Key lessons learned by teaching ecotourism to undergraduate students in Bogotá's urban wetlands

ABSTRACT

Education is a key aspect for wetland conservation. Education-based research is urgently required in wetland ecosystems worldwide. International cooperation in research and sound ecotourism initiatives are key to promote wetland conservation on a global scale. In the current investigation, we explore key lessons that can be learned by teaching ecotourism in Santa María del Lago, Cordoba, and Guaymaral wetlands in Bogotá, Colombia. We focus on seven ecotourism-related components associated with environmental and educational aspects. We analyze these components and generate key lessons for teaching ecotourism in wetland ecosystems. These lessons can serve as an example for the creation of similar courses in other contexts.

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to L. Marien for her valuable support and to J. Miller for her suggestions.