Welcome to this course exploring human–nature relations in tourism landscapes, with a focus on nature-based tourism and outdoor recreation. Through key concepts such as environmental sustainability, responsibility, and care, the course invites reflection on the environmental impacts of tourism development. It highlights the interdependence of human and nonhuman well-being and examines diverse ways of engaging with nature in tourism settings. Using walking methodologies as a learning approach, you are encouraged to reflect on your situated experiences and envision more sustainable, ecologically sound tourism futures.
The course introduces past and present trends in tourism and outdoor recreation, particularly in Nordic contexts, and explores how these activities are intertwined with climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. It engages with academic discussions that help rethink human–nature relations in tourism settings. Throughout the online course, students are encouraged to test these ideas in their proximate surroundings. The course aims to broaden understandings of the roles of tourism and outdoor recreation in times of ecological crisis.
- Opettaja
Eeva Raike