This course introduces students to the concepts, principles and practices of planning and managing protected areas at a global, national, sub-national and local scale. Students will examine a rich body of case studies and develop practical skills through assignments that reflect the expectations of the work place. Topics include: developing and implementing management plans; determining operational needs for park facilities, staffing and budgets; carrying out collaborative approaches, education and interpretive programs; evaluating effectiveness; the historical origins of protected areas and role of Aboriginal peoples; land use planning and alternative land management mechanisms; designing protected area boundaries and systems to account for emerging challenges like climate change; economic value of protected areas and the role of ecotourism; and, consideration of the challenges ahead. Prerequisite: Admission to second-year of the Renewable Resources Management Program.