COURSE DESCRIPTION

Hello and welcome to the online course from Mamo Mezemir Campus, Ambo University, titled "Ecotourism Principles and Approach" (Course Code: NaRM321). This course is tailored for online learning and provides comprehensive course materials, including reading notes, articles, books, diagrams, graphs, videos, assignments, quizzes, and other supportive documents. Engaging with these resources will help you familiarize yourself with the course content and ensure a smooth learning experience. 

In this course we will explore ecotourism through scientific evidence. The course introduces the concept of ecotourism and its distinct features from the ordinary tourism or mass tourism industry. It explores the recent development and promotion of ecotourism as a modern approach to sustainable natural resource utilization, nature conservation, economic promotion, social well-being, and sustainable tourism business development. It also examines the positive impacts of ecotourism on social, economic, environmental, and other aspect on natural resources. It also discusses mitigation strategies to reduce the negative impacts of traditional tourism on nature and society, as well as promotion of ecotourism business through environmentally sound approaches, principles and technologies. Additionally, it introduces new terminologies contrasting ecotourism with conventional tourism. The course highlights the benefits of ecotourism to local communities and its contribution to the conservation of natural resources and protected areas in further. Additionally, it demonstrates the steps involved in preparing an ecotourism management plan, strategies and policies, linking in state agencies, communities, between tourism business partners, and discusses the current Ecotourism business progress in Ethiopian context.

v  Course Code:NaRM321

v  CrHrs/ECTS: 2/3

v  Target students: 3rd year (NaRM students regular program)

v  Academic Year:2024/25, active 2nd semester

This course has no prerequisites. I look forward to spending the next semester with you! 

Course Instractor: Mr Workneh Alemu