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SALISBURY, MD---Poverty in paradise? Such is the story of many of the people of Central America.

Dr. Alex Aguilar, geography faculty at ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥, speaks on this contrasting lifestyle during the first installment of the Bellavance Honors Program’s fall 2007 “Mind Shrapnel ’n’ Cookies” lecture series 3:30 p.m. Monday, September 17, in the SU Honors House.

The topic of his talk is “Between Two Oceans: People and the Environment in Central America.”

“Central America has been called a continent in miniature,” said Aguilar. “Its many ecosystems range from deserts to rainforests and from coral reefs to alpine grasslands. These diverse landscapes harbor a great deal of biodiversity and natural wealth.

“But within this remarkable backdrop live 35 million people, many of whom eke out a life of poverty while overexploiting their surroundings. At the same time, outsiders also seek to plunder many of the region’s natural resources.”

A discussion of Central American environmental issues follows.

Admission is free and the public is invited. For more information call 410-677-5070 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.