Author: David Berger
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Free Prior and informed consent (FPIC):
You might have heard the term FPIC floating around more and more in the last few years. It’s been gaining much-needed momentum, especially in regard to indigenous groups, their land rights, international development, and academic research. But what is it? FPIC stands for Free, Prior, and Informed Consent. It’s a concept which ensures that all…
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Ideating my Thesis
I’m in the last phases of my thesis, working on finishing my final draft, and I realize I haven’t really talked about it that much here on the blog! My Master’s thesis is the capstone component of my studies here with the Erasmus Mundus Global Studies program, and I’ve been working on narrowing in it’s…
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ICT4D and Mobile Technologies
continuing my research on mobile technologies and their implementation in development. Specifically, I wanted to expand my understanding of the dangers posed by utilizing and implementing these technologies in support of vulnerable populations. Data, and particularly personally identifiable data, often collected alongside geographic (GPS) data can pose a very real physical threat to community members…
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The Allure of Mobile Technologies in Development: Reflections on Sustainable Development and #mtech
Today, with the rising inequalities in access to services and opportunities, the threats of a changing climate and environment, and the rapid expansion of consumptive production capacities and requisite focus on continued, sustained growth, the need for sustainable practices which minimize or mitigate harm, and empower ownership and investment in local resources is unquestionable.
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Six months in Copenhagen
I arrived in Copenhagen in June of 2016, in the height of summer, with an amazing trip to Myanmar planned in July and the start of studies at the middle of August. Now that those fantastic trips have come to a close, I’m reflecting on an amazing and blessed life. My studies have started at…
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Exploring beautiful Copenhagen
I’ve just arrived here in Copenhagen for the second time in as many months and it is just as wonderful and exciting as I remember. It’s been too long since I’ve had the chance to visit, to really settle in and get comfortable. In winter of 2014, at the end of my contract as a…
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Into Copenhagen!
It was four am, then it was five, and then six. The sun rolled across the horizon and began to climb into the sky. By seven, the bus rolled into the station, and a few minutes later, after a torrent of hot, exhausted bodies purged themselves from the tube of metal, rubber, and plastic, it…
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The move: Wroclaw to Copenhagen
It was early, or maybe it was late. I guess it’s all a matter of perspective. I’d already packed, I’d been packed for a few days. Just the last essentials sitting on my desk. My laptop out, my notebook and kindle on the charger, my travel adapter and wall to USB adapter plugged in. My…
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Sustainable Development and Community Mobilization: Presenting research at the Sixteenth International Conference on Current Issues in Sustainable Development
I was drawn to the conference due to its synergy with Amaterra’s mission of promoting sustainability and conservation, and the focus on generational responsibility for the protection, and maintenance of the environment. A major issue that I faced during my time with the Peace Corps was how to encourage behavior change across generations, and especially…
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Understanding Zambia: History and Reflections Pt III
In February’s segment I wrote a little bit about the history of Zambia, and I touched on nationalization. I wanted to return to that point in today’s reflection on Zambia. Now, public opinion maintains that Kaunda’s decision to nationalize the copper mines was more political than economic. He was advised on multiple fronts that the…