Building Resilient Communities through the Outdoor Recreation Economy - Graduate Certificate

How can communities ensure that outdoor recreation-focused development is not something that happens to them, but rather is something that builds upon community strengths and assets and reflects the needs and wants of its members? What skills, knowledge, and tools do communities need to have at their disposal to inspire action and take charge of their future and become more livable, resilient and sustainable? This certificate addresses these questions by examining how communities can build their capacity for change through the outdoor recreation economy and take proactive steps to improve their economic prospects and quality of life. Examples of the many and varied strategies and tools for outdoor recreation development, alongside the various benefits and challenges associated with its implementation, are also examined. Focus is given to community-led and focused economic development, sustainable destination management best practices, and the important role that outdoor recreation can play in addressing equity and quality of life issues within marginalized and disadvantaged communities, all of which are central to the creation of resilient and engaged communities.

Requirements

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the program, students will be able to:

• Understand social, cultural, and economic foundations of outdoor recreation economy communities.
• Develop knowledge of the macro- and micro-economic factors behind economic transitions in communities.
• Learn about community economic and business development theory and practice.
• Develop an understanding of the strategies and tactics to successfully transition local economies, including the tools to do so.
• Learn the skills to build community capacity and strengthen civic engagement to assist communities take greater control of their future.