WHAT IS A WILDERNESS GUIDE?

A wilderness guide is a trained and experienced professional with a high level of nature awareness, able to develop, plan and execute outdoor activities during any season in natural areas as specified in its professional profile.

Wilderness Guide’s skills:

Be in complete control of and able to develop and execute multiple-day activities with groups in wilderness areas in a safe way and with a high level of self-sufficiency, according to their level of training, experience, and legal competences.
Being positive about and in possession of a knowledge sharing attitude about living and working in natural environments.
A transmitter of sustainable practices and acting accordingly, minimising environmental impacts.
Is aware and in process of his/her personal development journey while able to transmit and create personal transformation and impact to their clients.
Function as a key figure and communicator in social and culturally sensitive situations – possess a profound understanding of participants´ behaviour and apply leadership techniques efficiently to manage group dynamics.

EWES' CODE OF ETHICS

“Providing and promoting a high standard for responsible and sustainable wilderness guiding in a wide variety of environments, climates and activities”.

Humans seem unique in comparison to all other life forms on earth by being self-aware and aware of their possibilities, limitations and responsibilities. However humans also seem unique in the dimension of impact and influence on the rest of nature. Earth, as the source and base of all life, depends on all lifeforms to be in balance with each other. Engaging in activities in a wilderness setting can be very harmful to nature but also very beneficial, since important lessons and values can more easily be understood in this environment.

As an Association for Wilderness Guides, the WGA reflects this responsibility by choosing the Earth Charter as a base and framework for its ethical code.

1. The common good

The well being and benefit of all parties, directly or indirectly involved, is the highest concern for the WGA and its members (this also includes the rest of the natural world and potential third parties such as local communities).

2. The Earth Charter

The Earth Charter, as the base of the WGA’s ethical code, is to be endorsed by the WGA and its members at all times to the best possible degree.

3. Ecotourism

The elements of ecotourism (nature based, small scale, nature conservation, nature interpretation, active involvement of local communities) are to be endorsed by the WGA and its members at all times to the best possible degree.

4. W.G.A. Standards

The WGA and its members are committed to develop, provide, maintain, guarantee and promote the highest possible standard for wilderness guiding. Services and activities provided by WGA members are following the latest WGA operating- and training standards.

5. Minimal impact

The principles of minimal impact are to be applied by the WGA and its members at all times to the best possible degree.

6. Rules & laws

Local, native and common rules, laws, traditions and procedures are to be respected, followed and applied by the WGA and its members at all times to the best possible degree.

7. Assessments

The WGA and its members constantly assess the safety, quality and environmental impact of all services and activities.

8. Profit

The WGA is a non-profit organisation. WGA guides and members are encouraged to operate according to fair trade principles.

9. Neutral

The WGA and its members present a neutral, open minded, tolerant, fair and friendly position.

10. Engagement

All WGA members are engaged in active support, development, implementation and promotion of the WGA, WGA standards and WGA values.

Courses – Experiences

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