Environmental Educator (SP/TAH-CF/PPC18)

Environmental Educator (SP/TAH-CF/PPC18)

TAECF Scheme: SP/TAH-CF/PPC18 (Version 1.2)

Reference scheme developed in accordance with the standard: SP/TAH-CF: Professional Standard (SP) 3.0 based on the professional skills indicated in the Framework of Competences of Tourism, Arts and Cultural Heritage. The scheme is created in accordance with the European Qualification Framework (EQF), Recommendations 2009/C 155/02 (European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training - ECVET) and the model called "Skills Cycle".

The scheme is subjected to an initial public survey available to all stakeholders in the cultural tourism supply chain in order to collect comments and contributions useful for improving its contents. All interested parties are invited to improve the scheme by sending their contributions to info@aiptoc.it

1. Title and Description

PPC18: Environmental Educator (Environmental Trainer)

The Environmental Educator is a highly specialized professional figure who focuses on raising awareness and education regarding environmental issues and sustainable development. His skills encompass various aspects, from in-depth knowledge of ecosystems and biodiversity, to the ability to promote sustainable practices, up to the research and valorization of environmental assets.

The Environmental Educator's areas of expertise include:

Identification and Knowledge: Ability to identify key elements of ecosystems, understand interactions between species and the impact of human activities on the environment.
Protection and Research: Commitment to protecting the environment through scientific research and the application of conservation methods and techniques.
Enhancement: Promotion of natural heritage as a precious resource that needs conservation and attention.
Training and Education: Development and implementation of educational programs aimed at different age groups, with the aim of increasing environmental awareness and promoting sustainable behaviors.
Promotion of Sustainable Development: Encouraging practices that balance economic, social and environmental needs for present and future generations.

The Environmental Educator can be an employee or a self-employed worker who provides his services in a variety of contexts, from environmental education centers to parks and nature reserves, from educational institutions to non-profit organizations and local authorities.

Its activity can vary from theoretical lessons to practical workshops, from guided excursions to awareness campaigns, always with the aim of increasing awareness and respect for the environment.

The figure of the Environmental Educator is fundamental in an era in which environmental issues are increasingly pressing. Through their work, environmental educators not only impart important knowledge, but also inspire positive change in individual and collective behavior towards a more sustainable future.

2. Standards of Reference

European Qualification Framework (EQF)
Recommendation 2009 / C 155/02 (European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training - ECVET)
Law 4/2013 relating to non-regulated professions

3. Terms and Definitions

4. Specific tasks and activities

When assigning tasks, the following distinction was made:

Fundamental tasks: indispensable tasks for the professional figure
Optional tasks: tasks additional to the fundamentals which are at the discretion of the individual professional or which depend on particular ecomuseum contexts

Description of the basic and specific tasks

The individual tasks can possibly be described by a set of specific activities associated with them.

The specific tasks and activities are listed below, associating, for each specific task or activity, the requirements of knowledge, skills and competences. Finally, a summary correlation matrix will be indicated in order to provide a synthetic and overall representation of the above.

T1: Carry out study activities in the field of environmental education and in similar and related disciplines
T2: Analyze the Reference Context
- 1 Identify and analyze the stakeholders (who are the interested parties)
- 2 Identify and analyze the sector legislation
- 3 Identify and analyze the relevant Environmental Heritage
- 4: Evaluate the training needs and expectations of real and potential users for the reference sector
T3: Identify purpose, objectives and typology of the educational service (characteristics of the service)
T4: Designing the educational service
T5: Communicate the educational service
T6: Realize the educational service
- 1: Plan the activities and procedures of the educational service
- 2: Manage economic resources (budget)
- 3: Manage human resources (staff)
- 4: Guarantee the correct carrying out of the educational service
- 5: Verify and monitor compliance with the applicable legislation in force
- 6: Monitor and evaluate the educational services provided
T7: Improving the educational offer (continuous improvement)

Optional tasks

T8: Create and curate exhibition events on environmental themes
T9: Develop and implement environmental excursions for educational and ecotourism purposes
T10: Interfacing in a foreign language according to the territorial target of reference of its customers

The skills of tasks T8, T9 and T10 can also be made available by other members of the team responsible for carrying out the environmental education service where the user's request requires it.

5. Skills, Knowledge and Autonomy and Responsibility

T1: Carry out study and research activities in the field of environmental education and in similar and related disciplines

Ability

SP47: Knowing how to use study tools and methodologies
SP88: Knowing how to prepare studies, reports and scientific surveys related to one's reference sector
SP89: Knowing how to develop and promote research projects related to one's reference sector
SP92: Apply Documentary Research techniques and methodologies
SP43: Identify and evaluate the applicability of legislation on copyright and copyright
ST22: Knowing how to apply tools, including IT tools, for drafting educational reports and documents

Additional required knowledge:

KT5: Basic IT and telematic tools
KT6: IT tools for communication
KT25: Legislation on Author's Rights and Copyright
KS128: Documentary Research Methodologies
KS129: Research and teaching methodologies relating to one's reference sector
KS130: Research planning methodologies in relation to one's reference sector

T2: Analyze the Reference Context

T2.1 Identify and Analyze the stakeholders (who are the interested parties)

Ability

SQ1: Analysis skills
SP24: Identify the Strategic Stakeholders

Additional required knowledge:

KS125: Organizations and Institutions operating in the Environmental and Sustainability fields
KS24: Destination Management Organization (DMO)
KTN12: The environmental protection and surveillance bodies

T2.2 Identify and Analyze sector legislation

Ability

SQ1: Analysis skills
SP1: Identify and evaluate the applicability of the rules for the protection and use of the Cultural and Landscape Heritage
SP2: Identify and evaluate the applicability of the legislation on safety in the workplace with relevance to its reference sector
SP4: Identify and evaluate the applicability of the Tourism Legislation
SP87: Identify and evaluate the applicability of the Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Legislation

Additional required knowledge:

KS39: The legislation for the protection and use of Cultural Heritage
KS40: The criteria for the protection of cultural heritage
KS41: The various levels of protection
KS43: Landscape assets
KS47: The legislation on privacy and the tourism sector
KS48: The European Regulation 2016/679
KS49: The legislation on safety in the workplace in the tourism sector
KS106: Tourism Legislation
KS126: Principles of Sustainable Development

T2.3 Identify and analyze the relevant Environmental Heritage

Ability

SQ1: Analysis skills
SP30: Analyze and relate the Naturalistic Heritage
SP72: Know and analyze the anthropic context of one's own territory
SP74: Know and analyze the endogenous cultural attractions of one's own territory
SP94: Knowing how to analyze the territorial context from a cultural and historical anthropological point of view

Note: Endogenous attractions: natural/environmental attractions (mountains, lakes, beaches, rivers, climate, etc.) or cultural attractions (cooking, crafts, language, customs, monuments, historical facts, etc.)

Additional required knowledge:

KS6: Nature Tourism
KS4: Sustainable Tourism
KS7: Cultural Tourism
KTN: The Naturalistic Heritage
KTN1: Protected Natural Areas
KTN2: Parks and Nature Reserves
KTN3: Nature reserves
KTN4: Natura 2000 network
KTN5: Sites of Community Interest (SIC)
KTN6: Special Protection Areas (SPAs)
KTN7: Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)
KTN8: The Wetlands
KTN9: The Geosites
KTN10: Management tools for protected natural areas
KTN11: Landscape Plans
KTN13: Strategies for Biodiversity
KS223: Territorial context from a cultural and historical anthropological point of view

T2.4: Evaluate the training needs and expectations of real and potential users for the reference sector

Expertise

CTS7: Use Territorial Marketing tools
CTS9: Perform Needs Analysis
CTQ1-1 Identify and analyze the environmental training/educational needs of users/beneficiaries

Ability

SQ1: Analysis skills
SQ2: Ability to synthesize
SQ10: Analyze the training/educational requirements of users/beneficiaries on environmental matters
ST23: Use Territorial Marketing tools

Additional required knowledge:

KQ2: Quality Management - Factors, indicators and standards of quality in services
KQ22: Quality Management - Factors (dimensions) and quality indicators
KS6: Nature Tourism
KS4: Sustainable Tourism
KS29: Territorial Marketing
KQ33: Quality Management - Stakeholder Requirements Analysis
KT26: Methods and tools for analyzing training/educational needs

T3: Identify purpose, objectives and typology of the educational service (characteristics of the service)

E.g. environmental education programs, seminars, environmental education and communication campaigns, education campaign for sustainable development, naturalistic itineraries for educational and ecotourism purposes, activities defined in the context of programs such as Agenda 2030 or Agenda 21, etc.

Ability

SP93: Classify and evaluate the various types of educational paths
SP22: Evaluate the applicability of European, national and regional policies on the environment and sustainable development

Additional required knowledge:

KS85: European, national and regional policies on the environment and sustainable development
KS222: Characteristics of environmental education services
KS221: Environmental educational paths (classification and basic concepts)
KS192: Physical geography (knowledge and basic concepts)
KS193: Anthropic geography (knowledge and basic concepts)

T4: Designing the educational service

Ability

SQ1: Analysis skills
SQ11 Design processes and services
SQ12: Implement, document and classify core processes
SQ14: Propose process changes to facilitate and rationalize improvements
SQ18: Identify, understand and evaluate quality factors, indicators and standards
SP76: Analyze the Physical Geographical Context of the Territory
SP85: Analyze the Botanical, Zoological and Anthropic Context of the Territory
SP3: Evaluate the applicability of funding for the sector supply chain
ST23: Use risk management tools

Additional required knowledge:

KQ1: Quality Management - The UNI EN ISO 9001 standard
KQ22: Quality Management - Factors (dimensions) and quality indicators
KQ11: Quality Management - Design and development;
KT18: Design and Planning of Educational/Training Paths
KS191: Physical geography (knowledge and basic concepts)
KS198: Support services to the basic offer
KS99 Risk Management
KS206: Competent services and authorities in the event of accidents or sudden illnesses
KS208: Notions of Botany, Zoology and Anthropic Geography of the reference territory
KT5: Basic IT and telematic tools
KT16: Corporate Organizational Models
KS85: European, national and regional policies on the environment and sustainable development
KS50: Sector loans
KS224: Principles of nutrition education
KS225: Elements of natural sciences applied to the exercise dedicated to the exercise of environmental education activities
KS226:Elements of history applied to the exercise dedicated to the exercise of environmental education activities
KS227: Elements of anthropology applied to the exercise dedicated to the exercise of environmental education activities
KS228: Agenda 21
KS229: Agenda 2030
KS255: Methodologies and techniques of Education for sustainable development

T5: Communicate the educational service

Ability

SP8: Develop a Communication Plan for the reference sector
SP11: Identify the web technologies to be used for territorial marketing
ST1: Ability to communicate
ST6: Identify and apply IT tools for communication

Additional required knowledge:

KQ34: Quality Management - Internal and external communication
KS30: Tourism and Communication
KS31: The Communication Plan
KS32: Online Marketing and Promotion
KS33: Web Marketing Techniques
KS34: Social Marketing
KS100: Information technology for communication

T6: Realize the educational service

T6.1: Planning educational service activities and procedures

Ability

SQ5: Ability to plan the educational service on the basis of the type of target group of the service and the pre-established time
SQ3: Organizational skills
SQ13: Implementing Procedures and Operating Instructions for Quality
ST5: Identify and apply the basic IT and telematic tools

Additional required knowledge:

KQ7: Quality Management - Planning and monitoring of the service
KQ8: Quality Management - The procurement system
KQ4: Quality Management - System Documentation; the Manual; Procedures and Operating Instructions;
KS101: Basic IT and Telematics
KS127: Methodologies and techniques for the evaluation of training events

T6.2: Managing economic resources (budget)

Ability

ST9: Use corporate accounting and administration tools

Additional required knowledge:

KQ8: Quality Management - The procurement system
KS103: Business Administration
KT9: Business administration and accounting tools

T6.3: Manage human resources (staff)

Ability

SQ9: Identify skills gaps for quality
SP18: Identify skills and competences gaps for the reference sector
ST2: Group management skills
ST3: Conflict management skills

Additional required knowledge:

KQ5: Quality Management - The management of human resources
KS104: Communication and Conflict Management
KS105: Communication styles and effective communication
KT13: Contracts

T6.4: Ensure the correct performance of the educational service

Ability

SQ4: Ability to control
SP77: Know how to use organizational techniques and methodologies for environmental education services
SP86: Ability to relate and inform in relation to the context of the education service
ST21: Ability to respect deadlines and programmes
SP36: Carry out training/education with reference to subjects related to one's profession
SP45: Develop educational projects in the relevant sector
SP46: Taking care of and managing educational services in the reference sector
ST1: Ability to communicate also in relation to the different characteristics, typologies and expectations of the users/beneficiaries
ST3: Conflict management skills
SP87: Ability to organize rescue with the competent and available services in the area

Additional required knowledge:

KQ6: Quality Management – Logistic resources: equipment and working environment
KQ9: Quality Management - Production and provision of the service;
KQ10: Quality Management - Identification and traceability;
KS208: Notions of Botany, Zoology and Anthropic Geography of the reference territory
KS210: Elements of Ethology (Behavioral Biology)
KS211: Elements of Naturalistic Disclosure
KS212: Elements of Environmental Interpretation
KS213: Environmental Education and Sustainability
KS214: Elements of Ecology and Biodiversity
KT19: Realization and Management of Training/Educational Paths
KS230: Methods and techniques for creating and organizing educational and ecotourism itineraries
KS112: Teaching techniques and methodologies
KS231: Animation techniques
KTN13: Strategies for Biodiversity
KT1: Communication
KT2: Group management techniques
KT3: Conflict Management Techniques
KT24: Elements of Leadership and Group Psychology
KS99 Risk Management
KS206: Competent services and authorities in the event of accidents or sudden illnesses
KS128: Elements of Pedagogy

T6.5: Verify and check compliance with applicable legislation in force

Ability

SQ4: Ability to control
SP2: Check the correct application of the safety regulations in the workplace
SP4: Verify the correct application of the Tourism Legislation
SP42: Verify the correct application of the legislation on privacy
SP87: Identify and evaluate the applicability of the Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Legislation

Additional required knowledge:

KS47: The legislation on privacy and the tourism sector
KS49: The legislation on safety in the workplace
KS52: Consumer protection legislation
KS106: Tourism Legislation
KS232 Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Regulations
KTN12: The environmental protection and supervisory bodies
KT20: Waste disposal regulation
KT27: Hygiene and Food Safety
KT28: Risk analysis and prevention based on the reference context

T6.6: Monitor and evaluate the educational services provided

Ability

SQ20: Apply monitoring methodologies and techniques
SQ21: Apply Customer Satisfaction methodologies and techniques
SQ22: Monitor and Evaluate the provision of services

Additional required knowledge:

KQ13: Quality Management - Monitoring and measurement of processes and services
KQ14: Quality Management - The Management of Non-Conformities and Corrective Actions
KQ15: Quality Management - Evaluation of the quality of services

T7: Improving the educational offer (continuous improvement)

Ability

SQ14: Propose process changes to facilitate and rationalize improvements
SQ16: Evaluate and analyze individual processes to identify corrective and improvement actions

Additional required knowledge:

KQ35: Quality Management - Continuous Improvement

Optional tasks

T8: Create and curate exhibition events on environmental themes

Ability

SP14: Contribute to the correct management of exhibition events on environmental issues
SP70: Identify and classify the various types of events
SP39: Apply multimedia presentation techniques
SP42: Knowing how to organize the location and the "staging" of the event

Additional required knowledge:

KQ26: Event quality standard
KS233: Planning and implementation of events on environmental issues
KS109: Events: Classification and basic concepts
KS111: Sustainability of Events
KS183: Characteristics of Events
KS187: Protection of Locations and Places used for events
KS188: The legislation relating to Authorizations and Permits regarding events
KT27: IT tools for communication
KT28: Videoconferences and Webinairs

T9: Develop and implement environmental excursions for educational and ecotourism purposes

Ability

SP40: Know how to verify the usability of the route
SP81: Ability to identify equipment and equipment and evaluate their adequacy
ST21: Ability to respect deadlines and programmes
SP37: Know how to plan and coordinate the maintenance of equipment and equipment
SP79: Ability to use knowledge of cartography, topography and orientation
SP82: Ability to rationally adapt and modify the route based on unexpected events

Additional required knowledge:

KS209: Hiking equipment and equipment (classification, management and maintenance)
KS199: Organizational techniques and methodologies for hiking routes
KS200: Theories and techniques for drafting an itinerary
KS201: Cartography, Topography and orientation techniques
KS202: Paths and Signage
KS203: Hiking Theories and Techniques
KS204:The objective risks of hiking and personal protection
KS205: Elements of Meteorology and Climatology
KS1: Logistics
KS200: Theories and techniques for drafting an itinerary
KS199: Organizational techniques and methodologies for hiking trails
KS201: Cartography, Topography and orientation techniques
KS202: Paths and Signage
KS203: Hiking Theories and Techniques

T10: Interfacing in a foreign language according to the territorial target of reference of its customers

Ability

ST8 Use foreign languages in the workplace according to the territorial target of reference of its customers

Additional required knowledge:

KS113: At least one foreign language in relation to the territorial target of reference of its customers

V level of the European Qualifications Framework

6. Profile Evaluation Criteria

To certify the possession of skills, it is proposed to take into consideration methodologies that take into account the following aspects in a non-mutually exclusive manner, i.e. possibly in combination with each other:

Qualifications awarded in the academic field (Formal Learning)
Specific Training (Non-Formal Learning)
Work or Professional Experience (Informal Learning)

Regarding qualifications, unless specifically requested by (eco)museum administrations, exceptions could be considered. Given the diversity of themes, objectives, sizes and types of (eco)museums, if an individual can demonstrate that they have acquired the necessary skills through life and work experiences, a specific academic qualification may not be essential. (*)

(*) In this regard, it is reported when indicated in point 15 of the National Charter of museum professions drawn up by ICOM (2008):

As a rule, the skills required of the various professional figures correspond to the possession of certified educational qualifications (diplomas, degrees, masters, etc.). However, there are museums which, by type and/or mission, require skills that can only be acquired through life and work experiences. In these cases, justified exceptions are possible by the responsible administrations, in relation to the request for specific qualifications. Personnel who already work in museums and who have gained adequate knowledge and skills during their work experience will be able to usefully attend training courses in order to update their preparation as indicated in the profiles.

Work or professional experience can be demonstrated through various tools including:

Curriculum Vitae
Professional portfolio
Objective placement on the market (awards, regional, national or international recognition)

Requirements for access to the professional figure

Having attended specific training courses for the professional figure in question organized/recognized by Universities, Regions or professional associations established pursuant to law 4/2013 and recognized by the MISE.

Having attended a specific training course whose contents and assessment methods comply with this standard.

Having attended a specific training course whose contents are specified by UNI standards, where existing, as long as they are consistent with the competence in question. (standard not yet present)

Be included in the Registers of Professional Associations established pursuant to law 4/2013 and recognized by the MISE provided that they refer to the professional figure in question and have obtained a Quality Certificate and Professional Qualification pursuant to law 4/2013

Be included in Regional Registers/Lists where this figure has previously been regulated by regional legislation.

Degree in: Natural, environmental or equivalent sciences, Geological sciences, Education and communication sciences, Modern literature with an educational focus and at least one year, even if not continuous, of proven work or professional experience as an environmental educator

At least 3 years of proven work or professional experience as an environmental educator and having passed a specific exam aimed at evaluating the knowledge, skills and competences required by this standard.

Be tourism professionals in the capacity of guides or companions, possess a Quality and Qualification Certificate issued pursuant to Law 4/2013 by a professional association authorized by the MISE and have attended an additional training course whose contents complete the knowledge required from to this standard and not yet possessed by such professionals.

Note: The Certification of Quality and Professional Qualification requested has no relevance, pursuant to paragraph 6 of article 2 of law 4/2013, with any activities regulated by law which remain within the scope of the qualifications provided for by current legislation.

Being tourism professionals in the capacity of guides or companions (in different sectors), possessing a Quality and Qualification Certificate issued pursuant to Law 4/2013 by a professional association authorized by the MISE and having passed a specific exam aimed at evaluating knowledge, skills and competences foreseen by this standard and not yet possessed by these professionals.