The Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF) conducted a Mangrove Tour Guiding and Interpretation Training for the BUFFALOO People’s Organization from August 7-9, 2024, at the Dapdap Receiving Area in Bugas, Badian, Cebu. The training was led by Mr. Joselito “Boboi” R. Costas, a Sustainable Ecotourism Trainer and Consultant.
This training is part of the “Adopt a Marine Protected Area” program, sponsored by Booth & Partners , in collaboration with CCEF. The initiative aims to enhance the BUFFALOO’s ecotourism services, including the improvement of their physical facility and honing their interpretive skills.
The three-day Mangrove Tour Guiding and Interpretation training was facilitated by Mr. Joselito “Boboy” Costas. The first day centered on a lecture about interpretation techniques and best practices that could benefit the BUFFALOO members participating in the training. It also provided an opportunity for the trainees to revisit the mangrove identification training conducted on July 3-4, 2024.
The second day focused on scriptwriting and coaching the trainees on procedures for welcoming guests to their ecotourism services. The trainees were encouraged to be creative and incorporate personal touches into their scripts, guided by the criteria provided by the facilitator.
On the third day, the trainees conducted a mock tour using the scripts they had developed on the second day. Mr. Costas, along with the CCEF team and Mr. Jason Tabanao from the Barangay Bugas Council’s environment committee, participated as guests of the ecotourism service tour. Feedback and suggestions from the facilitators and team emphasized the importance of familiarization, building confidence, and practicing further.
