NIC forest technology students got a firsthand look at low-carbon, climate-resilient solutions in Costa Rica.
Students Keelan Gamble, Mason Smith and Kellan Vos, along with instructor Matt Neuwirth, attended a field school in Costa Rica with groups from partner institutions like Coast Mountain College and Northern Lights College from Feb. 22 to March 2.
This trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the students and gave them valuable knowledge and insights on climate action, community resilience and sustainable practices in forestry and other industries, including coffee and cacao production.
While there were environmental issues in Costa Rica—for example, water pollution from plastic—from industry like large-scale forestry or farming, the group did get to see the conservation work happening in the Central American country. Gamble said he wondered if an approach like a collective at the coffee farm they visited could be applied here.
There were many other aspects to the trip that resonated with the students, such as appreciating simplicity more. For Smith, it was the rich scenery and wildlife of Costa Rica.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” he said. “Seeing it in person was awesome.”
Instructor Matt Neuwirth too was inspired by the trip. He noted that there were still areas there that need more work, alongside the efforts to promote conservation. The group also took note of projects to promote Indigenization and make housing for people who need it.
Neuwirth was especially inspired by a guide on the coffee tour who shared valuable insights into the realities of sustainability, including some of its unintended consequences. The guide discussed the challenges and limitations faced by organic farming and permaculture, such as reduced yields, increased pest pressures and the difficulty of balancing ecological ideals with economic viability. The tour highlighted the complexities behind sustainable agriculture and emphasized the importance of critical thinking when evaluating environmental practices.
“I was floored. I had goosebumps when that guy was talking,” Neuwirth said.
He is now looking at his own professional development, as he said there are forestry research opportunities in Costa Rica, including internships during the summer months.
The trip for the students was made possible because of funding via Global Skills Opportunity Scholarship.
The field schools are part of NIC’s Office of Global Engagement, which provides Study Abroad options and co-ordinates education opportunities here for international students.