Graduate Certificate in Ecotourism Impact Assessment
Published on June 24, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm thrilled to have Dr. Jane Smith with us. She's an expert in ecotourism and is here to discuss a fascinating course she teaches, the Graduate Certificate in Ecotourism Impact Assessment. Dr. Smith, can you tell us a bit about this program? GUEST: Absolutely! This program helps professionals conduct thorough environmental impact assessments for ecotourism projects. It covers social, economic, and environmental impacts, and delves into sustainable tourism planning and management. HOST: That sounds comprehensive. How does your personal experience in the field influence your teaching of this course? GUEST: I've worked on numerous ecotourism projects worldwide, and I bring those real-world experiences into the classroom. I believe it's crucial for students to understand the practical applications of what they're learning. HOST: What are some current trends in sustainable tourism that you're seeing? GUEST: There's a growing emphasis on responsible travel and reducing the carbon footprint of tourism. Additionally, local communities are increasingly being recognized as key stakeholders in ecotourism development. HOST: That's great to hear. But there must be challenges in this field, especially when it comes to impact assessments. Can you share some of those? GUEST: Sure. Balancing the needs of conservation, local communities, and tourism development can be tricky. Also, there's often a lack of standardized methodologies for impact assessments, which can lead to inconsistencies. HOST: How do you address those challenges in your course? GUEST: We explore various methodologies and case studies, encouraging students to think critically and find innovative solutions. We also emphasize the importance of community engagement and participation. HOST: Looking to the future, where do you see the field of ecotourism heading? GUEST: I believe we'll see more focus on regenerative tourism, where ecotourism not only minimizes negative impacts but also contributes positively to local ecosystems and communities. HOST: That's an exciting outlook. Thank you, Dr. Smith, for sharing your insights and experiences with us today. If you're interested in contributing to sustainable ecotourism, I encourage you to check out the Graduate Certificate in Ecotourism Impact Assessment. Until next time, keep exploring!
