Environmental Sustainability Program in Kosovo

The Balkans Environmental Peace building and Sustainability program facilitates student participants' exploration of a unique mountain culture in a post-conflict setting. Beginning in Washington, D.C. students learn about international environmental conservation efforts within organizations such as the Wilson Center, Conservation International and the National Park Service. Students then travel to Kosovo, Montenegro, and Albania, visiting both rural and urban areas of each country. There participants learn about relevant topics at the national and local level, such as ecotourism, sustainability, conflict and peace- all within the conflict of environmental peace building. This is particularly interesting and useful to both participants and stakeholders given the history of communism and conflict in this region. Students lodge in a range of accommodations, spend time hiking and exploring local sites, and get a taste of mountain culture hospitality.