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Population, Health and Environment Study Tours Check out our slideshow on study tours to Ecuador, Madagascar, the Philippines and Ethiopia. The Global Population and Environment Program has co-lead and participated in five international study tours since 2003, to Ecuador ('03), Madagascar ('05), Ethiopia ('07) and twice to the Philippines ('06 and '08). By visiting integrated Population Health Environment (PHE) programs in the field, participants learn about the connections among environmental conservation, population growth, and access to voluntary family planning services. Upon their return, they become pro-active messengers in their communities in support of international family planning and sustainable development policies. These trips provide dedicated population activists with the opportunity to experience first-hand some of the very programs for which they have advocated for years. Photo courtesy of Ian Berry/Magnum In November 2007, staff and volunteers traveled with the National Audubon Society to Ethiopia to witness the conservation, health, and development challenges facing East Africa. The group visited projects funded by local organizations and USAID (the U.S. Agency for International Development) as well as attended a conference titled Population, Health, and Environment: Integrated Development for East Africa. This event was sponsored by the Population Reference Bureau (PRB) and LEM Ethiopia and was held November 14-16, 2007, in Addis Ababa. More than 200 development professionals from around the world, including many from Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia attended the conference. According to one study tour participant, “the trip to Ethiopia was easily the most important trip I have taken in my life. Visiting villages and understanding the problems they face is crucial if we are to convey a meaningful message to others. I have given four presentations about Ethiopia so far, and all have been extremely well received. I know we are building awareness among our members and among the general public who attend our presentations.” Check out the latest Sierra Magazine article on the 2007 Ethiopia Study Tour! Check out a slideshow from famed photojournalist Ian Berry's trip to Ethiopia Photo courtesy of Ian Berry/Magnum In March 2008, staff and volunteers traveled to the Philippines along with the National Audubon Society and the Izaak Walton League of America. As in Ethiopia, our group visited voluntary family planning programs funded by local organizations as well as the U.S. Agency for International Development, and will conduct follow-up outreach consisting of presentations, writing news articles, and contacting decision-makers. Read in-depth articles written by study tour participants! Journey to Ecuador Through the Eyes of a Population Activist (August 2003) Conference on Population, Health and the Environment: Creating a Sustainable Development Plan in the Philippines Activist Trips to Madagascar and the Philippines: The Inspiring Aftermath Sierra Club Activists Visit Ethiopia Read Sierra Magazine articles on study tours A Fine Balance: Cultivating smaller families and healthier farms in Ecuador’s highlands Flora, Fauna, and Families: Spreading health--and love--in Madagascar Life in Abundance: Ethiopia, the cradle of humanity, faces up to family planning Check out our slideshow on study tours to Ecuador, Madagascar, the Philippines and Ethiopia. Up to Top HOME | Email Signup | About Us | Contact Us | Terms of Use | © 2008 Sierra Club