Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sustainable-tourism
**Course Review: Sustainable Tourism – Promoting Environmental Public Health on Coursera** In an age where conscious consumerism is becoming increasingly vital, the responsibilities of the tourism industry are under scrutiny like never before. Coursera's MOOC, "Sustainable Tourism – Promoting Environmental Public Health," provides an insightful exploration into the pressing environmental health challenges posed by rising tourist numbers in low-income countries. This course is particularly significant as it emphasizes not only the allure of tourism but also its ramifications, making it an essential study for anyone interested in sustainable development and environmental management in the tourism sector. ### Course Overview The course is structured to equip learners with an in-depth understanding of the complex intersection between tourism, environmental health, and resource management. It focuses on countries like Zanzibar, where tourism is both a blessing and a potential curse due to limited infrastructural and regulatory capacity. The beauty of this course lies in its practical approach; it doesn't merely enumerate problems but goes a step further to explore feasible solutions and sustainable practices within the industry. ### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Tourism and the Global Sustainability Agenda** This introductory module lays the groundwork by discussing global tourism trends and their social, economic, and environmental impacts. It dives deep into policy frameworks and strategies that can steer tourism towards sustainability, underlining the significance of sustainability certification for hotels and destinations. Particularly engaging is the spotlight on Zanzibar, illustrating how the tourism sector can significantly impact environmental health. The case studies presented offer learners a relatable context, showcasing real-world applications of theoretical principles. 2. **Tourism: A Major Consumer of Freshwater and Producer of Wastewater** Here, the course focuses on the vital issue of water management within the tourism sector. By analyzing the case of Zanzibar, learners will understand how hotels in tropical regions can deplete freshwater resources while contributing to wastewater challenges. This module discusses saltwater intrusion and its implications for local ecosystems, encouraging learners to think critically about water use and management strategies in hospitality. The introduction of potential policy changes and innovative technologies promotes engagement and consideration of sustainable practices. 3. **Promoting the Environment** The final module tackles solid waste management, a crucial aspect of environmental health often overlooked in tourism discussions. It covers the scope of waste generation in the tourist sector and highlights the consequences of inadequate management practices, particularly on Zanzibar. The course offers valuable case studies illustrating successful waste management initiatives and the importance of environmental interventions, such as mosquito control in resorts. This module empowers learners with strategies and ideas to advocate for and implement sustainable practices within their communities. ### Learning Experience The course structure is well-organized and user-friendly, making sophisticated concepts accessible to all learners, regardless of their background. Engaging video lectures, interactive quizzes, and well-curated readings provide a comprehensive learning experience, while forums for discussion foster a sense of community among participants. Experts in the field present their insights, enriching the educational journey and allowing learners to gain industry-relevant knowledge from seasoned practitioners. ### Recommendation "Sustainable Tourism – Promoting Environmental Public Health" is highly recommended for professionals and students in tourism, environmental science, public health, and sustainable development. It provides valuable insights into managing the delicate balance between tourism growth and environmental sustainability, particularly in vulnerable regions. Additionally, anyone with a keen interest in understanding the implications of tourism on local health and resources will find this course enlightening. In conclusion, this MOOC is not just an academic endeavor; it is a call to action for future leaders in the tourism sector to shape a more sustainable and responsible industry. Enroll today and take a significant step towards understanding how you can contribute to promoting sustainable tourism practices that benefit both people and the planet.
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 waterThis 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 environmentThe 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.
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 proble
I want to appreciate my Mentor Mr. Flemming Konradsen for providing such a pleasant learning experience through this course. This will surely enlighten our career in a positive direction.\n\nThank You
I found the course to be very informative and gives a lot of insight about some serious issues regarding environmental problems related to tourism. It was a very good learning platform.
Great course materials and easy to understand. Gives clear idea about of importance of sustainable tourism and role played by us to contribute back to the community which we live in.
I learned a lot regarding the topic of sustainable tourism, Thanks for the excellence of the professor who gives every little detail pertaining to the topic. It was indeed a very knowleageable course.
Tourism is a catalyst of change especially in the environmental aspect. I have learned a lot with this course and an eye opener for me as a government tourism influencer. Thank you.