Developing Nature-Based Experiences (project) (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Schedule

Programme-at-a-glance: Week 19: 5-9 May, 2025

• Kick-off Zoom Session in April: Introduction of the theme, participants and the pre-asignment - a brief survey among young adults in the countries of participants. Team building

• On-site Day 1: Introduction of the universities, cultural fair, presentations of the pre-assignment. Lecture on the theme animal tourism/sustainability. Team building.
Evening at leisure in Helsinki
• On-site Day 2: Visit to Korkeasaari Zoo, commission and lecture by the zoo curator. Workshops in teams in Korkeasaari. Recreational activities in the evening.
• On-site Day 3: Workshop on the commission with service design tools. Cultural activities in the evening.
• On-site Day 4: Visit to Nuuksio National Park and Haltia, the Finnish Nature Centre. Wellness activities in Nuuksio.
• On-site Day 5: Finalising, practising and presenting the solutions to the commissioner. Reflection and feedback

Haaga-Helia students will be in charge of hosting the international group together with the supervisors and organise some recreational /wellness activities for the group.

Implementation methods, demonstration and Work&Study

This course is blended (some sessions are on Zoom, some are in nature or in Haaga/Porvoo Campus). The course is completed by carrying a real-life development project in groups. It can include guest lectures, company visits, and study excursions to nature. Demonstration of competence as recognition of prior learning, contact competence councelling teacher Niina Moilanen. For more information see Haaga-Helia student pages Recognition of Learning: https://www.haaga-helia.fi/en/recognition-learning

Intro

Welcome to study nature-based tourism, which is one of the fastest growing branches of tourism as people seek wellness and unique experiences in nature to escape their busy everyday life. You will deepen your knowledge of concepts and theories which help you to analyse and develop nature-based tourism business. You will put the knowledge into practice using versatile methods in real-life cases in Finland.

Materials

Books and electronic sources related to nature-based tourism, animal tourism, sustainability.

Teaching methods and instruction

The course will be carried out in form of an international Blended Intensive Programme (BIP): Sustainable animal tourism: the role of sustainable Zoos in tourism

The course will be organised 5-9 May, 2025 every day - mandatory participation to all sessions and activities

Contact lessons on Pasila campus and many viists and workshops


Key Learning Objectives:
- Skills and tools to develop sustainable nature-based experiences
- Sustainability and animal tourism
-Critical thinking and problem solving
-Collaboration and intercultural communication
-Learning from the best practices of the participating countries

Working life connections

Real-life application: Use service design tools to create more versatile and sustainable experiences for visitors of Zoos through a case study where Korkeasaari Zoo works as a commissioner.

Exam dates and re-exam possibilities

No exam

Internationality

The course will carried out with Haaga-Helia partner universities

Learning assignments

Programme Highlights:
1. Intensive workshops: Dive into nature tourism, animal tourism, sustainability, conservation of biodiversity and threatened species through Finnish and international examples.
2. Real-life application: Use service design tools to create more versatile and sustainable experiences for visitors of Zoos through a case study where Korkeasaari Zoo works as a commissioner.
3. Visit to exciting attractions based on nature in Finland: Explore Finnish animal tourism through a visit to Korkeasaari Zoo in Helsinki Korkeasaari Zoo in Helsinki, Finland, Nuuksio National Park Nuuksio National Park - Nationalparks.fi and the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia Haltia - Finnish Nature Centre Haltia
4. Learn together and from each other and engage in recreational and wellbeing activities which support team building and intercultural collaboration.

Assessment methods

Assessment:
-Your deliverables (final presentation with the visuals in groups) will be assessed by all teachers during the intensive week, with final grading by home university teachers.
-Active participation in workshops, visits and all the session.
-Active contribution to hosting of the international group
Peer, self and teacher assessment

Please note that you need to be able to take part in all parts of the programme during the week.