Ecotourism, Sustainable Environments and Community

Course aim

1. Provide students with a conceptual framework for planning and policy options to gain conservation and educational benefits from ecotourism while minimizing negative impacts; and
2. As lifelong travellers, students will be able to make responsible decisions about sustainability and impact through choice of certified and managed eco-travel products.

Course content

Note - this course is only offered in even numbered years.

Historical and philosophical perspective of ecotourism, discussion of authentic definitions versus greenwashing, ecotourism versus mass tourism, product development in natural areas/National Parks, wildlife tourism, Aboriginal tourism, market segmentation, community benefits, socio- cultural impacts, monetary flows, regional economic development, ethics of tourism, international and domestic ecotourism, code of conduct, conservation marketing, National Ecotourism Accreditation Program, future trends.

The class combines theory and practice in examination of the potential and real-world implementation of the ecotourism model. Using extensive case study analysis, the course describes the evolution of ecotourism, and its differentiation from mass tourism and other nature-based tourism activities. Students learn about ecotourism within the context of the sustainability paradigm, with emphasis on the host community. Through preparation of an ecotourism plan --- product development, management, and impacts of ecotourism --- students take an ecotourism idea from initial conceptualization to marketing. The class provides a decision-making context for students to choose a sustainable, certified travel product during their lifetime.

Textbook(s)

Nil

Prerequisite(s)

Students must undertake one of the following courses before enrolling in this course: Environment: A Human Perspective (ENVT 1013), Understanding Travel and Tourism (TOUR 1001), or Foundations of Outdoor Leadership (HLTH 2024).

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Component	Duration
INTERNAL, MAWSON LAKES (INTENSIVE)
Lecture	5 hours x 7 days
Practical	2.5 hours x 7 days
Field Placement (Fieldwork)	1 full day x 1 day
Field Placement (Fieldwork)	1/2 day x 2 days

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Group presentation, Test, Written paper

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 2)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
How to determine the relevant non award tuition fee. (Opens new window)

Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.