Ecotourism activities have been expanding rapidly over the past two decades world-wide and further growth is expected in the future. Recognising its global importance, the United Nations designated the year 2002 as the UN International Year of Ecotourism, and its Commission on Sustainable Development requested International Agencies, Governments and the Private Sector to undertake supportive activities. The World Tourism Organisation (WTO) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) joined forces to take the leading role in the preparation and co-ordination of activities undertaken at the international level during the Year 2002.

Much has been written about Ecotourism, but there is little consensus about its meaning, due to the many forms in which Ecotourism activities are offered by a larger and a wider variety of operators, and practiced by an even larger array of tourists.

While there is not a universal definition for Ecotourism, its general characteristics can be summarised as follows :

1. All nature-based forms of tourism in which the main motivation of the tourists is the observation and appreciation of nature as well as the traditional cultures prevailing in natural areas.

2. It contains educational as well as interpretational features.

3. It is generally, but not exclusively organised for small groups by specialised and small, locally owned businesses. Foreign operators of varying sizes also plan, organise, operate and/or market Ecotourism related tours, generally for small groups.

4. It minimises negative impacts upon the natural and socio-cultural environment.

5. It supports the protection of natural areas by :

Over the years, it has also become clear that some concerns still need to be wholly addressed in Ecotourism, such as

It is in this context that viewing the reccomendations of the United Nations, the WTO and the UNEP, The Global University has launched for the first time in India a Master of Science Degree with specialisation in Ecotourism for catering to the growing needs of Experts in this field.

Objective : The Two Years Master of Science Degree in Ecotourism being conducted under distance learning has been designed for preparing a competent cadre of Experts in Ecotourism and for meeting the demand of the growing needs of trained manpower in the fields of Ecotourism, Sustainable Tourism, Wildlife Tourism, Eco Event Management, Adventure Tourism, GIS related to Ecotourism, Tourism Economics etc.

Eligibility : Graduates of any discipline. (Arts / Science/ Commerce / Engineering / Agriculture / Business Administration / Computer Applications / Medicine / Law).

Duration : Two years.

Examination : To be conducted every year in June and in December at Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Bhubaneshwar, Bangalore, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, New Delhi, Gangtok, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Imphal, Jaipur, Jammu, Jamshedpur, Kathmandu, Kohima, Kolkata, Kota, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Panjim, Patna, Port Blair, Pune, Ranchi, Raipur, Srinagar, Shimla, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Varanasi and Vishakhapatnam. More examination centres may be established in India as well as in other countries.

Award : Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree with specialisation in Ecotourism will be awarded to the successful participants by The Global University, Raipur.

Subjects :

1. Concepts of Tourism

2. Introduction to Ecotourism

3. Ecotourism Venues and Business

4. Ecotourism Planning and Development

5. Design of Ecotourism Facilities

6. Introduction to Wildlife

7. Wildlife Tourism Resources

8. Human Conflict and Wildlife Conservation

9. Introduction to Remote Sensing and GIS

10. Master's Thesis

6. Ecological, Social and Cultural Aspects

7. Adventure and Geography of Tourism

8. Researching Tourist Satisfaction

9. Introduction to Remote Sensing and GIS

10. Master's Thesis

Study Materials : Printed Lessons will be despatched by The Global University alongwith assignments. The study materials sent by the University are sufficient for acquiring expert knowledge and for final preparation.

Medium of Instruction : Lessons are in English but the students are encouraged to answer the questions in English or in Hindi.

Admission : Interested persons having a Bachelor's Degree or higher qualification in any discipline may fill in the Application Form and send the same alongwith four copies of passport size photograph, xerox copies of all certificates and marks sheets and a bank draft for the first instalment of fee i.e. Rs. 5125 in the name of "The Global University" payable at Raipur. The second instalment of fee i.e. Rs. 5000 is payable before the commencement of second year.

Tuition Fee : Rupees

Admission and Registration Fee 1125.00

First Year Fee @ Rs. 250 pm 3000.00

Examination Fee 1000.00

Total Rs. 5125.00

Second Year Fee @ Rs. 250 pm 3000.00

Assignment and Guidance Fee 1000.00

Examination Fee 1000.00

Total Rs. 5000.00

Social Forestry