The Regional Secretariat for Energy, Environment and Tourism, through the Regional Directorate for the Environment, promotes courses for Natural Park Guides on the islands of Terceira, São Jorge and Graciosa. The courses are intended to promote natural heritage as well as to enhance the qualification of human resources and services rendered to visitors in protected areas, always with a view towards the sustainable management of the territory and the promotion of nature tourism.
 
The registration period is open from today until September 10. They will certify professionals to accompany and guide groups of visitors to protected areas, including the component of environmental and cultural interpretation of the surrounding landscape. This initiative moves forward with the services provided by Regional Natural Parks.
 
The course for Natural Park Guides covers several areas, namely knowledge on natural, historical and cultural heritage, communication and tourism concepts, first aid and rescue techniques.
 
These courses, with duration of 117 hours, are approved by the Regional Directorate for Employment and Vocational Training. They are scheduled to begin on October 1 on the island of Graciosa, October 6 on the island of São Jorge and on October 7 on the island of Terceira.
 
Registrations are limited to a maximum of 20 participants per course. If the limit of vacancies is exceeded, participants will be selected; priority status will be awarded to people working in tourism companies or to those who are establishing a company.
 
Those who are interested may obtain further on the courses for Natural Park Guides at the Environmental Services of their island or by the telephone number 295 216 480.