot water, electricity, A/C, and intermittent email. Every student is issued a cell phone, thus there is no land line in the house. In prior years the group has employed a maid/cook to clean, purchase food, and prepare meals. This cost is not included in the program fee. Students should budget about $450 on communal fund expenses (breakfast, dinner, occasional lunch).

Fall 2008 Calendar

• Thursday September 18, 2008; Leave USA
• Friday September 19, 2008: Arrive in Malabo, EG
• Saturday December 13, 2008: Leave Malabo, EG
• Sunday December 14, 2008, arrive in USA

Cost

Drexel Students

Drexel students pay their regular Drexel tuition plus an additional program fee of $4200. This fee covers housing, orientation and in-country field trips including the 3 week Moka expedition

The program fee does not include meals, health and accident insurance, books, personal property/travel insurance, and immunizations or airfare to and from Equatorial Guinea. Drexel students can use all of their Drexel financial aid to help pay for the program.

Visiting Students

The 2008/09 program fee for visiting students of $14,200 includes tuition, housing, orientation, and in-country field trips including the 3 week Moka expedition as well as a Drexel University transcript.

The program fee does not include meals, health and accident insurance books, personal property/travel insurance, and immunizations or travel to and from Equatorial Guinea. Check with your study abroad office to see if you can use your federal financial aid or other aid to help pay for the cost of this program.

Please look at the budget portion of the program brochure (top of the page) for more information.

Visas

US Citizens are not required to have a visa to enter Equatorial Guinea but non US citizens will have to obtain a visa. The consulate of Equatorial Guinea is located in Washington DC. You will work directly with Drexel?s study abroad office as well as The National University of Equatorial Guinea in order to facilitate the visa issuing process. This process may take 6-8 weeks so students should act early.

Scholarships

Drexel students: This is a Drexel sponsored program, thus all of your financial aid travels with you.

Visiting students: You should be able to use your federal financial aid to help defray the costs of this program. Please fax all consortium agreements to the attention of Daniela Ascarelli, Director Drexel Study Abroad at the following fax number: 215-895-6184. Check with your study abroad office to see if you can use your home school financial aid to help pay for the cost of this program.

All students: If you are interested in seeking additional funding please take a look at our PDF on  Scholarship & Funding Opportunities. Remember that scholarship deadlines may be much earlier than study abroad deadlines, so plan accordingly.

More Information

Contact Study Abroad at Drexel University (Daniela Ascarelli 215-895-6280) or Dr. Gail Hearn (215) 895 1476.