UC Davis Blum Center for Developing Economies

With fall quarter at UC Davis in full swing, this Blum Fellowship to the Republic of Georgia already seems far away. It is a strange feeling I think, because I distinctly remember that when I first arrived in Tbilisi, I thought a month was going to feel so long, and that I would have a lot of time in Georgia to fully absorb the country. But time passed so rapidly, especially when the training was ending and we were meeting with so many different organizations each day. And now, it has only been a couple of months since I left my friends and students in Georgia, and yet I feel like the trip was long ago.   Figure 1: A view of the capital city, Tbilisi, before sunset. It is an interesting experience, being in a completely new place for four weeks and overwhelmingly receiving information about the political and historical context, the social nuisances, the personal stories, the traditions and recipes, all while working so intimately with a small community like Bediani...

Ostional, Nicaragua August 11 th - 14 th , 2016 After long months of planning and collaborating the UC Davis Blum PASS Grant funded Eco-tourism Guide Workshop has concluded to the tune of a biodiversity dance, laughter and graduation ceremony. The workshop included over 35 course participants, with ranging levels of experience in eco-tourism and leadership. For many, it was their first time exploring a long-held interest in eco-tourism and for others a great opportunity to share important relevant knowledge and further their leadership skills.  Many community members in the Nicaraguan coastal towns of Ostional, Tortuga, Escamequita and El Coco are well aware of the charismatic sea turtle and its international renown. The beaches of La Flor Wildlife Refuge are one of only seven world-wide that host arribadas , or mass arrivals of Olive Ridley sea turtle ( Lepidochelys olivacea ), which is a great tourist attraction. The workshop, which took place over four jam-packed day...