Diploma in Ecotourism

Purpose

The Diploma in Ecotourism is intended to provide entry-level vocational preparation and applied specialisation in the ecotourism field. Qualifying learners would be competent in using a variety of technical, management and practical skills in the daily operations of an ecotourism establishment. The qualification offers an appropriate balance of theoretical and practical knowledge and skills, and the inclusion of a work-integrated learning component ensures that qualifying learners are better prepared to enter the world of work. Furthermore, the qualification design was informed by the need to offer learning and career pathways to learners, with opportunities for articulation across institutions, both nationally and internationally.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to

• Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the field of ecotourism and the ability to apply the knowledge to the various facets of ecotourism.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the ecotourism industry's requirement for ethical and professional practice, conduct and procedures.
• Apply relevant ecotourism knowledge and skills to identify, analyse, and resolve ecotourism-related problems and challenges.
• Communicate ecotourism related information both orally and in writing, using appropriate technology, language, structure, style, and graphical and diagrammatic support.
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of the application of information technology within the ecotourism contexts to improve business processes, procedures, and operational efficiencies.

The positions in which learners can be employed upon completion of the qualification include the following: Sustainable Tourism Project Officers; Park Rangers (Interpretation); Sustainable Tourism Programme Managers; Ecotourism Officers; Naturalist Field Teachers; Conservation Officers Protected Areas Project Management Specialists; Ecotourism Marketing Consultants; Wildlife Conservation Coordinators; Wetlands Marketing Managers; Wildlife Tourism Strategic Plan Consultants Recreation Sustainability Coordinators; Tour Guides; Heritage Site Managers, and Nature Recreation Planners.

Rationale

In terms of a directive from the Ministry of Higher Education and Training, the last date for registering new learners on non-HEQSF aligned qualifications will be January 2019 for annual courses. Instead of aligning the existing National Diploma in Ecotourism with the HEQSF, the institution deemed it prudent to develop a new qualification to replace the National Diploma in Ecotourism. Tourism is very important for the South African and global economy, in terms of direct and indirect employment and contribution to GDP. Moreover, tourism has a tremendous multiplier effect over other economic sectors, and the tourism sector in South Africa (SA) is forecast to grow even larger. Tourist arrivals to South Africa continue to grow every year, and its direct and indirect contribution to SA's gross domestic product (GDP) is approximately R323 billion annually, which constitutes approximately 9.5% of total GDP.

The tourism sector supports over 1.4 million jobs, representing some 10% of total employment in the country. If tourism is to reach its full potential in terms of contributing to socio-economic development, job creation and business opportunities, an adequately skilled workforce is imperative.

Ecotourism is a branch of tourism that is directed towards the conservation of natural environments and the protection of the local communities against exploitation by tourists. This distinct branch of tourism is important due to its ability to make a significant contribution to vulnerable and finite natural environmental resources, thus contributing positively to the environmental, social, cultural, and economic well-being of destinations and local communities around the world. Offering market-linked long-term solutions, ecotourism provides effective economic incentives for conserving and enhancing bio-cultural diversity and helps protect the natural and cultural heritage of our planet. By increasing capacity building opportunities, ecotourism is also an effective vehicle for empowering local communities around the world to fight against poverty and to achieve sustainable development. Furthermore, ecotourism provides the impetus to assist in greening the tourism industry. Thus, the Diploma in Ecotourism will address the need for knowledgeable and skilled employees in the growing field of Ecotourism.

According to the International Ecotourism Society (2017), nature-based tourism/ecotourism is a growing segment of the global tourism industry, and it is making a significant positive contribution to the environmental, social, cultural, and economic well-being of destinations and local communities around the world.

The National Development Plan (NDP) states that education is the critical enabler for economic development and growth in South Africa; it also defines learners' identity; enables them to take control of their own lives; raise healthy families and plays a meaningful role in the broader development of our society. The Diploma in Ecotourism will meet the needs of the ecotourism industry for skilled employees, as well as contribute to the socio-economic development and growth of the country.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.

Or

• Higher Certificate in Ecotourism Management, NQF Level 5, granting access to Diploma Studies.

Or

• A relevant Advanced Certificate in the related field, NQF Level 6.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 368 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits.

• Cornerstone 101, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Technology, 12 Credits.
• Business Communication and Information Systems, 16 Credits.
• Principles of Sustainable Ecotourism Development, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Natural Resources Management, 16 Credits.
• Principles of Ecotourism Management, 16 Credits.
• Principles of Ecotourism Marketing, 16 Credits.
• Fundamentals of Plant Biology, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 144 Credits.

• Sustainable Ecotourism Development 2a, 16 Credits.
• Natural Resources Management 2a, 16 Credits.
• Ecotourism Management 2a, 16 Credits.
• Ecotourism Marketing, 16 Credits.
• Sustainable Ecotourism Development 2b, 16 Credits.
• Natural Resources Management 2b, 16 Credits.
• Ecotourism Management 2b, 16 Credits.
• Biology 2: Animal Studies, 16 Credits.
• Sustainable Ecotourism Development 3,16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 104 Credits

• Nature Guiding and Interpretation, 16 Credits.
• Ecotourism Management 3, 16 Credits.
• Service Excellence and Work Preparedness, 12 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship,12 Credits.
• Work-Integrated Learning, 48 Credits.

1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the field of ecotourism and the ability to apply the knowledge to the various facets of ecotourism.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the ecotourism industry's requirement for ethical and professional practice, conduct and procedures.
3. Demonstrate the ability to apply relevant ecotourism knowledge and skills to identify, analyse, and resolve ecotourism-related problems and challenges.
4. Communicate ecotourism related information both orally and in writing, using appropriate technology, language, structure, style, and graphical and diagrammatic support.
5. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the application of information technology within the ecotourism contexts to improve business processes, procedures, and operational efficiencies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Discuss and apply detailed knowledge of the main areas within the field of ecotourism.
• Understand the key concepts, principles, and facts of unfamiliar but related case studies and situations.
• Discuss and apply related theories to case studies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Discuss and identify ecotourism ethics in case of studies and during industry visits.
• Discuss ecotourism professional conduct in class and during guest lectures and industry visits.
• Apply and discuss knowledge of the legislation pertaining to the ecotourism industry in case studies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Apply ecotourism knowledge to identify problems presented in cases studies and identified during industry visits.
• Apply ecotourism knowledge and skills to analyse industry problems presented in case of studies and during industry visits.
• Use ecotourism knowledge to suggest possible solutions to address ecotourism problems as presented in case of studies and during industry visits.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Use a variety of technologies to effectively communicate ecotourism information in class and during industry visits, both orally and in writing.
• Use appropriate styles and language to communicate ecotourism information coherently and concisely.
• Use appropriate language structure and graphical and diagrammatic support to communicate ecotourism information.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Use appropriate software programmes to communicate effectively with ecotourism stakeholders.
• Use appropriate software programmes for guest bookings and the generation of invoices.

Integrated Assessment

These integrated assessments will make use of a range of formative and summative assessments and may include written assignments/projects, written tests, and case studies.

Aligned to the institution's Assessment Policy, regarding integrated assessments for the qualification

• The assessments will be aligned with the stated learning outcomes for the qualification.
• Appropriate assessment tools will be used to establish that learners have achieved the stated learning outcomes;
• Assessment will be systematic, regular, and formative, and feedback to the learners about their progress toward exit level competence will be timeous and constructive.
• The assessment practices will be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable, and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever.

The integrated assessments will make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools to assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies, and include simulations, practicals, written assignments, written tests, case studies, and case presentations. The assessment of work-integrated learning will require learners to apply the knowledge and skills acquired from all of the modules in the qualification.