The Sustainable Tourism Community of Learning and Practice is an initial 16-month virtual and in-person capacity building program, followed by ongoing engagement in the community of learning and practice.  

This program, offered in English, is targeted for individuals involved in efforts to plan and manage tourism and outdoor recreation in protected areas. Co-sponsored by the Center for Protected Area Management (CPAM) and the U.S. Forest Service Office of International Programs, the seminar analyzes how tourism in protected areas can help create public support for conservation, contribute to public health, fund protected area management, and provide economic benefits to local communities and national economies. In addition, this program provides opportunities to think about ways to provide more diverse and inclusive sustainable tourism experiences and to use systems thinking and leadership to position our programs for success. 

Ideal participants will be mid-level professional and technical personnel who work for governmental or nongovernmental conservation and tourism organizations, in academia, in the private sector, and in community-based and indigenous tourism and conservation initiatives in or near protected areas. Good English skills are required.

TESTIMONIALS

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BIBHU GAUTAM Nepal

“The things I have learned in this program are more effective than what any classroom course or university degree can provide. This program will be very fruitful in shaping my career and enhancing my planning and working skills. Apart from that, getting to know other participants from different parts of the globe gave me the opportunity to learn their cultures, their work areas, and their practices in conservation and tourism.”

ITZEL ARISTA Mexico

“This program has been one of the best experiences in my life, both professionally and personally. It helped me understand the way different cultures resolve conservation challenges and it gave me perspective on the situation in my country, my protected area, and where we are headed and why. I plan to give back what I have learned during this program for the benefit of conservation and the enjoyment of protected areas in my country.”

 

RODRIGO OZORIO Brazil

“This program involved visiting 20 US protected areas across 5 states with the fantastic coordination of Jim Barborak, Ryan Finchum and Steve McCool in the company of amazing professionals from 19 countries around the world. This program, offered by Colorado State University in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, is truly a unique event that is making a difference worldwide. Highly recommended!”

 

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