the pre- and post- course knowledge assessment. The answers were coded and a two-tailed t-test was used to look for a significant change in knowledge. Overall, a significant increase in knowledge among our participants was detected, where the average score increased from 77% to 85% (p=.0004) (Table 2). Changes in score for each unit was analyzed and indicated increases for each. The greatest increase in knowledge was in the fourth unit which focused on responsible ecotourism, an increase from 57% to 76% was measured. This indicates that for many of our participants, understanding what ecotourism is and how it impacts the community of kayak guides is a subject area in which they may not have had as much exposure. Table 2 . Overall knowledge gain for CARE participants as measured via pre and post course evaluation was significant as was the gain in knowledge about responsible ecotourism. Unit Pre-course Post-course P value
Subject matter Coastal Ecology
1
77%
85%
.5863
2
Shorebirds
88%
92%
.2410
3
Cultural History
83%
88%
.1661
4
Responsible Ecotourism
57%
76%
.0674
Overall
77%
85%
.0004
DISCUSSION
Grant funding provided the opportunity for partner organizations to address a need supporting both the conservation of sensitive habitat and the wildlife that depends on it while lending support to the local ecotourism economy. While in the early stages of establishment, this program shows promise as a means to raise awareness about conservation concerns as seen in an increase in knowledge and positive shift in reported behaviors by participants. Additionally, qualitative benefits of initializing a community of CARE certified guides has resulted in participation in community events including clean-ups
2021 NET Conference Proceedings
57
Powered by FlippingBook