Environmental Studies
Florence Elective
Eco-Tourism and Conservation in Natural Reserves
Course Description
With its rich biodiversity and national parks, Italy is a hotspot for eco-tourism. This course
explores the intersection of sustainable tourism and environmental conservation in Italyโs
protected areas, including iconic destinations like the Dolomites, Cinque Terre, and national
parks of the Italian Alps. Students will assess how eco-tourism initiatives support biodiversity
protection, engage local communities, and foster sustainable development. Using Italy as a
living classroom, this course critically examines the promise and complexities of eco-tourism in
a changing climate.
Travel that protects what makes a place worth visiting
Eco-tourism connects livelihoods with conservation. This course advances SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through habitat protection, SDG 8 (Decent Work) via sustainable tourism employment, SDG 11 (Sustainable Communities) in protected-area governance, and SDG 13 (Climate Action) through low-impact travel.
5 Key SDGs Addressed
Key Topics
Principles of eco-tourism and sustainable travel
Conservation efforts in natural parks
Balancing tourism growth with environmental protection
Community engagement in sustainable tourism initiatives
The impact of climate change on natural habitats
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1
Define key principles of eco-tourism and sustainable travel and contextualize them within global conservation e๏ฌorts.
Assessment: Final Reflection Paper.
2
Analyze the ecological and cultural impacts of tourism in Italyโs national parks and protected regions.
Assessment: Field Study Reports and Case Study.
3
Evaluate conservation strategies and community engagement programs in various regions of Italy.
Assessment: Field Study Reports and Case Study.
4
Propose sustainable tourism initiatives that balance environmental protection with local economic benefit.
Assessment: Case Study and Group Project and Presentation.
5
Reflect critically on climate change threats and policy responses in Italy's natural environments.
Assessment: Group Project and Presentation and Final Reflection Paper.
Course Format and Assessment Methods
20%
Participation and Engagement
Active participation in lectures, field visits, and group discussions. Students are expected to engage critically with materials and contribute respectfully to dialogue.
All LOs
20%
Field Study Reports
Students will write two short reports (10% each) that synthesize learnings from on-site visits with course concepts and sustainability principles.
LO 2, 3
15%
Case Study
A 3-page case study that investigates a tourism-conservation conflict or success story in Italy. Emphasis on stakeholder perspectives and ecological outcomes.
LO 2, 3, 4
25%
Group Project and Presentation
Collaborative research and design of a proposed eco-tourism model for a chosen regionin Italy, including stakeholder mapping, environmental analysis, and promotional plan. Final presentations will be shared with the class.
LO 4, 5
20%
Final Reflection Paper
An individual 5โ7-page paper synthesizing field experiences, course themes, and personal growth, with a focus on future applications of sustainable tourism.
All LOs
Course Outline
The course explores eco-tourism from concept to practice โ the ecology of protected areas, the economics and ethics of sustainable travel, and the governance of natural reserves in Italy and beyond.
1
Introduction to Eco-Tourism and Sustainability PrinciplesOverview of eco-tourism concepts, key international frameworks, and history of conservation travel.
2
The Landscape of Italian ConservationItalyโs protected areas, national park system, and regional biodiversity hotspots.
3
Tourism Development and Environmental ImpactCritical look at mass tourism, ecological footprints, and sustainability metrics.
4
Community-Based Tourism ModelsRole of local engagement in conservation e๏ฌorts and rural development.
5
The Dolomites as a UNESCO World Heritage SiteMountain ecosystems, overtourism challenges, and visitor impact management.
6
Climate Change in Italyโs Natural ReservesChanging weather patterns, glacial retreat, forest fires, and climate adaptation strategies.
7
Midterm Field Study Debrief + Case Study PrepDiscussion of field insights, group synthesis, and case study framing.
8
Cinque Terre: Balancing Beauty and SustainabilityPreservation e๏ฌorts in a coastal UNESCO site and marine protected area.
9
Rewilding, Biodiversity and Species ProtectionWildlife corridors, invasive species, and reintroduction e๏ฌorts in Italy.
10
Eco-Lodging, Sustainable Architecture & Green CertificationDesigning eco-friendly accommodations and managing tourism infrastructure.
11
Sustainable Mobility and Trail SystemsPublic transit, bike routes, hiking trails, and low-impact access to natural reserves.
12
Innovation in Eco-TourismTechnology, storytelling, and emerging digital platforms for responsible travel.
13
Final Presentations + Reflective SynthesisGroup project delivery, individual reflection papers, and course wrap-up.
Field Visits and Guest Speakers
Fattoria di Maiano (Maiano Farm) - An organic farm o๏ฌering eco-agriculture experiences, olive oil production, and nature walks.
Villa Bardini Gardens & Boboli Gardens - Historic gardens o๏ฌering insight into landscape design, biodiversity, and the role of green spaces in urban areas.
Mugello Region - Lesser-known area with rural tourism, sustainable farming, and natural reserves.
Chianti Region - Sustainable wine and olive oil producers focused on organic farming and biodiversity.
Val dโOrcia (UNESCO World Heritage Site) - stunning landscape, cultural sustainability, and examples of slow travel and rural revitalization.
WWF Oasis Padule di Fucecchio - Largest inland marsh in Italy, a key birdwatching and biodiversity site.
Using the city as a classroom is an integral element of education abroad, and this course will include several field visits, as well as assignments that prompt student to engage actively with their host context. Class field visits and guest lectures are considered required academic components of the course, and count towards studentsโ participation and engagement grade. Though field visits will vary from term to term, below are representative:
Readings & Resources
Books
Journal Articles
Websites
Multimedia
Fennell, David A. Ecotourism. Routledge, latest edition.
Honey, Martha. Ecotourism and Sustainable Development: Who Owns Paradise? Island Press,
Higham, James E.S., and Michael Lรผck. "Ecotourism: Pondering the Paradoxes." Journal of Ecotourism, 2007.
Eagles, Paul F. J. "Governance of Recreation and Tourism Partnerships in Parks and Protected Areas." Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 2009.
Bertella, Giovanna. "Sustainable Tourism and Natural World Heritage Sites in Italy: A Critical Perspective." Tourism Geographies, 2012.
Weaver, David B. "Comprehensive and Minimalist Dimensions of Ecotourism." Annals of Tourism Research, 2005.
Stronza, Amanda, and William H. Durham. "Ecotourism and Conservation: Two Sides of the Same Coin?" Ecological and Environmental Anthropology, 2008.
Becken, Susanne, and John E.S. Higham. "Theoretical Thinking about Tourism's Global Environmental Impact." Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 2014.
Italian Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security
Federparchi - Italian Parks Federation
UNESCO World Heritage Centre
"The Dolomites: Mountains on the Move" (UNESCO short film)
"Eco-Tourism and Climate Resilience in the Alps" (European Environment Agency video)
Cinque Terre documentary clips (RAI/Italian public broadcasting)