Sustainable Tourism – promoting environmental public health from Coursera

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. Zanzibar will be in focus during this course and used as a case in order to exemplify how a massive increase of Tourism in a low income and resource poor setting, can increase the vulnerability of the local population.

The Course topics also relate to a number of targets under the global Sustainable Development Goals, especially:

Goals 3: “good health and well-being”

Goals 6: “clean water and sanitation”

Goals 14: “life below water”

Goals 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.

What's inside

Syllabus

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.

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.

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.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides essential background for postgraduate study in tourism management and sustainable vacation hubs

Provides essential knowledge for those working within the field of tourism or development assistance

Covers emerging and widely recognized global issues in tourism

Taught by experienced academics from the University of Copenhagen and State University of Zanzibar

Hands-on discussions with international experts in sustainable tourism

A deep dive study on the island of Zanzibar and its unique nature as a touristic destination

Reviews summary

Tourism and environmental health

Students say learners studying this online course discover the various social, environmental, and economic issues in concern with sustainability of tourism. Extensive resources with case studies helps to understand from theoretical and applied perspective. According to reviews, the course is well received for its concise presentations by experienced instructors. Structured format and engaging delivery with interviews and real examples makes learning enjoyable. Reviewers also commend the opportunities provided to reflect on strategies for more sustainable tourism.

Focusing on the case of Zanzibar as a specific example helps to illustrate course concepts and learning outcomes, according to reviewers.

"This course is really helpful, especially when it have update content about COVID 19."

"Very interesting and well structured course, during the three week's course, I was able to learn a lot."

"Very understanding for someone like me who is not in the tourism sector."

"This course made me know the important of public health and what the relation with tourism industry and how we build this sustainable tourism industry. "

Many reviews highlight the benefits of learning about engaging assignments and difficult exams. The content is largely positive, reviewing the importance of topics such as lectures, readings, assignments, and instructors in the course.

"very satisfited from all sectors ty so much professor Flemming Konradsen"

"Great course to take to learn more about our Environment and how we can improve it."

"This is very valuable course."

"great material very good perspectives by the specialists that made me reflect a lot, much more than i expected!!!"

Some reviewers mention that course materials need updating and that some links to external resources are broken or no longer accessible.

"Very elaborate and highly informative course. All the reading materials provided for both mandatory and optional reading are beneficial."

"A good course to learn about the sustainable tourism and related subject."

"The suggested online materials are not always available and that can actually cause a low performance when taking the tests."

"Some links and readings were broken or a waste of time, but the videos and quizzes gave me a good beginner understanding of sustainable tourism, mainly in Zanzibar."

Environmental issues and impacts of tourism are emphasized in many reviews, including those related to waste management, overcrowding, and policy-level planning.

"The course was very inspirational and informative. Gave me a new perspective and understanding."

"Very informative course. Really enlightens you on the problems the tourism sector causes and what we need to do in the macro and micro level"

"amazing course with updated case base study of Zanzibar."

"This course has helped me to understand the important of public health and what the relation with tourism industry and how we build this sustainable tourism industry. "

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Sustainable Tourism – promoting environmental public health with these activities:

Complete Zanzibar Tourism Quiz

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Test your knowledge of Zanzibar's tourism industry and identify areas where you need further study.

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Take the quiz and answer all questions
Review your results and identify areas for improvement

Review Environmental Health Principles

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Reinforce your understanding of environmental health principles to enhance your comprehension of the health impacts associated with tourism development.

Browse courses on Environmental Health

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Review your notes from previous environmental health courses
Read articles or watch videos on key environmental health concepts
Take practice quizzes or tests

Read Sustainable Tourism: A Multidisciplinary Perspective

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This book offers a comprehensive overview of the key issues associated with sustainable tourism development, providing a strong foundation for understanding the challenges and opportunities of tourism in low-income countries.

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Read the introduction and first three chapters
Take notes on the key concepts and definitions
Identify the main challenges and opportunities for sustainable tourism in low-income countries

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Watch Video on Sustainable Tourism Practices

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Gain insights into sustainable tourism practices implemented in various destinations, offering practical examples for your plan.

Browse courses on Sustainable Tourism

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Search for videos on sustainable tourism practices
Watch at least two videos and take notes

Attend Webinar on Sustainable Tourism in Zanzibar

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Connect with experts and professionals in the field of sustainable tourism and gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in Zanzibar.

Browse courses on Sustainable Tourism

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Search for upcoming webinars on sustainable tourism in Zanzibar
Register for the webinar and attend

Participate in Sustainable Tourism Workshop

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Engage in interactive discussions and hands-on activities to develop practical skills in sustainable tourism planning and implementation.

Browse courses on Sustainable Tourism

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Find a sustainable tourism workshop near you
Register for the workshop and attend
Actively participate in discussions and activities

Join Study Group on Sustainable Tourism

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Collaborate with peers to discuss course materials, share insights, and work on assignments, enhancing your understanding of sustainable tourism.

Browse courses on Sustainable Tourism

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Find or create a study group for sustainable tourism
Meet regularly to discuss assigned topics
Prepare and present summaries of your discussions

Develop a Sustainable Tourism Plan for Zanzibar

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Create a plan that outlines how to develop a more sustainable tourism sector in Zanzibar, considering the environmental, social, and economic impacts of tourism.

Browse courses on Sustainable Tourism

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Research the current state of tourism in Zanzibar
Identify key stakeholders and their interests
Develop specific goals and objectives for tourism development
Create a detailed implementation plan

Career center

Learners who complete Sustainable Tourism – promoting environmental public health will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Health Educator

As a Health Educator, you will be responsible for teaching people about health issues. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to understand the environmental health impacts of tourism, which can have a negative impact on public health. This understanding will be valuable in your work as you develop and implement educational programs to teach people about the environmental health impacts of tourism.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Epidemiologist

As an Epidemiologist, you will be responsible for investigating the causes of disease. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to understand the environmental health impacts of tourism, which can have a negative impact on public health. This understanding will be valuable in your work as you develop and implement research projects to investigate the environmental health impacts of tourism.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Environmental Scientist

As an Environmental Scientist, you will be responsible for conducting research on environmental issues. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to understand the environmental impacts of tourism, which can have a negative impact on the environment. This understanding will be valuable in your work as you develop and implement research projects to study the environmental impacts of tourism.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Sustainability Consultant

As a Sustainability Consultant, you will be responsible for helping organizations to develop and implement sustainable practices. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to understand the environmental impacts of tourism, which can have a negative impact on sustainability. This understanding will be valuable in your work as you help organizations to develop and implement sustainable tourism practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Nonprofit Program Manager

As a Nonprofit Program Manager, you will be responsible for managing programs for nonprofit organizations. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to understand the environmental impacts of tourism, which can have a negative impact on the environment. This understanding will be valuable in your work as you develop and implement programs to promote sustainable tourism.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Program Manager

Water Resources Engineer

As a Water Resources Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and managing water resources systems. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to understand the environmental impacts of tourism, which can have a negative impact on water resources. This understanding will be valuable in your work as you develop and implement plans to protect water resources.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Engineer

International Development Specialist

As an International Development Specialist, you will be responsible for working with developing countries to improve their economic and social conditions. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to understand the environmental impacts of tourism, which can have a negative impact on developing countries. This understanding will be valuable in your work as you develop and implement programs to promote sustainable tourism in developing countries.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Specialist

Environmental Educator

As an Environmental Educator, you will be responsible for teaching people about environmental issues. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to understand the environmental impacts of tourism, which can have a negative impact on the environment. This understanding will be valuable in your work as you develop and implement educational programs to teach people about the environmental impacts of tourism.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Educator

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

As a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, you will be responsible for operating and maintaining wastewater treatment plants. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to understand the environmental impacts of tourism, which can have a negative impact on wastewater treatment plants. This understanding will be valuable in your work as you develop and implement plans to improve wastewater treatment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Environmental Health Scientist

As an Environmental Health Scientist, you will be responsible for protecting the public from environmental hazards. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to understand the environmental health impacts of tourism, which is a major industry in many countries. This understanding will be valuable in your work as you develop and implement policies to protect public health.

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Environmental Lawyer

As an Environmental Lawyer, you will be responsible for representing clients in environmental law cases. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to understand the environmental impacts of tourism, which can have a negative impact on the environment. This understanding will be valuable in your work as you develop and implement legal strategies to protect the environment.

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Natural Resources Manager

As a Natural Resources Manager, you will be responsible for managing natural resources, such as forests, water, and minerals. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to understand the environmental impacts of tourism, which can have a negative impact on natural resources. This understanding will be valuable in your work as you develop and implement policies to protect natural resources.

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Public Health Administrator

As a Public Health Administrator, you will be responsible for planning and implementing public health programs. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to understand the environmental health impacts of tourism, which can have a negative impact on public health. This understanding will be valuable in your work as you develop and implement policies to protect public health.

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Peace Corps Volunteer

As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you will be responsible for working with communities in developing countries to improve their economic and social conditions. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to understand the environmental impacts of tourism, which can have a negative impact on developing countries. This understanding will be valuable in your work as you develop and implement programs to promote sustainable tourism in developing countries.

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Tourism Planner

As a Tourism Planner, you will be responsible for planning and developing tourism destinations. This course may be useful for you because it will help you to understand the environmental impacts of tourism, which can have a negative impact on tourism destinations. This understanding will be valuable in your work as you develop and implement plans to promote sustainable tourism.

See salaries and explore the career path for Tourism Planner