Between October 25th and 27th, 2017, in Cochabamba, Bolivia, a workshop was held to develop the Training Plan for park guards of the National System of Protected Areas (SNAP), within the framework agreement established in 2015 between the National Service of Protected Areas (SERNAP) and the Ministry of Education, with the support of the Italian Agency of Development Cooperation (AICS). Significant progress has been made in the certification of around 180 park rangers and in the design of a plan that will allow them to obtain a professional technical title and an academic recognition of their professional experience.
Oscar Loayza of the Wildlife Conservation Society was invited to collaborate in the development of this complementary training plan. Twenty-two representatives from 19 out of 22 national protected areas and one municipal protected area participated in this workshop, as well as technical staff from the Ministry of Education (Vice Ministry of Alternative Education and Plurinational Service of Competency Certification), SERNAP and the AICS Training Program for Park Guards. Willdife Conservation Society was the only NGO whose technical expertise was requested for this process, a testament to our experience and that of our staff.
A diagnostic of park guard training needs was carried out and building on this 12 major themes or training modules were identified for three training levels (basic, assistant and middle level technician). The main aspects analysed included the accumulated experience in protected area management, current challenges for protected areas to conserve natural and cultural heritage, and effective participation of local populations. To continue this process, a core team has been established to conclude the formulation of the Complementary Training Plan for Parkguards and plan its initial rollout. This team includes representatives of the Ministry of Education, SERNAP, AICS and WCS.