Basic Nature Guide Training Course
Starting from 24th October, 2021 | Apply before 20th October, 2021
The Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) was established in 1996 as a public charitable trust. At NCF, our goal is to contribute to the knowledge and conservation of India’s unique wildlife heritage with innovative research and imaginative solutions. We work in a range of wildlife habitats—from coral reefs and tropical rainforests to the high mountains of the Himalaya. Here, we strive to understand the survival needs of endangered species such as snow leopards and elephants, as well as equally fascinating but lesser-known wildlife such as corals and spiders. Our research also addresses human resource-use and its impacts on wild species and ecosystems. Using this knowledge of wildlife ecology and human society, we design conservation strategies that are locally appropriate. These are implemented in collaboration with local communities who depend the most on natural resources, and the governments that manage them. While promoting wildlife conservation, our programmes also strive to safeguard livelihood and development options for local communities.
This basic-level Online Course is meant for those interested in nature and in exploring a career as a Nature Guide.
The role of a Nature Guide is to conduct informative, ethical, and enjoyable nature excursions for interested people and groups. This Online Course is spread over 31 days (in 10 Learning Sets) and covers topics on Natural History with a special focus on the Western Ghats region and Basic Guiding skills. The course assignments are geared to encourage the participants to explore and learn about the plants and animals in their neighborhoods and develop specific guiding skills. There will be a maximum of 15 participants. Those who attend all live sessions and complete the course requirements will be given a certificate of course completion by NCF.
Who can apply?
Residents of Western Ghats region who wish to build a career as a Nature Guide.
About the Course
- A 31-day, beginner-level course
- Learn the basics of natural history and guiding skills
- Assignments geared to make you learn about nature around you
- Focuses on the Western Ghats in India
- Two live sessions every week
- Field guides will be provided to help you learn
- Maximum of 15 participants
What you Need
- Basic knowledge in English
- Access to a computer/smart-phone and internet
- 8-9 hours every week
- And if possible, a pair of binoculars
Course fee and application
The course is free. However, selected candidates will have to pay Rs. 500 towards study material that will be provided during the course.
Mentors
This is a mentorship course that is led by our experienced naturalist mentors, Payal Mehta andHarsha J. Both have extensive experience as nature guides and trainers across many parts of India and other countries. They will be interacting with the participants throughout the length of the Course.
The course will be conducted in English. Recorded videos have subtitles in Kannada, Tamil and Marathi.
