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I thought that the experience of interacting with undergraduate students as well as giving them feedback on their projects was extremely enriching. It was very motivating to realize that what we have learnt through the Master program in Global environmental history enables us to provide insights to other students.
I especially enjoyed my discussion with a group of three students who plan to research about the national parks policies in Sweden and the Swedish government’s attitude towards Saami people. Thanks to the research I have been doing regarding Indigenous peoples and conservation policies, I could provide them with insights and I suggested that they compare policies in the United States with policies in Sweden. It inspired me to do more research myself about conservationist policies and indigenous peoples in Sweden.
It was also encouraging when the students told me they did not believe in the illusion of pristine wilderness that should be free of people. This demonstrates that this belief is no longer a reality for my generation which is most promising for the future of conservation.
The other students I talked to were preparing presentations on water management policies, historical ecology, the history malaria as well as other diseases… I thought that once again, my interest in global environmental history has been revived thanks to this mentorship event.
Thank you for the opportunity to participate.
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