Economics lecturer Nesecan Balkan and Gwyn Kirk, a former Jane Watson Irwin Chair in Women's Studies (1999 – 2001), traveled in El Salvador during spring break to observe sustainability projects. They are researching sustainable development in Central America with a focus on El Salvador, a country characterized by great inequality, legacies of colonization, militarism and war; environmental devastation; and the privatization of resources, especially water.
During their stay, Balkan and Kirk visited the Permaculture Institute and a permaculture demonstration farm in La Libertad, grassroots groups in Chalatenango City and Las Vueltas, and initiatives for creating sustainable communities in Santa Ana and the indigenous region of Nahuizalco. They also participated in discussions with faculty and students of the National University in San Salvador and a local NGO in Santa Ana to exchange ideas on sustainable development and learn about local practices.
The research trip was funded by the Blue Moon Fund which supports new economic, cultural and environmental approaches to resource use, energy use and urban development.
