Ecuador Interdisciplinary Community Development
Interdisciplinary students and a Waorani family collaborate in the Ecuadorian Amazon to develop culturally and environmentally sensitive infrastructure.
Student Lead - Spencer Burgan
The Waorani are a small group of indigenous people in the Ecuadorian Amazonian Basin. As the areas around them have begun to develop, they have become more interested in the idea of developing their economy. In early 2024 a leader of a Waorani family reached out to BYU researchers for help in creating infrastructure to support their efforts in development. In Fall 2024, an interdisciplinary group of BYU students will spend two months with and around this Waorani family co-designing infrastructure. The students, from deliberately different disciplines, will aim to make any future construction minimally environmentally intrusive, architecturally appropriate, and culturally sensitive.
Engineering
One of the key disciplines involved in the project is civil and construction engineering. By leveraging international best practices in construction safety, efficiency, and stakeholder engagement, we aim to enhance the project's sustainability and ensure its successful replication.
Biology
The biology focus of the cabin construction project involves assessing the environmental impact on the local ecosystem. This includes sample testing and analysis of the materials used in construction to ensure the project adheres to sustainable practices and minimizes disruption to the surrounding environment. The project also measures the before-and-after impact on local species and light filtration, helping to track changes in biodiversity and natural light. Additionally, it incorporates learning about the Waorani's perspectives on the environment, ensuring that their knowledge and values are respected in the process.
