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Biology 310: Environmental Issues in Polynesia
Course Description
French Polynesia is composed of five archipelagos representing all types of oceanic islands and 4 distinct Polynesian cultures. It is an ideal region to study as a model for the rest of Polynesia. This course will introduce students to the environmental issues that affect the people on oceanic islands throughout Polynesia by focusing on French Polynesia, but with references to Hawaii, New Zealand, Easter Island, and other Polynesian islands. Two major themes that will run through the lecture and discussion in this course are 1) that islands are both intrinsically vulnerable to environmental problems and at the same time models for larger geographical areas, right up to the global scale, and 2) that environmental problems and solutions are not exclusively modern phenomena.
The course will first cover the natural history of oceanic islands including: geologic formation and development from high islands to atolls; dispersal, establishment, and evolution of organisms on islands; modern biogeography of the Pacific. Then we will investigate the historical impact of the arrival of people on these islands – first the Polynesians and then European and American explorers, missionaries, and colonizers. After establishing a solid natural and historical background we will begin to explore environmental issues that have arisen in the last 100 years and affect these islands today. These include: agricultural pressures, introduction of non-native species, urban development, waste disposal, fisheries, coral reef impacts, and the effects of global warming.
All of these will be examined in the context of an expanding population, a dynamic political landscape, economic development (especially tourism), and a vibrant Polynesian heritage. In the final portion of the course students will meet with government and non-governmental groups to discuss how various environmental problems are being addresses in French Polynesia.
Course Objectives
When you have completed this course you should :
- Gain a basic understanding of the natural history of oceanic islands.
- Be familiar with the affects of Polynesian and European peoples on these islands.
- Know the physical causes and consequences of each of the major environmental issues facing Polynesia today
- Understand the complexity of these issues in the context of modern political economic, and cultural affairs.
- Understand how modern environmental laws and regulations may affect the lives of native peoples in the context of their own culture.
- Experience the role of environmental agencies and NGOs in French Polynesia
Course General Design
This course is designed to combine classroom lectures with readings, and ample field experiences in order to exemplify and reinforce topics covered. All lectures will include plenty of time for discussion and when appropriate guest experts will be invited to add to the lecture and discussion sessions. Field trips will be academic exercises and topics covered in short lectures, group meetings, site inspections, and visits to natural settings will all be incorporated into the learning experience.
Field Trips
- Island Tour of Tahiti
- Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands
- Papenoo Valley Camping (2 nights)
- Moorea Coral Reef
- Papara - Agricultural Research Station
- Government Offices
- Moorea Expedition (2 nights)
Course Grading
Grades in this course will be based on the following :
- Two exams (30% each) 60%
- Report on Field Experience 30%
- Course Participation 10%
The proportion that each of the above contributes to your grade in this course is as follows:
Exams 200 points (100 points each)
Class Report 100
Class Participation 30
TOTAL POINTS 330
Texts
Loban, C. S. and M. Schefter. 1997. Tropical Pacific Island Environments. University of Guam Press, Mangilao, Guam.
Collection of reprints.
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