School of Sustainability Graduate Culminating Experiences
Student capstone and applied projects from ASU's School of Sustainability.
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- All Subjects: Watershed restoration
Description
Borderlands Restoration Network (BRN) is a nonprofit organization based out of Patagonia, Arizona, that partners with borderland communities to grow a restorative economy by rebuilding healthy ecosystems, restoring habitat for wildlife, and reconnecting border communities to the land through shared learning. Borderland communities encompass the southern United States and northern Mexico border, and BRN is centered within the Madrean Archipelago, one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the world. A core program that BRN offers is the Borderlands Earth Care Youth (BECY). This paid internship-style program focuses on educating and training youth between fifteen and twenty to address the growing environmental and sustainability challenges associated with climate change, habitat fragmentation, aridification, and socio-economic injustices. Through the BECY program, BRN provides a critical opportunity for the Arizona communities of Douglas, Patagonia, Nogales, and Rio Rico. The purpose of this program is critical for borderland communities, given the historical marginalization of these communities. This can be seen with the demographics of these communities as the communities of Douglas, Nogales, and Rio Rico are all over 80% Hispanic/Latino identifying, according to the U.S. Census Bureau information from 2020-2022. With the majority of these communities being Hispanic/Latino, the implementation of an environmental education program that accounts for and supports cultural backgrounds and resources is one that is critical.
The advancement of quality education and networking opportunities in these communities helps to create a diverse conservation sector that will further support the restoration economy in borderland communities. In 2018, BRN completed a survey research project and found that ninety-two percent of overall respondents claimed they were inspired by the BECY program to make sustainable changes in their lives. Respondents reported that the program helped them
“To look at the environment differently, [and] the impact humans can have (positive and negative) on other species’ habitats,” and to recognize the benefits of “...the social aspect of community building, as well as the fundamentals of ecosystem and watershed restoration” on their environment (Anonymous Participants, 2018, BRN Program Evaluation).
These statements showcase the importance of BECY in shaping participants’ views of the environment and the role that they each play as stewards.
Over the course of nine months, the JKLM Sustainability Consulting team completed a project for BRN by using sustainability analysis tools and the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) guidelines to provide foundational information and guidance regarding environmental education curriculum development, program evaluation, and program expansion to assist BRN in achieving its youth education program expansion goals. The deliverable of the consultation project was an updated and enhanced BECY curriculum and related activities guide to be used in Summer 2023.
ContributorsSene, Jordan (Author) / Napper, Kayla (Author) / Meeker, Laney (Author) / Fabara, Marshall Morgan (Author)
Created2023-04-26
Description
At a confluence of accelerating climate change, unprecedented technological advancement, and increasing corporate and government transparency, global systems are reaching a level of complexity never seen before. Much about how the future will play out is unknown. But what is clear is the need for a more sustainable structure to all organizations, and only those that are willing and able to adapt will survive. Few industries have a greater need for this change than golf, a sport that has shown significant decline in social and cultural relevance in recent decades due to controversial business practices and varying perspective on environmental impact. Greener Golf seeks to help businesses prepare for this needed level of resiliency.This project sought to address one of the least sustainable industries in one of the least sustainable cities, Phoenix, Arizona. Golf was chosen as the specific focus due to its significant impact on both the landscape of the state and its water reserves. Greener Golf was established as a driving force for sustainability advocacy and education and a platform where golf managers, workers, vendors, players, and entrepreneurs alike can come to learn about sustainability efforts and solutions in the golf world. It also serves to connect a network of like-minded individuals with the common goal of bringing sustainability to the sport they love. With the right vision and partnerships, a robust, adaptable, resilient, and inclusive business model can be achieved, elevating the game for future generations.
ContributorsGinn, David (Writer of accompanying material)
Created2020-05-13