Naturpark Hohe Mark as a learning and experiential space: New ambassadors for nature, culture and sustainability will enrich the region's educational and excursion offerings in the future.

With their successful final exams last weekend, the participants of the first training course for "Certified Nature and Landscape Guides (ZNL) for West Münsterland" have successfully completed their qualification. After several months of intensive training, they can now officially call themselves certified nature and landscape guides and will be able to offer their own nature and cultural excursions as well as educational events – especially in the diverse landscape of the region. Naturpark Hohe Mark and in other parts of West Münsterland.

The training was provided by the Regional Centre for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) of the Nature and Landscape Foundation Westmünsterland in cooperation with the educational institution of the Biological Station Zwillbrock e. V. and the Naturpark Hohe Mark e. V. carried out. Especially the diverse natural habitats of the NaturparkThey provided an ideal setting to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Certification was carried out jointly with the North Rhine-Westphalia Academy for Nature and Environmental Protection according to nationally recognized standards. The project was funded by the Westphalia-Lippe Regional Association (LWL) within the framework of the LWL Nature Fund.

The training focused on providing in-depth knowledge of the natural and cultural landscapes of the region. NaturparkThe course focused on the Hohe Mark region and the wider West Münsterland area, covering methods of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), communication, excursion didactics, and the planning and execution of guided tours. Participants engaged intensively with the region's unique landscape features, valuable habitats, and cultural diversity. Topics such as nature conservation, cultural landscapes, inclusion, and the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals were also on the agenda. Practical exercises and excursions at various locations in the region were included. Naturpark Hohe Mark and furthermore in the West Münsterland region, it was possible to apply the acquired knowledge directly and to develop one's own event formats.

With the newly certified nature and landscape guides, the Naturpark Hohe Mark Dedicated ambassadors vividly convey the region's diverse landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural heritage to locals and visitors alike. Their guided tours combine experiencing nature with in-depth expertise, making a significant contribution to environmental education, nature conservation, and sustainable regional development.