The ninth cohort of Master Reef Guides has experienced firsthand how the world’s only neighbouring World Heritage sites - the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics rainforest - are ecologically and culturally connected as part of the program’s latest Field Training School.
The training, which was held in Cape Tribulation earlier this month, is designed to equip participants with advanced interpretation and guiding skills, the latest science, and practical tools to communicate the importance of protecting the Reef to visitors from around the world.
Updated curriculum also centred around the Reef’s unique World Heritage values - exceptional natural beauty, examples of Earth’s geological history, living ecological processes and biodiversity conservation - helping to inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation of one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.
Twenty (20) guides from 16 High Standard Tourism Operators spanning the Great Barrier Reef catchment completed the training, including Eamonn Hollows from Lady Musgrave Experience, who said the immersive environment and updated training would have a lasting impact.
“From the first day of training you are learning about the Traditional Owners and the incredible connections between Land and Sea Country, which link to the incredible World Heritage values,” he said.
“We’ve also learned a lot from some of the mentors around how to better interpret the Reef environment through to tips on presenting to large groups and distilling complex information to our guests in an informative and entertaining way.
“It’s been an incredible experience, and I feel like, in my career, it really is the first day of the rest of my life!”
Reef Authority General Manager of Strategic Policy and Partnerships Caroline Turnour, who attended part of the training, said the program reinforces the importance of collaboration between industry, science, and Traditional Owners in safeguarding the Reef for future generations.
“Master Reef Guides ensure that the incredible complexities of the Great Barrier Reef, which is one of the most stunning natural environments on earth, are being presented to visitors from around the world,” she said.
“This not only gives them an experience that they will never forget, but helps to reinforce that everyone can play a role in protecting the Reef and ensuring it remains one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.”
This year’s cohort takes the total number of Master Reef Guide graduates to 166 spanning the Ribbon Reefs in the north to Lady Elliot Island in the southern Great Barrier Reef.
For more information about the Master Reef Guides Program visit Master Reef Guides.
ENDS
Contact:
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Media Hotline: (07) 4750 0846 | media@gbrmpa.gov.au