Wildlife and Nature Conservation Project Volunteering

Volunteer on conservation projects and find organisations who offer conservation volunteer programs. Conservation projects cover a wide variety of activities ranging from preservation of wildlife, the environment and threatened habitats to science based surveying and sustainable tourism and development programmes. Wildlife conservation volunteers can find placements at animal rescue centres, animal sanctuary and rehabilitation centre. In the field, wildlife conservation volunteers help monitor wildlife and animal populations, logging sightings of rare species. In marine and coastal communities this can include turtle nesting protection, fish / coral surveys, boat based whale and dolphin monitoring and introducing sustainable development initiatives such as recycling schemes and beach clean-ups.

Working at nature reserves or in national / eco parks, volunteers help build sustainable tourist infrastructure, repair nature trails, manage habitats and assist in visitor / education centres. Rainforest conservation projects are active in reforestation, monitoring of deforestation, cataloguing animal and plant species, promoting sustainable development and organising educational guided tours.

A good starting point can be to decide on the type of species, habitat or activity you are interested in and then look for organisations with placements related to this. Popular projects involving high profile species or exotic locations can be heavily oversubscribed but a wide variety of equally rewarding and enjoyable placements can be found with a little research. A background in conservation, or any experience is not necessary to join a conservation program, you will just need a passion for nature.

Conservation volunteer projects overseas can be arranged through sending agencies, travel / expedition companies, academic initiatives or directly with the projects themselves. It is worth giving thought to choosing a package or placement which is right for your level of experience, skills and needs. Field based expeditions or community projects can demand a high level of self reliance whereas o a guided expedition or group placement organised by a specialist travel company will provide a complete package including pre-departure briefings/study and assistance whilst overseas.