Research Project Description: Environmental Sustainability through Recycling in Bolivia Site: Cochabamba, Bolivia Research Topic: Environmental Sustainability / Microenterprise Partner Organization: Foundation for Sustainable Development and Gaia Pacha Description of FSD: Foundation for Sustainable Development is an international development organization that seeks to support communities in achieving their goals through asset-based development and international exchange in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. FSD provides opportunities for students and professionals to engage in real community development work--instead of a typical study abroad or drop-in service project program. FSD’s program sites are in six countries and eight cities, where for more than two decades it has supported more than 300 community partner organizations and trained more than 3,000 volunteers. Its community development efforts have maintained an ongoing project sustainability rate of nearly 80 percent, addressing health, social, environmental, and economic issues by responding to community priorities and offering training, grants, and volunteer support to community partners. Description of community partner: Gaia Pacha is a relatively small organization that focuses on the environment. There are 5 full-time employees, who work with around 5 volunteers year-round. They have a small house that functions as an office and meeting space. They work in a variety of environmental issues, including wildlife preservation, climate change, and agriculture. They have a strong emphasis on environmental education. Social issue: Gaia Pacha works in environmental sustainability. The environment affects many aspects of life in Cochabamba, though many are not always aware to these effects. Gaia Pacha aims to educate the community about the effect they have on the environment and how their interactions with the environment may impact their everyday lives. Impact of project on the community (Community engagement): Currently there is no data to compare about the environment. Gaia Pacha is hoping that through gathering baseline data various communities will help them see what interventions are working and which are not and how each community is affected differently by environmental changes. The research will then be used to educate local communities about their effect on the environment and how to live a more environmentally sustainable life. Additionally, Gaia Pacha would like research to support a new business initiative that will take recycled materials and turn them into crafts. In essence, this would help lessen the amount of solid waste in the community and change community opinion regarding recyclable materials. For example, if you see something as a beautiful wallet rather than trash, you are more likely to think about your actions regarding trash and recycling.

Research project description: Gaia Pacha has strong emphasis on their education program; therefore research can be done in many different areas in order to help create a baseline data for comparison. As part of the research internship, one goal will be to establish data that can be used to compare various aspects of climate change or agricultural production that are positively or negatively affecting the communities in and surrounding Cochabamba. A second research opportunity directly relates to the recycling business initiative mentioned earlier. This research will focus on identifying possible markets and business data for this recyclable material startup. This would include, how many items can be made from certain materials, who would be interested in donating, who would be interested in buying, what should the prices be, what items get best customer response, etc. Methodology: The research would combine quantitative and qualitative methods. Data collection methods will include interviews with project beneficiaries, surveys with clients, and focus groups. However, research interns will work with their on-site mentor to develop the most appropriate tools to conduct effective research with Gaia Pacha. Student profile: The student should have an advanced level of Spanish (not just in reading and writing, but in speaking as well). The language component is crucial to a research project, especially when taking place over a short period of time. Interns should have a background in research methodologies and basic development theory. They should also have a strong background in environmental studies or ecology. If the student is interested in the business research aspect, they should have a strong background in business principles.