International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue VII, July 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186
Mirriam Sampa Moonga, Charles Namafe and Bernard Chileshe
Department of Language and Social Sciences Education, School of Education, the University of Zambia, Zambia
Abstract: The paper presents a sustainability model that could be used to integrate green concepts and practices into the curricula of tourism and hospitality training institutions of Zambia. The paper is based on the findings that were done in ten tourism and hospitality training institutions that were offering tourism and hospitality training at the time of data collection in Lusaka district. Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews and document study from ten heads of department, fifteen lecturers and ten principals in the different institutions. The major findings of the study were that topics on green concepts and practices either did not exist or were not the area of focus in the curricula. Therefore, the study proposed that specific courses which should be included in the curricula, including conservation of natural resources, keep Zambia clean, green and healthy, waste management and technology, water conservation, energy efficiency, and waste reduction. These courses should be offered from diploma to doctoral levels so that students are able to practice sustainability in the provision of services upon graduation. The study recommended the need for an intentional integration of environment and sustainability education in the curricula of tourism and hospitality training institutions, with a specific focus on green aspects in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Key words: green concepts and practices, sustainability, sustainable education, tourism, hospitality, training institutions
I.INTRODUCTION
The environment has come under threat due to human anthropogenic activities (Hove et al., 2020). Some of the threats include climate change, biodiversity loss, overpopulation, poverty, and competition for limited resources (Department of Environment Water Heritage and the Arts, 2009). This has necessitated advocacy from different stakeholders and well-wishers. Many have turned to environment and sustainability education for a possible solution to this environmental threat (Moonga & Chileshe 2019). In Zambia, this has necessitated the training of environmental educators, in line with the Zambian National Policy on Environment (NPE) and other environmental related policies, to meet these ever-growing environmental challenges (GRZ, 2019).
While this training is desirable for many key sectors of Zambia’s economy, one sector that stands out is the tourism and hospitality industry. The industry is one of the biggest employers and sectors of economic development. Among the