Ecotour Guide Course | Ecology, Conservation & Tour Planning
- Study online | Self-paced course | No deadlines on assignments.
- 10 lessons covering interpretative services, ecology, conservation, plant and animal identification, geology, aquatic environments, land environments and more.
- Assignments include written questions, practical exercises and individual research | Feedback from experienced, expert ecotour tutors.
- Train to offer guided tours, interpretative walks, treks, ecotours etc.
Lesson Structure
There are 10 lessons in this course:
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Ecotourism Basics
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Definition of ecotourism
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Negative ecotourism
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Ecotourist profile
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Administrative concerns
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Safety
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Interpretive Services in Ecotourism
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Interpretation as a key element of ecotourism
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Interpretation techniques
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Sign design
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Ecology and Conservation
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Definition of ecology
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Ecosystem function
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The web of life
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Habitat and niche
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Humans in the environment
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Plant and Animal Classification and Identification
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Classification of organisms
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Basic taxonomy
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Using keys for identification
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Other methods of identification
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Geology/Geomorphology
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Types of rocks
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Types of minerals
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Soils
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Soil formation
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Soil classification
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Interpreting Aquatic Environments
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Marine environments
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Freshwater environments
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Fish
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Shells
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Crustaceans
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Interpreting Land Environments
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Introduction to interpreting land environments
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Relevance of interpreting land environments
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Planning an Ecotour
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Destination
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Transportation
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Accommodation
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Ecotour Displays
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Design concepts
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Zoo design techniques
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Leading an Ecotour
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Advertising
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Group preparation
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Planning the tour
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Group surveys for feedback
Aims
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Develop an ability to analyse the structure of interpretive ecotourism in your country.
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Recognise factors of the environment and their significance to ecotourism.
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Plan an ecotour.
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Create/develop interpretation aids for a selected ecotourism activity.
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Develop a display with an ecotourism theme.
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Determine the specific name of a range of natural features in a selected wilderness area including:
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Birds
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Fish
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Shells
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Other animals
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Plants
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Lead an interpretive tour with an ecotourism theme.
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Develop innovative concepts in interpretation for a selected aquatic ecotourism activity.
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Develop innovative concepts in interpretation for a selected ecotourism activity in a land environment.
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Determine the specific name of a range of natural features in a selected wilderness area including, where appropriate:
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Fossils
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Rocks
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Land formations
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Soil types
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Geothermal features
What You Will Do
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Prepare identification sheets, containing a preserved specimen, a photograph or a drawing; together with a description of the species/type of organism.
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This collection is designed to be the embryo of a resource which you may use as an ongoing aid when designing and conducting interpretive activities.
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You will research the legal and administrative background required to set up an ecotourism venture in your area. You will also look at the marketing and advertising possibilities for this venture.
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Visit a number of interpretive ecotourism facilities.
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Prepare an interpretive activities sheet for an ecotourism group.
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Visit a natural area and classify organisms sighted in a set time period.
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Identify points of interest in a natural area for an ecotourism group.
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Research the lifecycles of a number of plants and animals.
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Design a range of ecotours for ecotourists interested in various natural phenomena.
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Visit an aquatic environment and make observations on the organisms there and any pollution present.
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Identify potential ecotourism activities for a marine area.
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Develop interpretive techniques for minimal environmental impact.
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Attend an ecotour to assess the quantity and quality of information provided.
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Plan an ecotour including the destination, accommodation, transport, catering.
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Construct an ecotour display.
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Plan and lead an ecotour to a group of ecotourists or acquaintances.
What are ecotour activities?
Sometimes they are challenging and active; but wilderness activities do not always need to be dangerous and physically challenging. There are many passive activities that can be undertaken by people that are limited in their ability (or by preference) to undertake more rigorous pursuits.
Activities can be relatively passive and virtually anyone can do, including:
- Bushwalking
- Beachcombing
- Landscape or wildlife photography
- Painting
- Fossicking
- Anthropology or history excursions
- Observing Nature –bird-watching, whale watching, etc.
- Scientific Research
- Orienteering
- Viewing vistas from lookouts
You can enrol on the course now, but if you have any questions about the content of the course or studying with ACS, then please get in touch with us today - use our FREE COURSE COUNSELLING SERVICE to get in touch with our expert tutors. They will be pleased to help you!
