TGFDC organizes ‘Deccan Woods and Trails brand’ nature guide training program concludes successfully
The Telangana Forest Development Corporation (TGFDC) successfully organized a Nature Guide Training (NGT) Program at Amrabad Tiger Reserve from 9th February to 12th February, 2025. This initiative, a part of the Deccan Woods and Trails, was aimed at enhancing eco-tourism expertise and fostering wildlife conservation awareness among aspiring naturalists.
Empowering Future Naturalists
A total of 25 participants from Khammam, Mahbubabad, and Mulugu districts actively took part in this immersive training program. The training focused on developing professional nature guides who can contribute to eco-tourism activities and conservation education in Telangana’s wilderness areas and this training was inaugurated by L. Ranjeet Nayak IFS, TGFDC Executive Director, Eco-Tourism and addressed all the participants.
Program Structure: A Blend of Theory and Practical Learning
The four-day training program was designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience, combining classroom theories, hands-on field training, and interactive activities to ensure a holistic understanding of the region’s rich biodiversity and eco-tourism practices.
Classroom Training:Foundation of Eco-Tourism & Wildlife Interpretation
Participants attended interactive sessions covering:
Biodiversity and ecosystem conservation
Wildlife tracking and behaviour analysis
Ethical guiding principles and eco-tourism best practices
Forest laws and human-wildlife conflict mitigation
Sustainable tourism development and its impact
- Theoretical sessions were led by expert naturalists, providing participants with scientific knowledge and practical insights.
- Field Visits:Experiential Learning Through Jungle Exploration
- Early morning jungle safaris allowed participants to observe and identify native wildlife species, including birds, herbivores, and predators of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve.
- Guided nature hikes helped trainees to develop practical navigation and tracking skills.
- Hands-on exercises such as plant and grass species identification, observation techniques, and eco-friendly trekking methods were conducted.
- Participants learned about forest conservation practices and habitat restoration efforts.
- Interactive Activities:Enhancing Skills Through Group Engagement
- Group discussions on wildlife behaviour and conservation challenges fostered teamwork.
- Observation-based assignments tested participants’ ability to document flora and fauna.
- On-site learning from seasoned naturalists provided insights into real-world eco-tourism operations.
Final Certification & Deployment as Eco-Tourism Naturalists
Upon successful completion of the training, participants will be awarded a Nature Guide Certification by TGFDC after a field test in their respective places. This certification qualifies them to be deployed as professional naturalists in various eco-tourism areas across Telangana, where they can serve as wildlife educators, eco-tour guides, and conservation advocates.
Key Facilitators & Mentors
The training was conducted under the expert guidance of:
- Akhil Mylavarapu, Head Naturalist, TGFDC – Lead trainer for classroom and field sessions
- Aparanjani Yadavalli, Naturalist, TGFDC – Specializing in eco-tourism and biodiversity education
- Swetha Gorrapalli, Education & Public Relations Officer, Amrabad Tiger Reserve – Eco Tourism Operations
Their extensive experience in wildlife conservation and nature guiding provided participants with valuable insights and hands-on training.
A Visionary Initiative for Telangana’s Eco-Tourism Growth
The Nature Guide Training (NGT) Program is a key component of the Deccan Woods and Trails Initiative, launched by the Government of Telangana and TGFDC, aimed at:
- Expanding eco-tourism opportunities across the state
- Enhancing responsible tourism practices
- Promoting conservation education and sustainable livelihoods
A Milestone for Telangana’s Eco-Tourism Future
With the successful execution of the Nature Guide Training Program, TGFDC continues to strengthen Telangana’s eco-tourism sector by nurturing skilled nature guides who will contribute to conservation, sustainable travel, and visitor experiences in the state’s protected forests and wildlife reserves.
Valedictory addressed by TGFDC Executive Director, Eco-Tourism L. Ranjeet Nayak, IFS.
“The Nature Guide Training Program, conducted by TGFDC’s brand, Deccan Woods & Trails, at Amrabad Tiger Reserve, marks a significant step toward integrating eco-tourism with conservation-driven livelihoods. Over three days, 25 dedicated trainees, including Telangana’s forest staff and members of fringe communities, underwent intensive training in wildlife interpretation, ethical guiding practices, and conservation-based tourism.
By equipping them with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on field expertise, this initiative ensures that eco-tourism thrives as a catalyst for sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. Moving forward, these certified nature guides will play a pivotal role as ambassadors of the wild, fostering coexistence between communities and nature while safeguarding Telangana’s pristine wilderness.” as told by Mr. Ranjeet Nayak, IFS, Executive Director, Eco-Tourism.
