GEN1000 Perspectives on General Education
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The module examines the dynamic relationship among the ecosystem, biodiversity and ecological conservation. It provides knowledge foundations for a detailed analysis of ecotourism in the context of environmental conservation and sustainability in Hong Kong. Authentic learning experiences and skills are attained through the Service-Based Learning practical coordinated by local environmental education and service groups and organizations.
Upon completion of this module, students should be able to:
a. Evaluate the dynamic relationship among environmental conservation, sustainability and ecotourism;
b. Critically analyze the World’s current ecotourism development by the key principles of environmental conservation;
c. Establish a positive understanding towards environmental sustainability and social responsibility through fieldworks and group projects.
1. Ecosystem and Biodiversity
1.1 Biological Conservation
1.2 Ecological Restoration
2. Principles of Ecotourism
2.1 Principles on Ecotourism
2.2 Practice of environmentally friendly ecotourism
2.3 Carrying capacity and visitor management
2.4. Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA)
3. Sustainable Tourism Practices
3.1 Protected areas and wildlife conservation in Hong Kong
3.2. Case studies of wildlife conservation programs in the World
3.3. Certification and eco-labelling in tourism
3.4. Overview of global ecotourism trends
Reference materials:
1. Dudgeon. D. and Corlett, R. (2004) The Ecology and Biodiversity of Hong Kong. Hong Kong: Joint Publishing Ltd.
2. Dyke, F.V. (2008) Conservation Biology: Foundations, Concepts, Applications. (2nd ed.). Dordrecht, Netherland: Springer.
3. Higham, J. (2007). Critical Issues in Ecotourism. New York, USA: Routledge.
4. Hill, J.L., & Gale, T. (2009) Ecotourism and environmental sustainability: principles and practice. Farnham, UK: Ashgate Publishing.
5. Honey, M. (2008) Ecotourism and Sustainable Development: Who Owns Paradise? (2nd ed.) Washington DC, USA: Island Press.
6. Hunter Jr. M.L., Gibbs, J.P. (2006) Fundamentals of Conservation Biology (3rd ed.). Oxford, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.
7. Primack, R.B. (2010) Essentials of Conservation Biology (5th ed.). Sunderland, USA: Sinauer Associates.
8. Seba, J. (2011) Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism: New Perspectives and Studies. Waretown, USA: Apple Academic Press.
9. Sharpley, R. (2009) Tourism Development and the Environment: Beyond Sustainability? (Tourism Environment and Development). New York, USA: Earthscan.
10. Wearing, S., & Neil, J. (2009) Ecotourism: impacts, potentials and possibilities, (2nd ed.). Boston, USA: Butterworth-Heinemann.
