Higher Certificate in Ecotourism Management

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to enhance the employability of learners by providing them with the basic knowledge and skills pertaining to ecotourism, which will enable them to occupy junior/entry-level or support positions in the ecotourism sector. Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be equipped with the appropriate knowledge and skills to work as assistants to Tourism Project Officers, Heritage Site Managers, and Park Rangers; trainee tour/field guides, trainee conservation officers.

All the modules in the qualification were coherently planned, in terms of content, credits, purpose and outcomes, so that they were aligned to the needs of the ecotourism industry for employees with basic ecotourism knowledge and skills. While the fundamental modules in the qualification, namely, Business Communication and Information Literacy; Introduction to Technology; Cornerstone 101, and Service Excellence and Work Preparedness address the need for general knowledge and skills required in the workplace, the remaining seven modules address the need for foundational knowledge and skills in the field of ecotourism. Thus, the qualification prepares learners for employment in entry-level or support positions in the ecotourism industry.

Rationale

Tourism is very important for the South African and global economy, in terms of direct and indirect employment and contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Moreover, tourism has a tremendous multiplier effect over other economic sectors, and the tourism sector in South Africa is forecast to grow even larger. An adequately skilled workforce is imperative, if tourism is to reach its potential of contributing to socio-economic development, job creation and business opportunities. According to the Tourism Annual Report (2014-2015), tourism makes a substantial contribution to economic growth and social development. Tourist arrivals to South Africa continue to grow every year. Its direct and indirect contribution to South Africa's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is approximately R323 billion annually, which constitutes approximately 9.5% of total Gross domestic product (GDP). The tourism sector supports over 1.4 million jobs, representing some 10% of total employment in the country.

Ecotourism is a branch of tourism that is directed towards conservation of natural environments and protection of the local communities against exploitation by tourists. This distinct branch of tourism is important due its ability to make 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 Higher Certificate in Ecotourism Management will address the need for knowledgeable and skilled employees in the growing field of ecotourism.

According to the National Development Plan (NDP) 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. In the above regard, the Higher Certificate in Ecotourism Management will not only improve the employment prospects of the qualifying learners, but it will also contribute towards meeting the needs of the tourism sector for employees at entry-level/junior or support positions with basic ecotourism knowledge and skills, thereby contributing to the socio-economic growth and development in South Africa.

Moreover, the qualification will broaden access to a tertiary education for many people, as the minimum admission criteria are lower than that for the Diploma in Ecotourism. Upon completion of the Higher Certificate in Ecotourism Management, learners will be able to articulate into the Diploma in Ecotourism, or into other cognate Advanced Certificate and Diploma qualifications.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an RPL policy in place that allows learners access to Higher Education by recognising their prior learning (completed qualifications, short courses and work experience). Credits/exemption may be granted for some modules in the programme, and/or admission may be granted into the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements are

• National Senior Certificate (NSC).

Or

• Senior Certificate (SC).

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational) NC(V)) at Level 4.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 5 totalling 128 Credits.

Compulsory Modules

• Cornerstone 101, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Technology, 12 Credits.
• Business Communications and Information Literacy, 16 Credits.
• Service Excellence and Work Preparedness, 8 Credits.
• Responsible Tourism, 16 Credits.
• Global Environmental Issues, 8 Credits.
• Field Guiding, 8 Credits.
• Introduction to Environmental Management for Ecotourism, 8 Credits.
• Natural and Cultural Resource Management, 16 Credits.
• Community Engagement Processes, 8 Credits.
• Introduction to Ecotourism for Local Development and Poverty Reduction, 16 Credits.

1. Explain the key concepts, terms, principles, and practices within the field of ecotourism.
2. Apply ecotourism-related knowledge and skills to identify and resolve basic problems in the ecotourism industry.
3. Formulate ethical decisions relating to basic ecotourism-related issues.
4. Communicate basic ecotourism-related information, both in writing and verbally, using appropriate technology, language, structure and style.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Explain rationale for ecotourism and sustainable tourism.
• Define basic ecotourism terms and concepts.
• Identify and discuss ecotourism principles in case studies.
• Identify and explain ecotourism practices from case studies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Use case studies to identify basic ecotourism problems related to biodiversity.
• Discuss possible solutions for problems identified.
• Use case studies to identify issues related to ecotourism and livelihoods of local communities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Use case studies to identify and discuss ethical standards in ecotourism.
• Identify field ethics during field trips and discussed in the classroom.
• Invite guest lectures to share industry ethics and these are assessed in assignments, tests and case studies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Learners use appropriate ecotourism language to communicate information.
• Use relevant print and electronic ecotourism media to present information.
• Effectively use technology to source and communicate ecotourism information.

Integrated Assessment

The Assessment of the fundamental modules will be integrated into the core modules, and the assessment of a number of core modules will be integrated into the practical assessments. 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: written assignments; written tests; case studies and case presentations.