Learn Ecotourism in Victoria, British Columbia

The IUCN definition of ecotourism is “environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural features - both past and present) that promotes conservation, has low negative visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local populations� Ecotourism is a specialty segment of nature tourism. Nature tourism has been increasing at an annual rate between 10-30 percent a year. Specifically, areas within ecotourism that students might focus on include:
Creating direct links between the economic benefits of ecotourism and the protection of biodiversity, so that local residents who earn their living from ecotourism are more likely to protect their natural resources and support conservation efforts.
Integration of ecotourism policies into sustainable development plans and frameworks, land use planning, use of natural parks and protected areas, balance between development and conservation objectives in policies, development agency programs on ecotourism and their role in funding major pipeline investments related to ecotourism, plans for human resource development in ecotourism.

Course will introduce students to the history, concepts, principles, marketing, planning and management of ecotourism activities and development. Winter & Summer