Ecotourism

What is Ecotourism?
The International Ecotourism Society defines Ecotourism as “purposeful travel to natural areas to understand the culture and natural history of the environment, taking care not to alter the integrity of the ecosystem while producing economic opportunities that make the conservation of natural resources beneficial to local people.”

Course Requirements

Course 1
Introduction to Ecotourism Planning Management
This distance learning course provides an overview of ecotourism planning and management concepts and principles. The course has been recently updated to reflect current trends in travel and tourism and advances in the concept and practice of sustainable ecotourism development.

The course includes eight distinct modules plus case studies and practical examples. Short assignments for each module and a final exam will provide the basis for evaluation and grading. Course material introduces the student to the history, concepts, principles, and guidelines behind the phenomenon of ecological tourism, knowledge of the ecotourism market and tips for marketing the ecotourist, and practical applications for planning and managing ecotourism development activities that conserve natural resources and provide community economic benefits.

NRPI x218 (4 units optional)
EENC x060,
$500 + $144 for credit

_______________________________________________________
Course 2
Issues of Sustainability and Responsibility - Directed Readings
Directed readings address a range of issues and opinions on the principles of “sustainability” and “responsibility” as applied to ecotourism. The student will prepare five essays on the most important points emphasized in each reading and describe the contribution or applicability to the student’s interest in ecotourism.

Course 3
Ecotourism Project Implementation - Directed Study
This course involves each student in a special ecological tourism study project. For example, ecotourism projects can include developing an itinerary for ecotourists, a marketing plan for specific regions, communities, tour companies and ecolodge facilities, and interpretive and education programs for ecotourists, among others. Building upon the material presented in Courses 1 and 2, three options will be available for the student to complete the course:

Option 1, select a project subject from a list provided by the instructor;
Option 2, self-select a project subject;
Option 3, participate in an instructor-approved ecotour and relate the travel experience to a project in the context of ecotourism principles.

The instructor will communicate with the students on a regular basis to define the study plan, review progress, provide feedback and direction, and evaluate results. The course will require background reading and research, discussion, drafts, and a final report. Communication will involve telephone, FAX, mail and e-mail.

NRPI x418 (3 units, optional),
EENC x066
$350 + $108 for credit

_______________________________________________________

About the Instructor
Michael Sweeney, AICP, Director of the Institute for Ecological Tourism at HSU, is a certified environmental planner and active ecotourist, having traveled and worked in national parks and protected areas in Mexico, Central and South America, Africa, Alaska, and the continental United States. With over 30 years experience in tourism planning, he emphasizes the principles of sustainable and responsible tourism development.

Sweeney has provided consulting and advisory services for a variety of ecotourism-related projects including a prototype for sustainable resort development in Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico; a feasibility study of a destination ecolodge for the Yurok Tribe, Klamath, California; a sustainable tourism development strategy for the City of Arcata, California focusing on birding enthusiasts; an evaluation of the “Scarlet Macaw Trail Project,” a community-based ecotourism model in northern Guatemala sponsored by Conservation International; and, strategic planning with ecotourism and adventure travel specialists in Guatemala. ecotour@humboldt.edu