This unit provides you with the knowledge and practical skills to prepare management plans for protected areas. Particular emphasis will be given to accessing and deploying information; community engagement and collaboration; and developing plans that support an adaptive approach to management. The cultural contexts of management planning will be considered, with a particular focus on the perspectives of Indigenous Australians. The unit includes an option of a 5-day field trip that gives students experience in preparing a management plan using the "Open standards" planning process. This is a highly recommended experience that includes working with other conservation professionals from around the country and is often a course highlight for students. For students enrolled in any GSS course the cost of the field trip is an additional small fee for accommodation and meals (cost varies from year to year but contact unit coordinator for expected fee, as an indicative cost it is typically around $500). For students enrolled in courses outside of GSS the full cost of field trip must be paid (cost varies from year to year but as an indication it is ~$1,200). For offshore candidates and those domestic candidates who choose not to attend the field trip, the "Open standards" planning process will be taught on-line via a virtual field exercise.