OVERVIEW
Nature and biodiversity are sources of inspiration, relaxation, rejuvenation, beauty and
serenity. Some of these functions have motivated researchers to study biodiversity in the context
of tourism development. Ecotourism while still at a relatively modest level of development in
the region provides opportunities as well as challenges for the sustainable use of biodiversity.
However, biodiversity is under serious threat from unsustainable exploitation, pollution and
land-use changes throughout Central and Eastern Europe. Environmentally sustainable
investments in the ecotourism sector could produce vital benefits to communities and provide an
important and viable alternative to investments with negative biodiversity impacts.
Tourism has had an impact on the flora and fauna distribution. This impact can be
positive or negative, direct or indirect, temporary or permanent, local or global. Tourism has
been able to contribute to raising awareness about the value of nature and biodiversity, as well as
of their conservation. Tourism development is also the way to promote the conservation of
natural entities, which is one of the ways to conserve biodiversity as well. Tourism has often
been labelled as an activity without a negative impact, i.e. as a 'clean industry', although it might
have a negative impact on the flora and fauna diversity. What is meant by this mainly refers to
transport, accommodation and tourism activities, which, undoubtedly, have an impact on flora
and fauna distribution.
At this point it is necessary to address ten important issues which the responsible parties
should consider when establishing the coordination between tourism activity and biodiversity
conservation (especially in the protected areas of the Upper Danube Region, Fruška Gora and
Djerdap), encouraging the development of that activity especially within the scope of nature
tourism or ecotourism.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to familiarize attendees with the concept of sustainable, naturebased tourism and the integration of sustainable business practices into tourism and hotel
operations. Attendees will develop the ability to critically evaluate the impacts tourism creates
and provide some solutions to mitigate those. Different types of sustainable tourism, including
eco tourism will be discussed.
The theoretical knowledge will be illustrated through a variety of case studies from
around the world. Field trips will allow attendees to gain a rare insight into successful business
practices.