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Certified Guide Course I'm Not Afraid of the Wolf – March 21 and 22, 2026

Tuesday 03 February 2026

Tuesday 03 February 2026

Since the inception of "I'm Not Afraid of the Wolf," we have been committed to raising awareness about nature and wildlife, paying special attention to wolves and issues of coexistence.

We pursue these goals through educational and outreach activities, including field experiences that help participants transform curiosity into understanding: observing, asking questions, learning to read landscapes, recognizing signs of wild species, experiencing the concept of biodiversity firsthand, and understanding the role of predators within ecosystems. The drive to organize these types of experiences also stems from the need to meet local communities and listen to those who live in these areas daily, so as to confront the complexity of reality and learn to describe it without simplification. The goal is for people to return home not only enriched, but also able to navigate accurate information, fears, conflicts, and possible solutions, so that they can, in turn, become bearers of values ​​related to conservation, sustainability, and coexistence. To give continuity and strength to this vision, we are offering the third edition of the Certified Guide course "I'm Not Afraid of the Wolf." The aim is to train nature guides, equipping them with appropriate knowledge about wolves and wildlife in general, so they can discuss these topics in an engaging and scientifically rigorous manner, using effective communication tools and paying particular attention to the responsibilities involved in accompanying groups in territories frequented by the predator. Certified guides will be able to organize activities and events consistent with the spirit of the association, helping to spread an authentic story of the wolf and the wild species that inhabit our country. At the end of the program, an individual interview will be held to assess each participant's suitability. Guides who pass the final assessment will earn the "I'm not afraid of the wolf" certification and will be able to propose activities and events consistent with the spirit of the association. Initiatives deemed in line with INHPDL's values ​​and standards will also be promoted through the association's official channels. Educational activities will be held in the classroom at the Visitor Center, while exercises and workshops will take place in the field in the protected area of ​​the Reserve. Certification is granted subject to acceptance of the regulations (defined by a specific resolution of the Board of Directors), mandatory attendance throughout the training program, and passing a final test to assess acquired skills. The outcome will be communicated via email within one month of the course's conclusion.

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SUGGESTED STRUCTURES
In the following facilities affiliated with I'm Not Afraid of the Wolf, a 10% discount is available for course participants.
- Cà Cigolara
- House of Herbs
- Mallarino House
- The Caprasanta

EVENT DATE
And March 21 22 2026

RECIPIENTS
Qualified guides (Environmental Hiking Guides – Medium Mountain Guides – Alpine Guides) with a good knowledge of wolf (Canis lupus) biology and ethology

FEE
€ 150,00
€120,00 Members of I'm Not Afraid of the Wolf and AIGAE in good standing with their 2026 annual membership

PARTICIPANTS:
min. 10 – max 15

REGISTRATION CLOSES BY
15 days from the start date

AIGAE TRAINING CREDITS
YES – Recognized training credits: 5

INFORMATION
campi@iononhopauradellupo.it

 COURSE PROGRAM

SATURDAY 21 MARCH 2026
(total 10 hours)

9.00 hours
– Introduction to the course
– Introduction of participants

11:00
- Coffee break

11.30 hours
– Field trip to the protected area (with packed lunch)
Topic: environmental interpretation, recognition of traces and signs of presence, monitoring techniques, approach to natural environments, ethics in observation.

16:00
– Return to the visitor center / coffee break

16.30 hours
– Knowing the wolf
– Questions and Answers

19:30
– Closing of the day and (for those who want to join) pizza together

SUNDAY 22 MARCH 2026
(total 10 hours)

08:00
– Communicating the wolf: methods, critical issues and complexity
– Questions and Answers

10:00
- Coffee break

10:30
– Prevention systems and conflicts with livestock protection dogs: meeting and discussion with Elena and Roberto, a small group that lives in the Ghirardi Nature Reserve and with their guard dogs.
Topic: The importance of grazing for ecosystems. The importance of shepherd farmers who practice extensive grazing in the territories. Problems and critical issues. Why use dogs? What are dogs for? How do they behave? How should you behave in case of an encounter? What are the conflicts with the users of the territory? How should guides behave?

13:30
Lunch break (offered by INHPDL)

14.30 hours
– Individual interviews and evaluation

18:00
– Course closure

TRAINERS
Daniel Ecotti
Founding partner
President of Environmental Hiking Guide – Environmental Educator
AIGAE ER940

Elena Gabbi
Founding member
Member of the Board of Directors

Simone Giosso
Member and Volunteer
Nature Photographer – Videomaker and Environmental Hiking Guide
AIGAE LI267

Francis Romito
Vice President/Communications Manager
Member of the Board of Directors

Guido Sardella
Founding partner
Member of the Board of Directors
Coordinator of the Ghirardi Regional Nature Reserve and WWF Oasis
AIGAE ER377

WHAT TO BRING
It's recommended to bring a backpack, a water bottle (at least 1 liter), layered clothing appropriate for the season, hiking boots with treaded soles, and a waterproof or rain jacket. Binoculars and a camera, a blanket to sit on, and a notebook are also helpful, though not essential. It's best to wear dark, unobtrusive clothing to reduce visibility. Participants will receive further information and details about clothing and logistics by email.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The event will take place once the minimum number of participants is reached. It will continue even in the event of rain, except in exceptional weather conditions, in which case we reserve the right to cancel. A full refund will be given if cancellation is made within 60 days of the event start date or if the cancellation is due to reasons attributable to the organizers. Alternatively, the fee is non-refundable but can be used to pay for other I'm Not Afraid of the Wolf events.
Minors must be accompanied by at least one adult.
The program may be subject to changes decided by the organizers due to contingencies and weather conditions.

FULL COURSE