Bird 'guides' to tap into eco-tourism industry

Thursday, 05 June 2008

By Gcina Ntsaluba
Source: BuaNews Online

Nelspruit - Students who recently graduated from the Birdlife South Africa avi-career entrepreneurial programme are set to give the eco-tourism industry a major skills and knowledge boost at "bird guides".

The first group of 17 to complete the one-year birding course will now be able to take tourists on South Africa's numerous birding routes to help them spot the various species.

The course was developed in the United States to create jobs and support small business owners in the eco-tourism and community development sectors.

"Avi-tourism is becoming the second fastest-growing outdoor activities in the world, said manager for guide development at Birdlife SA, Priya Vallabh.

She said the course teaches students how to open their own guide businesses in their communities or gain employment as guides on South Africa's plentiful birding routes,

Eco-tourists are flocking to South Africa to see the country's 900 species of birds.

Formerly known as the bird guide development programme, this Sasol-funded course is accredited with the Tourism and Hospitality Education and Training Authority (THETA).

It offers a basic understanding of what eco-tourism is all about and teaches various business skills such as market research, brand identity, developing and implementing a business plan and managing finances.

One of the graduates, David Letsoalo, from Magoebaskloof, says that he found learning about the birds' characteristics and behaviour the most interesting.

"I am passionate about being a bird guide, my dream is to study further and expand my birding expertise to be able to take tours to different parts of the country," he said.

He was awarded an Eagle Award by executive director of BirdLife SA, Gerhard Verdoorn, in 2007 for his exceptional bird guiding skills and featured in Kaelo - Stories of Hope on SABC 2.

Even though Mr Letsoalo has seen most of the birds more time than he can remember, he always gets as excited as his audience when he spots a new species for the first time.

"Bird guiding is one of the ways local communities in bird-rich areas can earn a sustainable income and help conserve the area's natural heritage," said Pamilla Mudhray, Head of Corporate Social Investment at Sasol.

The programme was jointly facilitated by Birdlife SA, Sasol and Junior Achievers South Africa (JASA). - BuaNews