Human-Wildlife Coexistence (in Botswana)

This course will explore the complex and often challenging interactions between humans and wildlife. We will examine the ecological, cultural, and historical dimensions of these interactions, as well as the root causes of conflict. We will also discuss multidisciplinary frameworks for understanding and addressing human-wildlife conflict, and we will learn from the lessons of practitioners who are working to promote coexistence. This course will specifically focus on human-wildlife conflict and coexistence in the Southern African nation of Botswana. Students will be required to participate in a 2–3-week field project in Botswana. Students will work on solution-based projects related to human-elephant and human-cheetah coexistence in Botswana. Students will learn about the different methods that are being used to reduce human-wildlife conflict, and they will have the opportunity to participate in the use of some of these methods in the field. Students will work with Ecoexist (Human-Elephant coexistence) and Cheetah Conservation Botswana (Human-Cheetah coexistence).

Students must be comfortable sleeping in a tent.

Students will receive 1 credit in science and fulfill the George school service-learning requirement. IB diploma candidates in the class of 2026 will be able to use this experience for their Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) project. This course is cross-listed as SCI880B. A travel-abroad course, it requires parental consent.

Min-Max Credit Hours: 1.0-1.0