Sustainable Tourism – promoting environmental public health
Offered By
Sustainable Tourism – promoting environmental public health
University of Copenhagen
About this Course
4.6
48 ratings
The MOOC introduces learners to key environmental health and natural resources management challenges associated with the rapid growth in international tourist arrivals into low-income countries. Since infrastructural and regulatory capacities in such countries are often limited they are more exposed to the negative implications of such development. The MOOC will present experiences and potential avenues to develop a more sustainable form of tourism.
The Course particularly focuses on the problems and potentials of tourism development in small island states in tropical and sub-tropical settings and highlights the challenges of such development on vulnerable ecosystems. It also highlights how tourism development in Zanzibar results in increased pressure on its marine environment, solid waste management, water resources and control of mosquitoes. These factors will be used as tracers of impacts and areas for future improvement towards a more sustainable form of tourism.
The Course topics also relate to a number of targets under the global Sustainable Development Goals connected especially to Goals 3: “good health and well-being”, 6: “clean water and sanitation”, 14: “life below water” and 17: “partnerships”. Thus, the Course is a continuation of the efforts and discussions raised as part of the 2017 international year of sustainable tourism.
A diversity of perspectives and areas of expertise will be presented by researchers from the University of Copenhagen, State University of Zanzibar, representatives from the hotel sector and international experts in specific areas of sustainable tourism.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
1
Section
Tourism and the global sustainability agenda
This module will present the global trends in tourism and its social and environmental impacts. Policies and strategies aimed at developing a more sustainable form of tourism in low-income countries will be discussed, including the role of sustainability certification systems for hotels and destinations. The importance of tourism to Zanzibar and the environmental health impacts associated with the tourist sector on Zanzibar will be highlighted.
5 videos (Total 60 min), 9 readings, 4 quizzes
5 videos
Global trends in tourism4m
Tourism and the global sustainability agenda12m
The impacts of tourism on local communities13m
International hotel certifications15m
9 readings
Optional reading10m
Mandatory reading10m
Optional reading10m
Mandatory reading10m
Optional reading10m
Mandatory reading10m
Optional reading10m
Mandatory reading10m
Optional reading10m
4 practice exercises
Global trends in tourism10m
Tourism and the global sustainability agenda10m
The impacts of tourism on local communities10m
International hotel certifications10m
2
Section
tourism - a major consumer of freshwater and producer of waste water
This module will highlight the role of hotels, in low-income countries in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world, as significant consumers of freshwater and producers of wastewater. The module will discuss the impacts this may have on the health of the marine ecosystem and the management of the freshwater resources, especially the problem of saltwater intrusion. Zanzibar will be used as a case. The potential of introducing new policies, technologies and management approaches in support of a more sustainable management of water resources will be discussed.
4 videos (Total 44 min), 8 readings, 4 quizzes
4 videos
Tourism development and the health of coral reefs6m
Tourism and freshwater demands12m
Saltwater intrusion and the impact upon freshwater supplies9m
8 readings
Mandatory reading10m
Optional reading10m
Mandatory reading10m
Optional reading10m
Mandatory reading10m
Optional reading10m
Mandatory reading10m
Optional reading10m
4 practice exercises
Impacts of tourism and human activity on the marine environment10m
Tourism development and the health of coral reefs10m
Tourism and freshwater demands10m
Saltwater intrusion and the impact upon freshwater supplies10m
3
Section
PROMOTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The general challenges of managing solid waste generation by the tourist sector will be highlighted and examples provided to explain the scope of the problem. The extent and nature of the obstacles associated with poor solid waste management linked to the tourist sector on Zanzibar will be discussed focusing on the environmental health impacts of waste generation. Policies and private sector initiatives taken to improve waste management will be presented. In particular, environmental management interventions aimed at mosquito control at resorts will be highlighted as an example of how to develop a more sustainable tourist sector.
4 videos (Total 39 min), 8 readings, 4 quizzes
4 videos
Solid waste management on Zanzibar11m
Control of mosquitoes at tourist destinations11m
The way forward10m
8 readings
Mandatory reading10m
Optional reading10m
Mandatory reading10m
Optional reading10m
Mandatory reading10m
Optional reading10m
Mandatory reading10m
Optional reading10m
4 practice exercises
Tourism - a major generator of solid waste10m
Solid waste management on Zanzibar10m
Control of mosquitoes at tourist destinations10m
The way forward10m
4.6
Top Reviews
By DS•May 20th 2018
Very good case-study (Zanzibar). Good examples, interviews and enjoyable readings. Definitely broadens perspective when learning about Tourism.
By KR•Jun 17th 2018
Concepts directly related to actual case study - made it very useful and easy to understand...
Instructor
Flemming Konradsen
Professor, DirectorCopenhagen School of Global Health
About University of Copenhagen
The University of Copenhagen is the oldest University in Denmark - founded in 1479, and with over 38,000 students and more than 9,000 employees. The purpose of the University is to conduct research and provide education to the highest academic level. Based in Denmark's capital city it is one of the top research institutions in Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
Coursera provides universal access to the world’s best education,
partnering with top universities and organizations to offer courses online.
© 2018 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
