This course allows students to understand the need for establishing Protected Areas (PA) and provide students with essential concepts, techniques and guidelines in managing PAs. Planning for protected areas management will be a core component of this course, especially the participatory approach. In addition, tools and techniques for implementing protected area management,park interpretation, and human dimensions in PA management will also be emphasized. The course includes a mandatory management tour to four PAs in Sri Lanka combined with a residential workshop to practice community participatory tools in a selected PA.