International Conference in Australia

February 17th, 2010

National Association for Interpretation will hold its fifth International Conference from April 13-17, 2010, in Townsville, Australia. This event brings together natural and cultural heritage interpretation professionals from all over the world. If you have considered attending one of these fascinating events, this one will be very special. Townsville is on the coast of the Great Barrier Reef north of Brisbane and south of Cairns. You can still register for the event and learn the details here. You can also click on the Australia ad to the right of this page.

If speaking at the event is of interest, we have a very few slots that may be open due to speakers who cannot make it. Send your inquiry about that to Deb Tewell at dtewell@interpnet.com.

More than 125 have registered and the number grows daily. We cannot have more than 200 attending with the space available. Register right away and get a flight confirmed if you will join us for this event. We hope to see you In Australia in April.

- Tim Merriman

NAI Executive Director

Interesting websites

February 9th, 2010

1) The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) has launched a new website featuring a particular park or protected area around the world each day. This is a great way to learn about some of the now over 100,000 parks and protected areas around the world.

Visit the site online here:
http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/pa/pa_paday/

(link courtesy NPS)

2) Wild Australia

This is a very cool blog by Australian students about their National Parks.

http://mrrees.com/2010/02/25/preserving-our-national-parks/comment-page-1/

3) National Parks of the World

National Parks of the World features National, Provincial,
State, Marine, Wildlife Reserves and World Heritage Areas.

Photographers, Artists, and Writers may share their personal experiences
had within National Parks of the World, Provincial, State, Marine, Wildlife
Reserves ,Wildlife Refuges and World Heritage Areas. Anything relating to
the wonders of these parks may be submitted.

If you have a passion for the outdoors , and the importance of protecting
our wonderful parks and being one with nature – please take the time to
join and become a part of our online community.

http://67.219.156.194/groups/ontario-provincial-parks-art

International Opportunities

February 9th, 2010

South African National Parks Internship

Durations of Program: 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 7-12 months
Dates: Visit our website for upcoming start dates

http://www.sanparks.org/groups/internship.php

Description:  This  program provides trainees with an intensive 2 week training  course  in  Kruger National Park that covers a vast range of topics and is delivered by industry specialists. On completion of this course   trainees   gain  high  profile  work  experience  working  on conservation  and  environmental education initiatives in one of South Africa’s  20  National  Parks.  Having been placed with the People and Conservation (P & C) department you will work alongside park staff and focus  on  the  development  of  environmental education and community development  projects  aimed at integrating the local communities into conservation  efforts  and  development programs. Although no specific experience is necessary, each park has its individual requirements and GVI  will  match  applicants to the appropriate parks. This program is ideal for any trainee seriously considering a career in conservation.
Interns will arrive in Johannesburg before attending a 2 week training course   at  Kruger  National  Park.  After  the  course  interns  are transferred  to  their allocated park, any of 20 National Parks in the country.  A  list  of parks follows; Kruger, Table Mountain, Marakele, Golden  Gate,  Camdeboo,  Mountain  Zebra, Addo Elephant, Tsitsikamma, Knysna,  Wilderness,  Bontebok,  Agulhas,  West Coast, Karoo, Namaqua, Ai-Ais/Richtersveld,   Augrabies,  Kgalagadi,  Mapungubwe  and  Tankwa
Karoo.  The  parks  vary  in  size  and  the  flora  and fauna is very different depending on your location.
South African National Parks Internship
Highlights:
-   Live   in   the   most   spectacular  locations  in  South  Africa
-   Learn  about  conservation  in National Parks
-   Two week training in Kruger National Park
-   Five day tour of parks
-   Working with local communities
-   Amazing wildlife encounters
-   Camping, hiking, bush walks and canoeing
Qualifications:  No special training or qualifications are required as
you will receive training in the field.

Languages :  English

Cost in US$: $5,190 for 6 months

Cost  Include Description:
The  volunteer  contribution  includes  all  your food, accommodation, training materials and project equipment.
Experience Required: no

Volunteer Types :
agriculture
animal welfare
biological research
community centers
community development
community organizing
conflict resolution
consciousness-raising
conservation
eco-tourism
environment
ground patrol
historic preservation
natural resources
parks
trail building
tree planting
volunteering

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.
Participants Travel to South Africa Independently
Typically Participants Work in Groups
Application Process Involves:
Online Application plus Application Assessment
Global   Vision   International’s  Mission  Statement:  Global  Vision International   aims   to   promote  the  advancement  of  sustainable development  through  the creation of partnerships, promotion of local and  global education, opportunities and via direct financial support. GVI  remains  committed to its local partners by ensuring they receive full credit for any research undertaken or achievements reached.
Year Founded: 1998

Interp Europe

January 22nd, 2010

Hi All;

This section of the blog can be used to communicate about the European interpretation association plans. This is your home, you may communicate freely.

Duane