The Taroko National Park Headquarters launched the “2007 Training Camp for Indigenous Tour Guides” on the morning of March 22 to promote ecotourism for the neighboring communities. Over 40 persons from the communities of Pratan（Sanjhan, Mukumugi（Tongmen）and Datong Dali registered for the training.

Ecotourism is not only an environment-friendly way of traveling but also a resource to generate local economic benefit. Hence, many communities have kept promoting this type of tourism in recent years. The explanation about the environment is a very important aspect of ecotourism. The in-depth explanation of local guides will enable tourists to arrive at having a wonderful experience. In addition, the impact of environment and indigenous culture can be avoided. Besides, it helps protect nature as well as the local Taroko Tribe’s culture and, of course, increases the income of the communities.

“The job of a tour guide is the toughest task at the national parks because guides have to be able to maintain their performance level in giving explanations when dealing with different people and under different circumstances,“ said Lin Yong-fa, Superintendent of the Taroko National Park Headquarters. “The training is just a beginning. Self-education should continue upon the completion of the training in order to become an excellent guide. A good guide doesn’t just explain his ‘knowledge.’ More importantly, he should be able of lead the tourists to personally experience a place, explain ecological concepts and historical culture, thereby influencing tourists to participate in the environmental protection.”

The training camp will last till the end of April. The curriculum has been designed according to the needs of the communities. An 80 percent attendance is required of all training participants. They have to pass strict tests and actual practice before they will be able to obtain the qualifying certificate. The course organizer expressed the hope that through such training and tests, the quality of the communities’ ecotour and environmental interpretation will be raised.