Unit: Tourism in Parks

A significant proportion of tourists in Victoria will visit the vast network of Parks and Waterways managed by Parks Victoria.

This study unit should assist students to develop an understanding of the range of tourist opportunities, the impacts of tourism and some of the management strategies involved in sustainable development.

While this unit is directed particularly at the course requirements for VCE Geography, Outdoor Education and Environmental Studies, the material will also be useful in other levels where there is a focus on tourism, human impact on the environment, recreational activities or public land use.

This unit of study could be used to help satisfy the following learning outcomes in a number of different VCE units. Teachers are advised to check the relevant VCE subject study designs to determine which key knowledge areas are covered by the activities and information provided in the unit. VCE teachers and students might also find useful information in the 'Parks, People and Outdoor Activities' unit.

• Describe and analyse the natural processes and human activities that alter places.
• Predict how natural processes and human activities may alter places.

• Describe and explain the geographic characteristics of resources.
• Evaluate policies designed to manage resource development and use.
• Describe and justify a policy for the future use of a resource, using data collected in the field.

• Describe ways in which humans understand, encounter and respond to nature.

• Explain factors which influence outdoor experiences and their impact on nature.
• Analyse policy and procedures for minimising human impact on natural environments.

• Analyse how particular perceptions and relationships have influenced an outdoor environment.
• Explain the evolution of human-nature relationships and their impact on the contemporary outdoor environment.

• Evaluate practices and strategies for the sustainable interaction of humans and outdoor environments.
• Evaluate processes of decision making which affect the use and sustainability of outdoor environments.

• Analyse one human-induced environmental change and the options for remediation.

• Investigate and report on a local example of environmental degredation or an environmental issue, using an appropriate monitoring program.