Unit of competency details

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

1. Determine the environmental impacts of outdoor recreation activities.

1.1. Identify the impacts  caused by participation in specific outdoor recreation activities.

1.2. Determine the possible causes  of these impacts.

1.3. Identify the consequences of the impact on the environment.

1.4. Source and analyse information on key organisational practices and procedures  used to reduce the environmental impact.

2. Adopt minimal impact practices.

2.1. Follow instructions of relevant personnel  to apply minimal impact environmental practices  and procedures during outdoor activities.

2.2. Use equipment in a manner that reduces impact on the natural environment.

2.3. Demonstrate appropriate behaviour toward the environment when interacting with staff and participants.

2.4. Utilise heritage or cultural sites according to relevant legislation  and or directions from relevant personnel.

2.5. Report inappropriate environmental practices  to relevant personnel.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• communication skills to:

• follow instructions to implement minimal environmental impact practices in outdoor activities
• report inappropriate practices

• literacy skills to read and interpret organisational procedures to reduce environmental impact
• problem-solving skills to:

• anticipate the consequences of outdoor recreation activities on the environment
• implement strategies to reduce the potential impact.

Required knowledge 

• legislation and codes relating to environmental protection and cultural and heritage protection for the activity area and location to enable outdoor recreation activities to be undertaken responsibly
• area restrictions and resource management requirements to enable compliance during outdoor recreation activities
• basic ecological principles and interrelationships to enable understanding of potential causes and consequences of environmental impact
• organisational procedures for minimal environmental impact practices relevant to specific activities, sites or locations.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• utilises environmental resources responsibly and with minimal impact to participate in outdoor recreation activities
• complies with general legislation, land managers requirements, industry codes and activity specific codes of practice to minimise environmental impact
• applies contingency management techniques to deal with problems in implementing minimal environmental impact practices.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure implementation of minimal impact practices relevant to specific activities, sites and or locations while participating in outdoor recreation activities to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance, on multiple occasions.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• an outdoor environment or site to participate in outdoor activity
• relevant personnel
• documentation such as organisational minimal environmental impact procedures and practices and relevant environmental protection legislation.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• direct observation of the candidate's ability to implement minimal environmental practices while participating in and assisting in an outdoor activity
• written and oral questioning to assess knowledge of key environmental practices and procedures to minimise activity impact appropriate to the locality or site of the outdoor activity
• third-party reports from a supervisor detailing evidence of the candidate's implementation of minimal environmental impact practices during an outdoor activity.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• SISOODR201A Assist in conducting outdoor recreation sessions
• Activity specialisations.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Impacts  may include:

• pollution
• vegetation tramping and breakage
• breakage and dislodgment of rock and other formations
• compaction of soil and other deposits
• disturbance or removal of fauna
• introduction of new flora and fauna
• chemical alteration of environments
• damage to, or inappropriate behaviour in, cultural sites
• graffiti
• reduction in decomposing timber
• campfire scars
• noise.

Causes  may include:

• development of facilities and signs
• increased use.

Organisational practices and procedures  may include:

• restricting access
• limiting group size
• seasonal restrictions
• use of permits
• codes of ethics and conduct
• heritage and cultural site protocols and guidelines.

Relevant personnel  may include:

• supervisors
• resource managers
• peak activity groups
• custodians.

Minimal impact environmental practices  may include:

• avoidance of sensitive areas
• site and route selection
• limited party size
• removal of rubbish
• appropriate sanitation practices
• use of fuel stoves
• use of low impact equipment
• keeping to marked tracks or routes
• appropriate washing procedures
• respect and protection of heritage and cultural sites
• camp fire management and rehabilitation.

Relevant legislation  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• permits or permission for access
• environmental regulations
• marine regulations.

Inappropriate environmental practices  may include:

• trampling over sensitive areas
• leaving rubbish behind
• accessing out of bounds areas
• disturbing cultural sites.