Cuando la tecnología no tenga nada más que ofrecer al hombre, aun continuará la naturaleza mostrándole sus maravillas. (When technology has nothing more for man, then nature will go on showing him her wonders.) -Eduardo Arango

The nature tourism industry is critically dependent upon guides and interpreters that introduce wildlife viewers to the wonders of nature. Tour operators, nature lodges, parks, sanctuaries, and nature centers are all dependent upon a trained staff of guides. However, while most guides are often talented natural historians, this is much more to being a nature guide then being able to correctly identify a specific bird or butterfly. Therefore Fermata Inc. has developed a two-day nature guide curriculum that address issues including ethics, first aid and safety, field skills, and hospitality. The following is a general outline of this important service that our firm offers.

What is Nature Tourism?

How does it differ from:

Consumptive tourism (fishing, butterfly collecting)?
Other forms of Non-consumptive tourism (religious/historical/beach) sightseeing?

Understanding the client: Who are nature tourists?

Demographic base?
Economic base?
What are their goals/payoffs?

Collecting countries
Photography
Bird listing, etc.

What is Resource-driven Nature Tourism?

Define Resource-driven

How does the guide contribute to the successful Nature Tourism experience?

Breaking The Language Barrier

How much English/French/German are you willing to learn?

Minimal conversational skills

Making people feel comfortable
Dinner conservation
Lectures
Field communication

Interpreting the environment

Making the tourist part of the Natural World and visa versa

Ethical challenges

What are the ethical challenges facing the nature tourist?

Habitat overuse because of successful operations (when to stay at home?)
Floral/faunal abuse to see target species (too many feet on the trail)

What are the ethical challenges facing the guide?

Habitat overuse due to successful operations (when to rest a habitat/tour?)

Regulating group size

Floral/faunal abuse to see target species (When to "ignore" a target species? Cut the vine to see a bird?)

Interpersonal relationships with clients (The Great White Hunter Syndrome–Pros and Cons)

Interpersonal relationships with other tour leaders ("This dusky-skinned maiden will be helping me on the trails")

Special treatment for various clients (photographers)

How can the guide minimize these ethical challenges?

Does calling in birds minimize habitat damage?

Safety Issues

Scaring off clients

Which problems are discussed up front? (Anticipating the Kosher, low fat, salt free, vegetarian, diabetic, in-flight meal)
Legal ramifications?

Age related

What's Too old/Too young?

"Did Stephie leave the island with us?"
"That was a tough climb, Dick . . . . . .Dick?

How rigorous should the day/tour be?
Sun/Heat related

Plant/animal related

Large mammals, snakes, invertebrates
Thorns, nettles, sap, etc.

Vehicle related
Altitude related

Fieldcraft

Natural History Training (Jack of all trades vs. focused expertise)

What does the resource demand?

Resources

Classes
Books/Videos
Apprenticeship

The guide's field tools

Books
Tape recorder/tapes
Optical equipment
Maps and compass

First Aid Training

Resources

Classes
Books
Local hospitals/clinics

Minimal requirements

Sprains and breaks
Altitude-related illness
Parasites and diseases
Sun/heat/dehydration

When and how to evacuate? (see complainers-below)

Trip insurance
Liability insurance

Psychological Training

Dealing with elderly people (Where's my room?)
Dealing with rich people (Where's the bidet?)
Dealing with city people (Where's the elevator?)
Dealing with complainers (Where's the bar?)
Dealing with spouses (Is my husband/wife still on the trail?)
Dealing with shoppers (Is his blow gun for sale?)
Dealing with "naturalist newbies" (Oh, I have to focus them?)
Dealing with loss victims (widows/widowers/newly divorced)

(See The Great White Hunter Syndrome above)

Dealing with your significant other (you're leading another tour?)

Keeping clients happy/interested

Rainy day activities
Lectures and slide shows
Nighttime activities

Burnout

When is enough, enough?
Keeping it fresh