Missouri State University’s College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS) will host a free public lecture at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9. in Temple Hall, Room 002. The program will highlight the college’s geography degree with a concentration in geotourism.

Over the last few years, a new movement has emerged that embraces the impact of tourism on a community, both positive and negative. Geotourism is defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place – its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents.

“Missouri State is the first school in the country to offer this degree to students,” said Linnea Iantria, senior instructor of geography, geology and planning. “The program started here with input from National Geographic, and the university is really behind it.”

The lecture, led by Iantria, will also touch on the initiatives that are intertwined with the program, such as the Home Grown Highway initiative, where students venture to a local community to develop and present tourism strategies.

More information can be found in the Calendar of Events or by contacting Iantria at (417) 836-4486.