BEST Institute for vocational training and personal training GmbH

European Nature System

An ECVET process to put in transparency and recognise across Europe the learning outcomes and the qualifications of the professional figures in the nature-based tourism sector

Background

Tourism is one of the most important economic sectors in Europe, with a special focus on nature-based tourism and, more widely, rural tourism in the last years. To satisfy the demand of services and products related to this kind of tourism, concrete and expanding job opportunities, in a diversified range of activities and qualifications across European countries and regions (e.g. hiking guides, speleological guides, horse trials guides, environmental awareness educators etc.) are offered to a growing number of people. However, in many cases they are not clearly defined in terms of learning outcomes and also frequently regulated concerning the access to the training and qualification opportunities.

Aims and target group

Since the lack of definition and certification of knowledge, skills and competences in professions related to nature-based tourism has been identified as one of the main factors of limitation to learning and work opportunities, VET providers, enterprises and non profit associations operating in the field of nature-based tourism, but also public institutions who have legislative competence on tourism and on VET have agreed to apply and implement the European tools and frameworks EQF and ECVET to recognise and make transparent the learning outcomes of nature-based tourism professions.

Objectives

The main objectives of the project are to analyse the learning outcomes of nature-based tourism professionals who take part at European VET systems and to classify them with EQF/ECVET in the participating countries. Through the definition of this field of qualification, the design of adequate VET programmes with flexible devices for validation, transfer and recognition of learning outcomes achieved in formal, informal and non formal contexts shall become possible.

EU-Program: LLP, Leonardo da Vinci TOI
Coordination: Aris Formazione e Ricerca Società Cooperativa (ITA)
Contact: Karin Kronika
Duration: October 2011 - September 2013
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.