The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT)’s) Zanele Mashaba spoke to Philisiwe Mchunu, DUT Midlands Ecotourism lecturer, Midlands Campus, on her role at a lecturer and what the course entails.
Q: How would you define ecotourism?
A: “Without giving you a textbook definition, ecotourism is tourism that does not destroy the environment but enhances it such that there is steady revenue benefiting communities and businesses alike. The ‘eco’ in ecotourism stands for ecology, it is about ensuring sustainability of ecosystems while we are still enjoying and celebrating the environment in its entirety.”
Q: What are some of the common things that people say about the ecotourism sector which are not true?
A: “That ecotourism is a niche market or just a trend, this is not true, ecotourism is a way of life and travel that ensures destinations stay beautiful and clean for generations to come.
Ecotourism is for the poor countries, this is not true, ecotourism is important throughout the world, first world and developing countries alike. One can reduce waste, stay at a green hotel, participate in eco-friendly activities. It means that locals benefit from it. Ecotourism is expensive and only for the rich. One can immerse themselves in local culture, they can volunteer for that experience, some pay high dollars since there are also various affordable ecotourism holiday destinations for age groups between 18 to 35 year olds.”
Q: Briefly highlight some available opportunities within the ecotourism sector?
A: “Ecotourism opportunities are broad, from communication and marketing, to community and local development, to sustainability, to stakeholder engagement, to environmental education and management (e.g. waste, water, climate change, etc.). New environmentally- friendly strategies are being developed by most organisations, students can be part of those implementation strategies and ecotourism innovation dialogue. There are opportunities in ecotourism education, ecolabel promotion, environmental resource management, environmental consultants, etc. Ecotourism is incorporated in environmental and conservation studies, and there are many research opportunities in these areas.”
Q: Kindly explain the ecotourism interpretation module on offer at DUT and the annual Ecotourism Interpretation Seminar event?
A: “Ecotourism interpretation is a module that starts from first year to provide the students with the necessary knowledge and skills such that they can assist in the planning and leading a nature or cultural guided experience for tourists. This event (ecotourism interpretation seminar) was established in 2017, to give specific skills only obtainable through numerous field trips to the natural wild environment or through being employed. This three-day event looks at seven main ecotourism niche areas of field guiding and interpretation, and seven practical aspects which are performed and assessed on the campus grounds. We are fortunate to have the Msunduzi River running through our campus as we also make use of it for other assessments.”
Q: What are you seeking to achieve with this annual event?
A: “For the students studying towards a qualification in ecotourism, an extensive amount of field knowledge and experience is vital even before they can find their very first employment. The teaching and learning methods employed, therefore need to be practical. However, this is not always feasible, since achieving the outside classroom is costly financially and timewise. This seminar aims at achieving learning outcomes through collaboration, conducive learning environment as well as teaching and learning styles.”
Q: How has this project assisted students in their career?
A: “In their active learning, students were able to conduct research and collaborate with the tourism industry businesses to make sense and create their understanding of concepts which made their learning very interactive. It is often this collaboration that has created employment opportunities for some of the students. Collaboration proved to be beneficial and helped achieve higher levels of reflective learning. I have heard students say they feel so ready and empowered for their future careers because of all the soft and hard skills obtained through the seminar.”
Q: Kindly unpack different stands that exhibit during this event and what process do you follow to select themes of each stand?
A: “The exhibition follows the seven themes of the seminar: Astronomy and Night Sky Orientation, Adventure Tourism, Birding, Cultural Tourism, Marine Tourism, Rock Art, and Geological Tourism. These are some of the Special Interest Tourism areas that we look at and in which we source industry experts to come and engage students in. The exhibition part is one of the most challenging in terms of creativity and collaboration, and students never disappoint. Over and above the exhibitions stands, students have to build shelters using only natural materials sources from the nearby bushes and the river. They have to put up camps, do animal tracking, night sky orientation and various survival skills.”
Q: What do students need to do to align and equip themselves with relevant skills to be ready for the industry?
A: “Experience is always the first requirement from employers, the field trips and the way the ecotourism curriculum is delivered enables students to get some of this experience and hit the ground running once they are employed. Physical capability to work outdoors and walk long distances, sometimes in challenging conditions, such as heat and humidity is important. Students need to develop good personal skills, IT skills, be able to work independently and demonstrate overall business etiquette.”
Q: For someone who is studying ecotourism, what are some of the businesses they can start?
A: “There are entrepreneurial opportunities such as field guiding/safaris, walking tours, cultural/heritage tours, event planning, consulting/certification, accommodation establishments, souvenir shops, translating businesses, recycling businesses, nature photography, and content marketing/nature blogging.”
Q: What is your advice to ecotourism students who have chosen this career path at DUT?
A: “You have chosen well, open yourself up and think outside the box when it comes to future ecotourism careers, anything is possible. No modules ever work in silos, they are all vital for your success and career. Listen to your lecturers, ask plenty of questions, challenge yourself, use every opportunity that you are given to prepare for the industry and for entrepreneurial ventures, it goes by very fast.”
Zanele Mashaba
