The Expedition

View a map of Tanzania or view an itinerary of the trip.

Students who have taken part in the conservation forensics program at High Tech High have been instrumental in class publications on the marine conservation and restoration of San Diego Bay. These students will be chosen to become ambassadors for the trip to Tanzania. Students will further their education of the bushmeat crisis, extending their knowledge past the scientific process of DNA extraction and into the culture and political views involved with the bushmeat trade. HTH is a member of the Jane Goodall Institute's global Roots & Shoots Program, a program first started in Tanzania, dedicated to promoting foreword environmental action for young adults. The HTH Roots and Shoots students have met Jane Goodall for the past five years and Dr. Goodall has written a foreword in three of the HTH books on San Diego Bay.

Even the most elegant creatures are affected by poaching.

In January 2008, High Tech High students will initiate contact with a Tanzanian Roots & Shoots Program to begin discussions on the bushmeat DNA study. In addition to collaboration with the Roots & Shoots group, students will continue to develop a conference that will be held at Mweka College of African Wildlife Management focusing on presentations made by HTH students and researchers in Tanzania, addressing the ongoing bushmeat crisis. Prior to the journey, HTH students will learn Kiswahili and conduct extensive research on conservation biology of rare and threatened fauna in East Africa. Throughout the planning phases of the expedition, extensive fundraising for the Bushmeat Project will be carried out in the San Diego community for the balance of funds.

In June 2008, Dr. Vavra and HTH student representatives will fly to Tanzania to begin an exchange of ideas to combat the illegal bushmeat trade. The initial meeting is intended as a means to promote cultural understanding, inform students and residents of the dangers from the bushmeat crisis, promote new methods of bushmeat monitoring and identification, and establish a foundation for future international collaboration on the African bushmeat crisis. During the expedition the students will maintain an online report of the bushmeat crisis in East Africa and their experiences. Upon return to San Diego, students will create a compilation of the trip for presentations implementing a new methodology of species identification.

It is difficult to ensure that increased awareness and novel approaches in conservation forensics will have a direct or immediate effect on the bushmeat crisis. However, education is the first step towards change and forward thinking which are crucial in order to solve an issue of such complexity as the bushmeat crisis.

Conservation Outcomes Expected From This Project:

*Use of DNA barcoding to identify and monitor source locations impacted by the illegal commercial bushmeat trade

*Development of a localized network of Tanzanian environmental groups to implement the barcoding technology

*Increased awareness of the bushmeat crisis in Africa by the Tanzanian population

*Increased awareness of the bushmeat crisis by the American public through further study and publication of current and future HTH projects dealing with conservation forensics

*Development of corporate partnerships to facilitate necessary funding for future project advancement

Learn about the native language: Swahili!

Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Lesson 3

Participants

Dr. Jay Vavra, Biotechnology and Conservation Forensics Teacher, High Tech High San Diego,  
Director of the African Bushmeat Expedition

"I visited East Africa, lived with some Maasai, and fell in love with the landscape, people, and the incredible diversity of wildlife. Research collaboration with Oliver Ryder, and inspiration by Jane Goodall, made me dream about integrating biotechnology and conservation science to improve existing conditions in Africa. The work of my students, and support from collaborators, has made this dream possible."

Rachel Bouffard, 12th grade HTH student
Artist of the African Bushmeat Expedition

"Once I had experienced the kinds of technology available at High Tech High with Dr. Vavra, I realized that there are many other places in the world that could use this kind of technology to create a world of good. When the African Bushmeat Expedition was put forth as an opportunity, I immediately wanted to join in and help make a difference."

Alex Bozzette, 12th grade HTH student
Journalist of the African Bushmeat Expedition

“I am very interested in pathology and am amazed how few people know of the connections between some of the most notorious pathogens to impact humanity and their relationship to African bushmeat. My involvement in this project will hopefully assist in spreading this awareness and preventing further outbreaks.”

Sean Curtice, 12th grade HTH student
Journalist & Photographer of the African Bushmeat Expedition,
Jane Goodall Institute Global Youth Summit participant

"I want to do what I can to help preserve the world's precious biodiversity, and stopping the illegal bushmeat trade will be a decisive victory towards that goal. I look forward to the opportunities presented by the African Bushmeat Expedition and I hope to make a unique contribution through my newly-established connection to the Jane Goodall Institute. Long live the Light-footed Clapper Rail!"

Beth Jacobs, 11th grade HTH student

“I have been passionate about wildlife conservation ever since I can remember. Currently, I am interning with Joan Embery and assisting her with captive exotic animals and her mission of conservation education. This collaboration should be very beneficial in our pursuits to educate others about the wildlife being affected by the bushmeat crisis.”

Megan Morikawa, 12th grade HTH student


"When I began my science fair project working on an alternative means of DNA preservation, I saw that its applications were numerous. I thought ‘if students here in San Diego can identify the species of a trace sample in an in-house lab, why can’t students in Africa?’ With the incredible resources at High Tech High, that speculation became a reality. In this pilot expedition, we hope to send the message that conservation is a concept anyone and everyone can work towards.”

Steve Pye, 11th grade HTH student
Photographer of the African Bushmeat Expedition

“I have worked as a park ranger assistant in San Diego and over the years have developed an interest for nature. This project in East Africa will definitely fit my combined passion for photography and animal life.”

Elise Schultheis, 12th Grade HTH student
Journalist & Photographer of the African Bushmeat Expedition

"After learning about the Bushmeat crisis and carrying out the DNA barcoding method in Dr. Vavra’s class, I wanted to know how I could take the skills I gained and apply them beyond the walls of the classroom.  The African Bushmeat Expedition is the perfect opportunity for me to do so; I'm excited at the chance to take what I have learned and share my knowledge in a place where it is especially relevant and needed."

Zac Sheffer, 12th grade HTH student
Videographer of the African Bushmeat Expedition

"Being the videographer of this expedition I will be a link between the world; and the places, people and wildlife during our planning and trip phases of this expedition. It is great that we have already interviewed Roots & Shoots coordinators from Tanzania and produced a video for Jane Goodall’s upcoming visit.”