Participant Safety & Risk Management Statement
Professional Certificate in Ecotherapy-Informed Practice
This Participant Safety & Risk Management Statement outlines the principles and responsibilities associated with the safe delivery and application of ecotherapy-informed practices taught in the Professional Certificate in Ecotherapy-Informed Practice (“the Program”).
The Program is delivered as an online professional education course. While it may encourage reflection on nature-based activities, all practical application occurs at the discretion and responsibility of the participant.
Commitment to Safety
Participant safety is a foundational priority of this Program.
We are committed to promoting ethical, responsible, and safety-conscious approaches to nature-based wellbeing practices, recognizing the physical, psychological, and environmental considerations involved in working in natural settings.
Educational Context
The Program is delivered entirely online and does not involve supervised, in-person activities.
Any nature-based activities discussed or suggested within the Program are:
- educational in nature
- optional
- self-directed
- undertaken outside the control of the course provider
Participants are responsible for determining whether and how they engage in any practical activities.
Participant Responsibility
Participants are responsible for:
- assessing their own physical and mental health
- choosing environments appropriate to their abilities and experience
- considering weather, terrain, and accessibility
- complying with local laws and regulations
- ensuring personal safety and the safety of others
Participants should not undertake any activity that exceeds their competence, comfort, or professional scope.
Risk Awareness in Nature-Based Practice
Nature-based activities may involve inherent risks, including but not limited to:
- uneven terrain
- weather conditions
- physical exertion
- environmental hazards
- reduced privacy in public settings
Participants are expected to exercise reasonable judgement and take appropriate precautions at all times.
Psychological Safety
Nature-based experiences can evoke emotional or psychological responses.
Participants are encouraged to:
- engage at their own pace
- prioritize emotional wellbeing
- pause or stop activities if distress arises
- seek appropriate professional support when needed
The Program does not provide crisis support, therapy, or mental health intervention.
Group and Third-Party Considerations
Where participants apply learning in group or community contexts, they are responsible for:
- conducting appropriate risk assessments
- obtaining informed consent
- considering participant health, mobility, and accessibility
- managing group dynamics and emotional responses
- maintaining professional boundaries
Participants must ensure they operate within their legal and professional obligations.
Environmental Responsibility
Participants are expected to practice environmental care by:
- minimizing ecological impact
- respecting protected areas
- following “leave no trace” principles
- acknowledging cultural and Indigenous considerations related to land
Ethical ecotherapy-informed practice includes stewardship of natural environments.
No Emergency or Clinical Services
The Program does not provide:
- emergency response services
- crisis intervention
- medical advice
- psychological treatment
Participants must rely on local emergency services or qualified professionals when required.
Limitation of Provider Responsibility
To the extent permitted by law, the course provider is not responsible for:
- injuries or losses arising from self-directed activities
- outcomes of participant-led programs or sessions
- third-party actions
- environmental conditions
Nothing in this statement excludes rights under Australian Consumer Law.
Ongoing Reflection and Best Practice
Participants are encouraged to regularly reflect on safety by asking:
- Is this activity appropriate for the participant group?
- Have risks been reasonably assessed?
- Am I operating within my competence and role?
- Are participants emotionally and physically supported?
Responsible risk management supports sustainable and ethical practice.
By participating in the Program, students acknowledge and agree to uphold these safety principles when applying ecotherapy-informed practices.
