It is essential to learn how the concept of sustainable tourism (ST) arose and developed globally, and what is the contribution of ecotourism and nature-based tourism to the sustainability of an activity with a large ecological footprint, such as tourism. After learning the basic definitions and principles of ecotourism, it should be possible to understand how, and under what conditions, can ecotourism generate income for local communities, and contribute to the protection of the environment and conservation of biodiversity. It is important to consolidate knowledge about resources, products, management practices and opportunities in this tourism subsector.
Students will acquire skills to assess situations, obtain information, develop critical capacity and creativity, to plan and manage recreational activities in natural areas, in accordance with the basic principles of the ST, and to know how to minimize the impacts inherent to these activities. Develop interpersonal openness skills and social skills in approaching stakeholders and regulatory bodies, which allow them to analyze specific situations.
1. Sustainable tourism
2. Definition of ecotourism and nature-based tourism
3. Ecotourism as an ecosystem service
There will be a combined learning strategy, integrating synchronous and asynchronous elements, using a learning management system that will support the digital hosting of contents and its use and exploitation by the students.
Students will use their time outside the classroom in a useful and directed way, in order to enhance the interaction with the teacher in the synchronous component, thus avoiding merely expository classes. The exploration of contents in small groups, will be supported by digital technologies. Classes will be directed to a discussion between pairs of previously prepared topics, and clarification of doubts. The presentation of concepts will be supported by scientific literature, using ppt presentations and digital content. The application of knowledge in an activity in the field with local tour operators, will be valued.
The evaluation will include an individual written report that evaluates the application, to new situations, practice of the theoretical knowledge acquired.
Eagles, P.F.J., McCool, S.F. & Haynes, C.D. (2002). Sustainable tourism in protected areas: guidelines for planning and management. IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA). xv, 183p.
Fennell, D.A. (2008). Ecotourism (Ed. 3). Taylor & Francis e-Library, 282 pp.
Hill, J. & Gale, T. (Eds.) (2009). Ecotourism and Environmental Sustainability: Principles and Practice. 259 pp. ISBN 978 0 7546 7621 8 (ebook)
Jurowski, C., (2010). Nature and Ecotourism Experience Classification Schema. International CHRIE Conference-Refereed Track. 27. https://scholarworks.umass.edu/refereed/CHRIE_2010/Friday/27
Kiper, T. (2013). Role of Ecotourism in Sustainable Development (Chapter 31). In: Advances in Landscape Architecture, 773-802 pp.
Lothar Gündling, Horst Korn & Rudolf Specht (Eds.) (2000). Report of the International Expert Workshop "Case Studies on Sustainable Tourism and Biological Diversity". German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, 191+XII pp.
Cabral, F.M.L. (2020). Sustentabilidade do ecoturismo nos Açores: Caso da ilha de São Miguel. Tese de mestrado em Gestão, Católica Porto Business School, Porto. 118 pp.
Oliveira, D.R. (2019). O Geoparque Açores: impactes do turismo na conservação ambiental – estudo de caso São Miguel e Graciosa. Tese de mestrado em Gestão do Território, FCSH/UNL, Lisboa. 85 pp.
Silva, F.A.S. (2013). Turismo na natureza como base do desenvolvimento turístico responsável nos Açores. Doutoramento em Geografia, IGOT/UNL, Lisboa. 413 pp.
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