GEN1000 Perspectives on General Education
Nil
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. Apply collaboration and teamwork experience and skills from authentic service-based learning opportunities;
c. Critically analyze the current Hong Kong ecotourism development by the key principles of environmental conservation;
d. Establish positive understanding towards the environmental sustainability and the social responsibility through the participation in the ecotourism industry
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 Impacts assessment
3. Service -Based Learning experience
3.1 Principles of service-based learning
3.2 Overview of service providers
3.3 Service-based practical
1. Individual assessment (30 %)
2. Group project (20 %)
3. Assignment (20 %)
4. Reflective Journal (30 %)
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.
