Seminar Design

The Seminar will stimulate deliberations and interactive problem-solving for issues related to protected area and natural resource management. Program activities will take advantage of the rich experiences and multiple cultural perspectives of the participants, as well as the unique heritage and resources available in the Northern Rocky Mountain region.

To experience the opportunities available in the region, the seminar participants will travel to several types of protected areas. During these visits, participants will have opportunities to interact with respected experts in the management of national parks, wildlife refuges, privately held land conservancies, and multiple use forest and grassland reserves.

Seminar Themes

The following four thematic areas will be covered throughout the Seminar: Integrated Planning for Protected Areas; Community Involvement; Tourism, Concessions, and Visitor Management; and Transboundary Management in the Face of Climate Change.

Seminar Expenses

The cost of the Seminar is to be determined for each participant, which will include all instruction, lodging, and food throughout the program. Travel that occurs within the United States during the operation of the program will also be covered by the tuition fee, including air travel from Montana to Washington, DC. Air travel expenses to and from the Seminar are the responsibility of participants and/or their sponsors. Funding for participation is not available from the Seminar organizers.

Seminar Guidelines

The Seminar is a technical and professional course, placing high demands on the attention and contributions of participants.

The course is offered in the English language, so English speaking proficiency is a requirement for course attendance. Each participant will offer a brief presentation on protected area management in their home country, allowing others to recognize the common as well as unique opportunities and challenges facing managers worldwide.

Selection of participants will be based only on professional and technical competency, without regard to gender, race, creed or nationality. During the course of the program, all participants will be considered students of The University of Montana.