Niagara College is sharing sustainability expertise with Caribbean and Canadian partners through the Skills to Access the Green Economy (SAGE) program.
From May 8 to June 12, Niagara College’s Institute for Global Education & Training is delivering weekly virtual sessions as part of the SAGE-07 program – Ecotourism Thematic Partnership. These sessions include modules of two short courses developed under the program: Green Events, led by Professor Agnes Nowaczek, and Principles for Ecotourism Guides, led by Professor Jennifer Hall, both from NC’s School of Hospitality and Tourism.
Virtual series attendees represent Dominica State College (Dominica), Excelsior Community College (Jamaica), Guyana Tourism Authority (Guyana), Nova Scotia Community College (Canada), Seneca College (Canada), Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (St Lucia), University of Belize (Belize) and T. A. Marryshow Community College (Grenada).
Funded by the Government of Canada, SAGE is a five-year program implemented by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan). The program enhances demand-driven, technical, and vocational education training (TVET) offered by Caribbean institutions in climate-related sectors to meet regional economic and environmental demands.
Through SAGE 07, NC works with Nova Scotia Community College, Seneca Polytechnic and partners from all six SAGE countries (Jamaica, Guyana, Saint Lucia, Grenada, Belize, and Dominica) to develop short courses focusing on Ecotourism. The courses were designed for tourism students and professionals, equipping graduates with skills that meet employers’ needs and contribute to successful local economies.
The train-the-trainer virtual series comprises the last three modules of each course, following the delivery of the first two modules conducted in person during study tours in Canada in May 2023 and Guyana and Jamaica in October 2023.
“We had a great opportunity to experience the local context, which is irreplaceable as we develop the modules,” said Nowaczek. “Our new experience combined with the extensive local knowledge of our partners proved invaluable. I am finding the same brainstorming and organic connections developed during our virtual sessions. The latest being new ideas on developing Collaborative Online International Learning with our Jamaican partners and both of our students from NC and Excelsior Community College.”
In the Principles for Ecotourism Guides virtual sessions, participants explore topics such as Tour Guides Around the World, which covers international standards, certifications, and free online certifications for ecotourism guides. Additionally, they delve into the Key Components of Ecotourism Tours, where they discuss common philosophies, sustainability practices, and the essential components of ecotourism tours. Lastly, participants create an ecotourism tour, which involves planning an ecotourism tour with experiential and cultural elements for a local area.
Under the Green Events online modules, participants engage with themes including Responsible Supply Chain, where they understand responsible supply chains, effective strategies, and certification guidelines for green events. They also explore Marketing Green Events, learning about responsible marketing, best practices, strategies, and correcting greenwashing in green events. Finally, in Planning a Green Event, participants work collaboratively to plan a component of a local green event focused on sustainability and responsible practices.
“The courses and individual modules were developed through close consultations with NC partners Excelsior Community College in Jamaica and Guyana Tourism Authority,” said Nowaczek. “By working closely with our partners and following their lead, we are ensuring that we will be able to meet a wide range of needs by developing a sustainable tourism industry in the Caribbean countries.”
Through collaborative efforts and innovative curriculum, Niagara College and its partners in the SAGE 07 program are taking important steps to advance sustainable education and drive positive change in the ecotourism sector. This initiative also allows NC to continue supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Niagara College’s Institute for Global Education & Training
Bringing together the expertise of a highly skilled NC team with partner organizations worldwide, Niagara College’s Institute for Global Education & Training proudly provides educational solutions designed to inspire sustainable global change. For over 20 years, NC has been collaborating with global institutions, including developing and delivering customized education and training programs and capacity building projects to support learners around the world and global partners in achieving their goals. Drawing on this expertise, NC established in May 2024 an official global education hub – a one-stop-shop to leverage its world-renowned education and training programs and to offer newly developed modularized global programs. The Institute also strives to support partners in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
