Urban Agriculture. Photo by Luis F Borrero

Havana, Cuba Dec 2010
Historic Preservation, Urban Agriculture, and Neighborhoods. 
Dates: Dec 12-17, 2010

When the relationship between the US and Cuba changes in the next few years, travel and investment opportunities will open for all US Citizens, greatly impacting the country itself. This is one of the last few opportunities to see Cuba as it has been for the past fifty years. Besides this obvious reason to visit Havana, there are several best practices this city has to offer to the rest of the world. This study tour focuses on historic preservation, urban agriculture, and neighborhoods.

Taller Buildings are allowed on transit corridors

Curitiba, Brazil January 2011
World-Class sustainability with modest means
Curitiba, Brazil proves that with visionary leadership and creativity, a city of modest means can become a world leader in sustainability. Pioneered in Curitiba, Bus Rapid Transit is being implemented in cities throughout the world as an inexpensive and efficient way to get people around. Transit Oriented Development through building heights takes a new meaning in Curitiba. Former quarries have been turned into beautiful lakes and parks to control stormwater. Innovative programs combine waste collection with providing food for the poor. Pedestrian streets have been created as a priority. The city leaders make decisions with a transparent list of sustainability indicators. Curitiba citizens across the financial spectrum enjoy a better quality of life because of sustainable thinking.

Stanley Park, Vancouver. Photo by British Columbia Tourism Office

Victoria Vancouver July 2010
Sustainable Urban Development in the PNW
Vancouver made a strong commitment to sustainable urban development with the advent of the Winter Olympics, creating the most sustainable Olympic Village thus far. But before this, it was already a showcase of best urban practices, with Southeast False Creek, the University of British Columbia, and Grandville Island. Victoria houses one of the most advanced sustainable projects in the world: Dockside Green, and interesting examples of urban agriculture. The program includes visits to these projects, as well as interviews with the people that made it happen.