Higher Certificate Course in Ecotourism and Nature Interpretation

Synopsis: The Certificate Course in Nature Interpretation and Ecotourism offered by the Center for Sustainability, Department of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura in collaboration with the Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka is designed to train naturalists, eco-interpreters, eco-guides to deliver authentic, environmentally responsible, and professional ecotourism experience to their clients.

Targeted Groups:

• Naturalists/Environmentalists currently employed in tourism sector, and seeking professional training
• Individuals seeking a carrier as Naturalists/ Nature guides
• State-sector officers (such as Department of Wildlife Conservation and Forest Department) in charge of ecotourism/nature-based tourism development
• Park officers/wardens conducting education/outreach programs and nature guiding
• Garden Supervisors / Curators (Zoological and Botanical)
• Educators conducting field excursions to natural areas and conservation educationists
• Tour guides who wish to undertake nature-based tourism
• Students, nature lovers and enthusiasts, volunteers

Method of teaching: The course is designed to have a good blend of classroom facilitation sessions and field sessions conducted in Protected Areas (Nature Reserves and National Parks)

Minimum admission requirements:

Completed GCE A/L in Biology and having a minimum 5 years relevant working experience or
A relevant degree (biology, archaeology, social sciences) or
Any other combination of special qualifications and experience deemed acceptable by the course administrators

Medium of instruction: English (explanations may be provided in Sinhala medium)

Intake: 35 students maximum

Course developers: Dr Priyan Perera, DFES, USJP and Prof. Nihal Dayawansa, Dept of Zoology,  UoC

Course Fee:    Rs. 65,000/= Per Head

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For further Details, Please Contact;

Center for Sustainability: 011 2758414
Trishan: 077 1115565
Piyumi: 077 5430630

Center for Sustainability
Department of Forestry and Environmental Science
University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Phone: +94 11 2758414
Fax: +94 11 2802937
E Mail: sustainability@sjp.ac.lk