This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit

information collection techniques for monitoring environmental and social impact

highlevel communication skills to consult with colleagues and stakeholders on issues of environmental responsibility inform customers of their minimal impact responsibilities as tour or activity members and discipline noncompliance when necessary

literacy skills to

read and interpret complex materials describing environmental regulatory requirements local land management practices and permit requirements and industry and ecotourism codes of practice

develop written or verbal tour procedures

numeracy skills to

record and calculate basic measurements for environmental monitoring egtemperature

count sightings of environmental components eg numbers of animals

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit

general and overview knowledge of global environmental issues and ethics

broad working knowledge of the environmental and social impact of tourism

indepth knowledge of local environmental issues and the social and cultural aspects of the local host community

the key contents of industry ecotourism codes of practice especially that of the Ecotourism Association of Australia

broad working knowledge of the range of environmental legislation and regulations imposed by relevant land management agencies and federal state or territory and local governments

working knowledge of the particular land management practices and permit requirements affecting the area of operations eg those used by national park management

understanding of the biophysical and sociocultural elements in an environment

minimal impact techniques and procedures in relation to

waste disposal

use of tracks

energy use

noise

souveniring

setting of camps

interaction with wildlife

group size

activityspecific guidelines

local customs and courtesies

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this TrainingPackage

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential

ability to organise and operate tourism activities with minimal negative environmental and social impact and monitor and report on any impact on the environment

knowledge of general environmental impact and issues in regard to tourism and the particular environments of operation

knowledge of minimal impact practices

planning and implementation of minimal impact operations for multiple delivery environments to ensure that skills can be adapted to different delivery locations and contexts

project or work activities conducted over an operationally realistic period of time so that the monitoring and recording of changes in the natural environment can be assessed

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure

access to comprehensive and sufficient information about the tourism delivery environment to allow the candidate to plan for minimal impact operations and monitor any environmental impact

conduct and monitoring of a minimal impact tour or activity within appropriate environments eg in an environmentally sensitive area

conduct of a tour or activity and interaction with customer groups of a size and nature that reflect the commercial environment in which the tour or activity operates

Methods of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess the practical skills and knowledge required to plan and implement minimal impact operations The following examples are appropriate for this unit

direct observation of the candidate conducting a tour or activity in an environmentally sensitive area

review of planning and operational activities undertaken as part of industry placement or training with an industry operator

project or case study to analyse appropriate minimal impact approaches for different environments

written and oral questioning or interview to test knowledge of the environmental and social impact of tourism local environmental issues minimal impact techniques and procedures and regulatory requirements

review of portfolios of evidence and thirdparty workplace reports of onthejob performance by the candidate

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended for example

SITTGDEA Lead tour groups

SITTGDE004A Lead tour groups

SITTGDEA Prepare and present tour commentaries or activities

SITTGDE006A Prepare and present tour commentaries or activities

SITTPPDA Plan and develop interpretive activities

SITTPPD005A Plan and develop interpretive activities

SITTPPDB Plan and develop ecologically sustainable tourism operations

SITTPPD006B Plan and develop ecologically sustainable tourism operations.

Assessing employability skills

Employability skills are integral to effective performance in the workplace and are broadly consistent across industry sectors How these skills are applied varies between occupations and qualifications due to the different work functions and contexts

Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role

Environmental impact may include:

Social impact may include:

Minimal impact techniques and procedures may include:

Changes in the natural environment may include:

Collecting environmental information may involve: