WHAT IS A WILDERNESS GUIDE?

Bram von Blomberg . 3 min read 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. Wilderness Guide Professional Education Courses – Experiences Facebook X-twitter Linkedin Link 100 views  0 comments

SUSTAINABILITY IN MOUNTAIN TOURISM

Anna Gili . 4 min read SUSTAINABILITY IN MOUNTAIN TOURISM MOUNTAIN TOURISM; CAN WE TRULY LEAVE NO TRACE? Living in the 21st century, with all its doom and gloom can be depressing and frustrating. However, an inspiring new narrative is emerging, one that is slowly finding its way into the world of wilderness guiding in Europe. The nature conservation narrative is shifting from trying to save specific species and habitats ad infinitum (with a lot of management and little success to date) to rewilding natural areas, and allowing natural processes to unfold and shape the areas. This gives us a real chance to pass on an enriched rather than a degraded natural heritage to the next generation. It involves trusting in nature’s ability to restore herself, with as little human interference as possible. Greenland, a place of ice and endless mountain landscapes, is one of my favourite inspiring places to understand our relationship and responsibility with nature (ourselves). There I’ve always felt a strong friction between the “modern” world that we are creating and the natural world where the local indigenous Inuit not long ago were living in balance with the laws of nature. A way of living profoundly connected and in agreement with these laws of nature. A place where trash was not trash, but food for the soil and water. Now, Greenland has a serious trash problem, man-made products scattered around that nature can’t swallow. We brought things to the natural world, without education and awareness of the impact. It is our responsibility to understand the natural world and be the soul of the place wherever we stand. WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM NATURE IS TO BE NATURE When we say we go visit nature or natural places, it indicates that we literally take ourselves out of the formula. The only way to restore our non-separable relationship with nature is that we learn again to BE NATURE. A way of being that understands the balance in our relationship with the Earth. HOW DO I GET MYSELF BACK INTO THE NATURE FORMULA? This is an existential question. How do I remember who I am and where I came from? We are programmed in a belief system that builds on the idea that nature is a tool… a means to reach our goals, unaware of the impact and context of the effects that we create. We have achieved to hide the direct visible consequences of our behaviours on far away places and into the future. But now, through accumulation we can’t hide it anymore.It is my conviction that we need to reprogram ourselves again towards a belief system that is in coherence with the laws of nature. And this shift starts within us, we are responsible for the ways we create and decide to walk the path of life and our relationship with the natural world.Ask yourself existential questions: how do I relate myself to nature? What is the footprint of my life into the natural world? What do I have to be, to be an integral part of nature?By asking these questions you can reprogram yourself and accept yourself back into nature. FROM AWARENESS TO ACTION: LEARNING FROM NATURE The whole new Business Plan of EWES is inspired by nature. We are evolving towards an ecosystem based on a living system – a forest. Understanding the interconnecting relationships and functions of all parts, within EWES and the world we relate to. By understanding this relationship, where we don’t want to control but initiate conditions, we serve within Nature and by doing that it intrinsically serves the EWES community. Some of the practices that we already have in place are:   Educating the guides and partners to give them the necessary tools and mindset to develop their own practices sustainably. Leave any place as a better place, serving what is needed. Relationship building with all stakeholders and create alignment on combined strategies. We offer small scale in nature experiences (no mass tourism) We offer experiences that invite to learn and built relationship with the natural surroundings. We promote healthy and sustainable living in our community All our community members work from home We evolve learning from the principles of nature   Practices that we are improving and developing:   Create a clear action plan around footprint in relation with the positive impact that we create by doing the things we do Expanding awareness around our own impact by inviting the students Guides to challenge us in our sustainability practices Create longterm partnerships with sustainable providers CAN WE REALLY LEAVE NO TRACE? Anywhere we go we leave a footprint and even a ripple effect based on our behaviour and actions. The practice of Leave no Trace has created a lot of awareness around how to reduce our ecological footprint. But for me the question is not around leaving no traces but becoming aware of our footprint and leave any place as a better place: a positive footprint. We are imposing a mortgage to nature that cannot be paid. So, the question for me is now: how we can Leave Positive Traces with a durable ripple effect. How can we restore that balance again and pay the bill that we created to nature?We can do that by restoring our natural relationship, reprogram through education, reforesting, rewilding, conscious use of means and support projects and people that are Leaving Positive Traces. THE FUTURE The future is now in the making. Now is always the moment. What the future will look like will in part depend on our open will and heart to change our own behaviours. Expanding our consciousness towards a place where we understand the context and our function within the Living System we decided to live the Journey of Life. In this journey it is not about reaching the top of the mountain, but taking care of the mountain, learning from it and enjoying the experience. Courses – Experiences Facebook X-twitter Linkedin Link

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WILDERNESS GUIDING

Georg Messerer . 4 min read 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WILDERNESS GUIDING Oh the great outdoors! The the sun on your face, your lungs filled with fresh air and your eyes feasting in all that immense beauty from horizon to horizon… If you’re outdoorsy like we are, then you’ve probably thought about making it your office? But working in the outdoors is more than just going on hikes day after day. So, what does it take to be a successful wilderness guide? PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION At some point in our lives, we find ourselves at a turning point. A little seed planted in you by somebody else, or a spark lighting up in your heart after a profound experience in your personal life. We all have these moments we consider a significant change in our lives, working in something more meaningful, living a healthier lifestyle and challenging yourself and others to unknown levels. Having these experiences and truly living them are two completely different worlds. If you really choose to embrace the unknown and enhance your personal transformation, becoming a Wilderness Guide could be an excellent option. PHYSICAL FITNESS As a Wilderness Guide you will need good physical shape. Not only will perform the same activities as your group, you will also carry extra weight for safety equipment such as first aid kit, walkie talkies, satellite phones and emergency food supplies. As a rule of thumb you should never surpass 70% of your energy in case of an emergency – this could include performing first aid procedures or even evacuating the victim. To achieve this physical level, it is not about being able to run a marathon, it´’s about being active daily, having fun doing it, and taking care of your nutritional needs and of your body and soul. SELF-CARE AND WELL-BEING The golden rule is to take care of your clients as kings. To be able to do so you should treat yourself as an emperor. But what does that mean? How do you take care of yourself? Start by being honest with yourself and recognize what is important for you. Of course, being in good shape and eating healthy food is essential, but your mind and soul also need nourishment. Find a moment for yourself in the early morning for forest bathing, a dip in cold water or just a short meditation. Make sure you nourish this little sacred moment just for yourself, find your own state of love and gratitude from which you can create magic with your participants. This daily mental reset is personal and may depend on many factors. Make time for it, find it and be aware of your own responsibility of self-care and well-being. ATTITUDE You might be surprised to learn that your attitude is must more important than anything. This influences how you receive information and feedback from your client, how you process it and put it into perspective to transform it into a learning opportunity. Be positive, think and transmit positivity, find joy in transforming your clients into positive beings contributing to their ability for self-care and environmental awareness. You are not only planting a seed in them but also to their social surroundings and loved ones. Only your attitude to life, the whole of all your experiences and ability to transmit this to any kind of profile is the secret tool to a satisfied client. PRACTICAL SKILLS Among the minimum practical skills of a Wilderness Guide are knowledge on navigation skills. They are a must in order to plan your route in the preparation phase and successfully lead your group during your expedition using natural navigation, map, compass and digital tools such as GPS systems. But also, knowledge on wilderness first aid responses, knowledge on gear use, outdoor camping and expedition nutrition. Yes, this seems quite a lot – but these are just the basics. According to the Ecozone you are specialized in acquiring other specific skills would be useful. For Arctic regions this could be winter camping, snowshoeing, tour skiing, use of pulkas, ice safety among many others. Whilst in desert regions knowledge of animal tracking, wildlife observation, water filtering and poisonous snakes is needed. In general, it is always wise to possess basic skills on survival such as fire making, knife handling and bivouac building. GET TRAINED AND CERTIFIED Yes, you’re probably starting to notice is that being a Wilderness Guide is not about taking your friends for a walk in the park. It´s a lifestyle and profession to be taken very seriously. Many of the skills you can acquire yourself, from books and the internet, but finding a course that suits your needs is an essential step in the process. Most travel agencies nowadays require certifications for their guides and more and more insurance companies, protected areas, or even countries request the same. As a living example of sustainable practices, this also counts for the legal aspect, how can we teach on safety to our clients if we are not going by the rules ourselves? Inform yourself about the different options in certification, get skilled and connect with fellow guides while enriching yourself from the instructors, maybe one day you’ll become one of them! BE CREATIVE Have fun and be smart. Creating new business opportunities for yourself and others. There exists a tremendous need in present society to reconnect with nature, with oneself and loved ones, on all levels from childhood to executive business level. They all need, in one way or another, what a Wilderness Guide has to offer. The question is how to reach out to each specific profile you have in mind and how to offer them the unique experience you created for them. Stay close to your heart, be imaginative and flexible to make it happen. Are you ready to create love, awareness, and magic for your clients? Wouldn’t it just wonderful for you if you can dedicate your work to your passion and share it with others at the

INTERPRETATIVE WILDERNESS GUIDING IN ROMANIA

Georg Messerer . 3 min read INTERPRETATIVE WILDERNESS GUIDING IN ROMANIA Living in the 21st century, with all its doom and gloom can be depressing and frustrating. However, an inspiring new narrative is emerging, one that is slowly finding its way into the world of wilderness guiding in Europe. The nature conservation narrative is shifting from trying to save specific species and habitats ad infinitum (with a lot of management and little success to date) to rewilding natural areas, and allowing natural processes to unfold and shape the areas. This gives us a real chance to pass on an enriched rather than a degraded natural heritage to the next generation. It involves trusting in nature’s ability to restore herself, with as little human interference as possible. Rewilding is a game changer for us wilderness guides, especially in Europe. While classical conservation actions remain relevant and shouldn’t be replaced by rewilding, it does provide us with a vision, a chance to rethink our relationship with nature and it’s dynamic forces. As nature guides, we connect to nature and give guests the opportunity to do so too. As wilderness guides we dive as deep into nature as possible. We are there, present in the moment, sharing a moment with the living creatures around us. We want our guests to experience the extraordinary power of nature, to be inspired by its beasts and beauties, and to feel at home in the wilderness. Rewilding enhances these possibilities. As nature guides, we connect to nature and give guests the opportunity to do so too. As wilderness guides we dive as deep into nature as possible. Wilderness Guide Courses help you get started and develop your guiding career as a WGA certified guide or learn about wild nature, ecotourism and rewilding in Europe. REINTRODUCTION OF THE BISON IN ROMANIA Since 2014, Rewilding Europe, WWF Romania and the Armenian community have reintroduced European bison into the Tarcu mountains and have kickstarted a rewilding process that has not only seen the creation of a herd of over 100 wild bison in 2021, enriching one of the last wilderness strongholds in Europe, but also a strong ecotourism potential for the area. Since 2015, the local team, now under the umbrella organisation founded by WWF Romania called WeWilder, have complemented and strengthened the bison reintroduction project by involving as many locals as possible in the fast-developing ecotourism operations. By including the locals into the team and supporting them in creating local accommodations, developing as chefs, hosts and food producers and training locals as guides and tourism operators, WeWilder is shaped by and firmly rooted in the local community and able to provide income opportunities for locals. INTERPRETATIVE GUIDE TRAINING PROGRAM 2022 The well known wilderness philosophy of taking nothing but photos, killing nothing but time, creating nothing but memories and leaving nothing but footprints, is a highly problematic part of any ethical and professional wilderness guide. To ensure the success of rewilding, it is vital to uphold the highest possible standard to wilderness guiding. This can only be achieved by uniting the guiding community and together, inspiring and supporting ourselves to create the best experiences for our guests in an ethical and future-oriented way. The Wilderness Guides Association (WGA) is uniting and changing this philosophy. EWES, in collaboration with WeWilder, has created accredited Wilderness Guide Courses to help you get started and develop your guiding career as a WGA certified guide, or to simply experience and learn about wild nature, ecotourism and rewilding in Europe. With experienced instructors, eager to share their knowledge and skills, this courses give the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in interpretive wilderness guiding. It structures around rewilding, expedition leadership, hard and soft skills directed at wilderness guiding with a strong focus on personal development aiming to strengthen the rewilding community in Europe.   Wilderness Guide Courses help you get started and develop your guiding career as a WGA certified guide or learn about wild nature, ecotourism and rewilding in Europe. Courses – Experiences Facebook X-twitter Linkedin Link