Africa Berdonces
Freelance Galapagos Naturalist Guide for Natgeo Lindbland Expeditions, Royal Galapagos. at Lindblad Expeditions- Claim this Profile
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Español Native or bilingual proficiency
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Inglés Full professional proficiency
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Bio
Credentials
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Emerging Leader in Ecotourism - Key speaker
Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism ConferenceDec, 2018- Sep, 2024
Experience
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Lindblad Expeditions
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United States
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Travel Arrangements
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400 - 500 Employee
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Freelance Galapagos Naturalist Guide for Natgeo Lindbland Expeditions, Royal Galapagos.
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2017 - Present
As a freelance bilingual tourist guide for travel agencies and tourist operators in the Galapagos Islands, I provide information about the ecology and biology of the fauna and flora of the islands and surrounding area. Through integration of social sciences’ perspectives. I address natural resource issues related to fisheries, tourism, and management in the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador. As a naturalist guide I am also in charge of giving talks about the oceanography, geology and history of the Galapagos Archipelago to guests aboard the ships and leading their hikes, snorkels, and kayak and paddle board outings. Furthermore, I am also in charge of providing detailed orientation briefings on destinations, including intensity and duration of each activity, local regulations, control and patrol the area while guiding to ensure conservation of the resources, and reporting wildlife and flora sightings as well as illegal activities. Some organizations I have worked alongside include, but are not limited to; Lindbland Expeditions-National Geographic, Golden Galapagos, Nautidiving and Safari Camp. Show less
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Master Reef Guides
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Australia
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Leisure, Travel & Tourism
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1 - 100 Employee
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Tourism Guide Training Specialist
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Nov 2018 - Dec 2018
Master Reef Guides is organized by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators, and Tourism Event Queensland. With the aim of training Top Guides who enhance their guest experience through environmental interpretation while discovering the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. It was a pleasure to be part of the selected trainers for the #MasterReefGuides Program conducted in #LadyElliotIsland. Being involved in the profesional development of so many wonderful people who love and are passionate about the reef has been a privilege. Master Reef Guides are the Spark that lit the fire changing the lives of millions of people, while promoting environmental awareness and protection. Show less
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Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
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Australia
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Environmental Services
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100 - 200 Employee
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keynote Speaker at “Presenting for Protection” Workshop - ICRI and GBRMPA
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Nov 2018 - Nov 2018
I had the privilege of being a keynote speaker at the “Presenting for Protection” Townsville - Australia workshop, organised by the International Coral Reef Initiative (#ICRI) and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (#GBRMPA). Attendants from Australia, Indonesia, Palau, Vietnam, Belize, Samoa and the Solomon Islands all came together to share our experiences managing marine Protected Areas. Together we believe that through improving tourism management practices and environmental interpretation we can enhance visitors experience; providing visitors with knowledge and understanding can assist to trigger their love and respect for the reef. By raising awareness of the environment and protection strategies, together we can motivate significant behavioral change while increasing visitor satisfaction with the aim of protecting and preserving marine environments. Show less
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Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference
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Australia
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Travel Arrangements
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Keynote Speaker - Emerging Leaders in EcoTourism
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Nov 2018 - Nov 2018
Key Speaker at international tourism management knowledge-sharing workshop. Sharing knowledge and experiences about managing protected areas. Tourism management in the Galapagos islands, organization, carrying capacity, tourism monitoring, permit concession system, boat itineraries, visitors sites, tourism guides, etc. Key Speaker at international tourism management knowledge-sharing workshop. Sharing knowledge and experiences about managing protected areas. Tourism management in the Galapagos islands, organization, carrying capacity, tourism monitoring, permit concession system, boat itineraries, visitors sites, tourism guides, etc.
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DIRECCIÓN DEL PARQUE NACIONAL GALÁPAGOS
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Apr 2016 - 2016
As Director of the Galapagos National Park, I provide leadership and direction over the Galapagos National Park and the Galapagos Marine Reserve in coordination with the Environment Ministry of Ecuador Among the activities conducted while I was the Director of the Galapagos National Park, I had the pleasure to be a part of the Socialization and Implementation of the new zoning system for the Galápagos National Park. This new zoning is merging the Galapagos National Park with the Galapagos Marine Reserve areas, increasing the Absolute Protection Zone, and creating the Shark Sanctuary at ̈Darwin and Wolf ̈. Negotiation with artisanal fishermen associations, regarding the permitted fishing art techniques, fishing areas, anchored fish aggregating devices, fishing calendar for each type of fisheries, fisheries research, reform of the current fishing regulations, patrolling of illegal fisheries among others artisanal fishery topics. Coordination of the Global Conference of Marine Reserves World Heritage of the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture UNESCO in the Galapagos Islands 2016. New legislation for tour guides and tour operators in the Galapagos National Park 2016. Organization of the Galapagos Naturalist Guide course 2017, pre-requirements, course outline, academic aspects, etc. Seeking the process of regulate the Galápagos Marine Reserve guides 2018, for Scuba Diving Guiding activities. Planning a course for Dive Masters, and Scuba Instructors of the Galapagos islands, to increase their interpretation skills and environmental knowledge. Show less
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Planning Director
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2015 - 2016
As Director of Planning I was in charge of: • Coordinate institutional planning processes aimed at the objectives and goals of the institutional. • Establish and strengthen links of international cooperation; as well as the development of investment programs and projects, articulating national and international participation. • Promote management by results and evaluate the efficiency of the institution through the development and implementation of monitoring methodologies and evaluation of policies, plans and processes in order to provide the necessary information for planning and continuous improvement of the institution. • Follow up and evaluate the processes, projects and international relations, and quality management. In addition to the management and monitoring of the fulfillment of ministerial commitments with the community. Show less
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Executive Director
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Nov 2014 - Dec 2015
As the Director of the Investment Agency for the Local Government of Manabí, I was in charge of the planning, organization, supervision and management of the Agency, and responsible for the coordination, hiring and training of work teams. Also, I participated in local and international meetings seeking investment in the region. I developed the portfolio of investment projects in which we promote all investment opportunities within the region, with the aim of strengthening the local productive sector. Meetings with potential investors and international corporations that I was a part of were held at; • Mexico D.F – Mexico 2015 • Bogotá – Colombia 2015 • Miami - USA 2015 Show less
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Pacific Voyagers
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United States
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Spectator Sports
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Volunteer crew
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Feb 2012 - Apr 2012
TRADICIONAL Navigation – Pacific Ocean I cross the Pacific Ocean on board a traditional Polynesian canoe. Powered by wind instead of fuel, and guided by the stars instead of a GPS. Learning celestial navigation techniques (Starchaser), and survival skills wile living with crew member of different south pacific islands. We cross the Pacific Ocean carrying a message of environmental protection, raising awareness of conservation. 8,000 nautical miles from Galapagos to Tahiti- French Polynesia. Galapagos - 2012 French Polynesia – 2012 www.pacificvoyagers.org Show less
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General Manager
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Mar 2008 - Feb 2012
- As manager, I was in charge of the planning, organization, and control of activities for the travel agency as well as the diving tour operator. Responsibilities included; Managing direct sales, online sales and customer service. Hiring and training of work teams, guides, crew members. - vessel maintenance, coordinate tour operation, solve problems, etc. Coordinating itineraries and permits within the Galapagos National Park Directorate. Sales representative for scuba diving tour packages operating within the Galapagos at: • DEMA SHOW - Orlando 2007 • DEMA SHOW - Orlando 2009 • FIRA DE CORNELLA - Barcelona 2010 • GOLDEN DOLPHIN- Moscow 2010 Show less
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Naturalist Guide *Free lance
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Nov 2008 - Feb 2011
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Education
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2012 - 2014
James Cook University
Master's degree, Protected Area Management -
2011 - 2011
Miami Dade College
ESL, English Language and Literature, General -
2005 - 2011
ESPOCH
Engineer's degree, Industrial Engineering -
2010 - 2010
PADI
Dive Master, scuba diving -
2008 - 2008
Galapagos National Park
Naturalist Guide, Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism
Community
