Students looking for a way to add study abroad, service learning and economic development to their West Virginia University education may want to consider pursuing a certificate in ecotourism, offered by the Recreation, Parks and Tourism Resources program in WVU s Division of Forestry and Natural Resources.

Juniors and seniors may apply, and the program can be completed in one or two years. Only a few applicants are accepted each semester, and applications are due by Oct. 1 for the fall semester.

WVU is part of a consortium of institutions that offers the certificate program.

Ecotourism has become one of the fastest-growing segments of the overall tourism market, and this program will help us to prepare students for exciting jobs in the field,said David Smaldone.

Smaldone, an assistant professor of recreation, parks and tourism resources, acts as WVU s academic consortium adviser.

Ecotourism focuses on responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment and improve the well-being of local people, he explained. Ecotourism providers and professionals strive to minimize impact to the destination, build environmental and cultural awareness and respect among visitors, and provide financial benefits and empowerment for local host communities.

The consortium consists of the International Ecotourism Society (TIES) and four member universities: WVU , Pennsylvania State University, North Carolina State and California Polytechnic. The certificate will be conferred by TIES , the largest and oldest organization in the world dedicated to generating and disseminating information about ecotourism.

TIES currently has members in more than 90 countries. Members include academics, consultants, conservation professionals, organizations, governments, architects, tour operators, lodge owners and managers, general development experts and ecotourists.

This consortium is the first of its kind in the world, and the partnership with TIES lends credibility to this certificate,Smaldone said.

The certificate program follows a flexible and focused curriculum that includes nine hours of course work, a 400-hour field internship focused on ecotourism, a study abroad experience and participation in an internationally focused seminar conducted through TIES .

Smaldone notes that while the certificate program meshes well with the undergraduate recreation, parks and tourism resources curriculum offered by the Davis College, it is open to all WVU students regardless of major.

The certificate program offers students of all majors the opportunity to interact with different cultures and be exposed to new perspectives and beliefs,Smaldone said.

Students will also gain knowledge of the interconnecting, complex and dynamic systems

that make up the fields of tourism and sustainable development. It really intersects numerous fields, including recreation, business, anthropology, environmental planning, geography and natural resources.

For more information on the program and application process, contact Smaldone at 304-293-2941 ext. 2443 or e-mail david.smaldone@mail.wvu.edu .