Graduate Certificate in Protected Area Planning

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Protected Area Planning at the University of Tasmania equips students with the knowledge and skills to plan and manage protected areas effectively. The program covers planning practices in various settings and emphasizes community engagement and adaptive management. Graduates are prepared for careers in government, private, and community-based organizations dedicated to preserving protected areas for future generations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Protected Area Planning (K5J) at the University of Tasmania prepares students to develop and implement effective plans for protected areas, ensuring their preservation for future generations. It addresses the need for professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage diverse ecosystems and address global conservation challenges.

Objectives

Upon completing the course, graduates will be able to:

• Analyze and contribute to planning processes for reserve selection
• Design planning processes that support adaptive management
• Prepare protected area management plans
• Plan community engagement processes
• Engage in planning practices informed by theoretical frameworks

Program Description

The program covers planning practices in government, private, and community-based protected areas. It is part of an initiative that aims to establish a protected area learning and research center, which involves collaboration with organizations such as Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service, Tasmanian Land Conservancy, Parks Victoria, Parks Australia, IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas, James Cook University, Murdoch University, and Charles Darwin University.

Outline:

Compulsory Units

• KGA517 Protected Area Planning and Management Systems: Provides a practical understanding of key systems for protected area planning and management.
• KGA531 Protected Area Management Plans: Imparts knowledge and skills to prepare management plans for protected areas, emphasizing community engagement and an adaptive approach.

Careers:

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the program are equipped with planning knowledge and skills sought by government protected area agencies, private and NGO protected area managers, and community-based organizations. The course aligns with international competencies for protected area planners specified by the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas.