- Level Foundation
- Course by University of Copenhagen
-
Offered by
About
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.Modules
1.1 Case: Tourism impact on the environment on Zanzibar
1
Videos
- Tourism impact on the environment on Zanzibar
1
Readings
- Optional reading
1.2 Global trends in Tourism
1
Assignment
- Global trends in tourism
1
Videos
- Global trends in tourism
2
Readings
- Mandatory reading
- Optional reading
1.3 Tourism and the global sustainability agenda
1
Assignment
- Tourism and the global sustainability agenda
1
Videos
- Tourism and the global sustainability agenda
2
Readings
- Mandatory reading
- Optional reading
1.4 The impacts of tourism on local communities
1
Assignment
- The impacts of tourism on local communities
1
Videos
- The impacts of tourism on local communities
2
Readings
- Mandatory reading
- Optional reading
1.5 International hotel certifications
1
Assignment
- International hotel certifications
1
Videos
- International hotel certifications
2
Readings
- Mandatory reading
- Optional reading
1.6 Discussion
1
Discussions
- How can tourism benefit communities living at the destination?
2.1 Impacts of tourism and human activity on the marine environment
1
Assignment
- Impacts of tourism and human activity on the marine environment
1
Videos
- Impacts of tourism and human activity on the marine environment
2
Readings
- Mandatory reading
- Optional reading
2.2 Tourism development and the health of coral reefs
1
Assignment
- Tourism development and the health of coral reefs
1
Videos
- Tourism development and the health of coral reefs
2
Readings
- Mandatory reading
- Optional reading
2.3 Tourism and freshwater demands
1
Assignment
- Tourism and freshwater demands
1
Videos
- Tourism and freshwater demands
2
Readings
- Mandatory reading
- Optional reading
2.4 Saltwater intrusion and the impact upon freshwater supplies
1
Assignment
- Saltwater intrusion and the impact upon freshwater supplies
1
Videos
- Saltwater intrusion and the impact upon freshwater supplies
2
Readings
- Mandatory reading
- Optional reading
3.1 Tourism - a major generator of solid waste
1
Assignment
- Tourism - a major generator of solid waste
1
Videos
- Tourism - a major generator of solid waste
2
Readings
- Mandatory reading
- Optional reading
3.2 Solid waste management on Zanzibar
1
Assignment
- Solid waste management on Zanzibar
1
Videos
- Solid waste management on Zanzibar
2
Readings
- Mandatory reading
- Optional reading
3.3 Control of mosquitoes at tourist destinations
1
Assignment
- Control of mosquitoes at tourist destinations
1
Discussions
- How to reduce human-mosquito contact?
1
Videos
- Control of mosquitoes at tourist destinations
2
Readings
- Mandatory reading
- Optional reading
3.4 The way forward
1
Assignment
- The way forward
1
Videos
- The way forward
2
Readings
- Mandatory reading
- Optional reading
Discussion
1
Discussions
- Your input towards a more sustainable tourism?
3.5 The impact of COVID-19 on the tourism in Zanzibar
1
Discussions
- Can tourism be a platform for overcoming the pandemic?
1
Videos
- The impact of COVID-19 on the tourism in Zanzibar
1
Readings
- Restarting tourism after COVID19
Auto Summary
Explore sustainable tourism with a focus on environmental public health in low-income countries, particularly small island states. This engaging course, led by experts from the University of Copenhagen and the State University of Zanzibar, delves into managing tourism's impact on ecosystems, water resources, and waste. Aligning with key Sustainable Development Goals, it offers practical insights and solutions. Available on Coursera, it caters to beginners and offers starter and professional subscription options. Ideal for those passionate about sustainable development and environmental management.

Flemming Konradsen