Course overview
This course aims to equip learners with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to planning and operation within the park and ecotourism industries. Building upon concepts of sustainability, interconnections and climate adaptation introduced earlier in the program, the course delves into the importance of connection to nature, developing quality visitor experiences, operational realities such as risk and financing, planning, and the challenges inherent in shaping quality park systems and ecotourism services in the future. Learners will work individually and in teams to problem-solve key issues affecting these industries and plan relevant conservation and management strategies that address the challenge of managing for quality visitor experiences while protecting important natural and cultural resources. The course aligns with the program desire to expand the problem-solving and professional responsibility of graduates.
Course learning outcomes
- Justify the need for effective protected area systems on a local and global scale
- Analyse risks and recommend strategies to create safe, meaningful visitor experiences
- Demonstrate ability to create quality visitor and ecotourism experiences and apply appropriate evaluation and monitoring techniques to minimise environmental impacts
- Develop skills relevant to facilitating Aboriginal partnerships in parks, as well as collaboration with industry, community, visitors and volunteers
- Propose solutions to complex park and ecotourism problems or opportunities by demonstrating an understanding of various management techniques and the interconnections among physical, social and economic variables
- Reflect on the future of protected area management and ecotourism operations, both nationally and internationally, by examining past practices, key events and current trends