Have you ever looked wistfully out over a meadow, become overcome with the beauty of nature, only to have the devastating reality of a grimey factory’s plumage billow over the once bright, blue sky? If you felt an urge to take on a life of fighting against environmental crime, the life of a conservation volunteer is for you.
Conservation volunteer projects abroad will give you a chance to take a stand against pollution and with the planet earth. But where to go? What to choose? What’s your cause? There are so many conservation volunteer programs, it can be tough to figure out the right program for you. That’s why we created this handy dandy list! So read on— your future volunteership lies below.
Why the world needs you to become a conservation volunteer abroad
The planet’s been having a pretty hard time lately: people are leaving their crap all over the place, animals are dying off, and the forests are being cut down at ridiculous rates (about 27 soccer fields a minute— yikes). We’ve reached a point where only 17% of Earth’s surface remains untouched by human influence, which has jeopardized its natural resources. Along with that, according the Living Planet Index, the world could lose 67% of wild animals species by 2020.
There are organizations that are trying to get things back in order. Efforts to establish marine and terrestrial protected areas are being worked on. But these organizations keep falling behind their goals. For example, the United Nations’ goal for 2020 is to have 10% of the ocean protected. Right now it’s at about 3.6%. Seems like they need a little extra help. By getting involved in conservation volunteer programs, maybe you can help reach that goal.
We obviously like living on this planet, seeing as the earth’s population is 7.6 billion, so we should probably be taking better care of it. With more people we need more food, and conservation practices play into agriculture as well. There are 48,626,474.4 square kilometers of agricultural land worldwide. It’s important to maintain sustainable agriculture practices to get food in our bellies.
Yeah, it kinda sucks. Ok, really super sucks. But you shouldn’t get too down about it; that’s not very productive. Instead, use that emotional rage to make a difference: get involved in conservation volunteer projects abroad.
5 countries chock full of conservation volunteer programs
1. Romania
If you’re looking for a chance to get involved in agricultural conservation volunteering, Romaine-ia is the perfect place for you! Getting down and dirty will leaf you feeling warm and fuzzy (or is that mold growing in the fertilizer?).
Jokes aside, if you want to be a conservation volunteer abroad, Romania is a perfect spot. The cost of living isn’t too steep, and there is so much culture to explore! You might want to bring tape for the jaw droppingly beautiful medieval fortresses and ornate monasteries. With rolling hills, mountainous countryside, and the Danube Delta—a Unesco World Heritage site—it’s also the perfect landing spot for environmental conservation. Volunteer in Romania for a taste of meaningful conservation volunteer work.
- What you can help: Agricultural Conservation, Ecological Conservation
- Cost of living: ~$750—1,000 / month
- Recommended program: Projects Abroad Animal Care Volunteering in Romania
2. Sri Lanka
Conservation volunteer programs in Sri Lanka are perfect for the animals lovers out there. From volunteering with elephants to marine conservation, volunteer abroad in Sri Lanka for a chance to get in touch with your wild side. The country is predominantly Buddhist, which makes it the perfect environment for volunteering; good vibes are buzzing here. Sri Lanka is known for scenic its scenic countryside, Ceylon tea, and, of course, elephants.
It’s super affordable to live in Sri Lanka, and there is always an adventure to be had. The island nation provides some radical surfing opportunities, along with beaches to bum around on.
- What you can help: Wildlife Conservation, Marine Conservation
- Cost of living: ~$700—1,000 / month
- Recommended program: Greenheart Travel’s Volunteer at an Elephant Conservation in Sri Lanka
3. Scotland
The UK is another island with great conservation volunteer programs. Scotland in particular provides quite the environment: cold ocean waves clash with craggy cliffs, and sublime grasslands stretch out for miles. The Scottish Highlands are one of the last wild places in Northern Europe, which necessitates some intentional conservation. Volunteer abroad for a chance to engage with the natural world.
- What you can help: Wildlife Conservation, Ecological Conservation
- Cost of living: ~$1,600- 2,500 / month
- Recommended program: Scottish Highlands Wildlife Conservation | Fronteering
4. New Zealand
One does not simple volunteer in New Zealand without getting involved in wildlife conservation. Volunteer abroad in Middle Earth for the adventure of a lifetime! The land of Hobbits and Elves is full of conservation quests for the nature and animal lovers out there. Projects in New Zealand allow conservation volunteers to contribute in practical, meaningful ways.
The work is challenging and physical, but worth every drop of sweat. Tree planting, habitat restoration, and construction projects are sure to get your blood pumping, and you’ll actually see the difference you’re making each day. New Zealand is great for conservation volunteers, international program seekers, and the culturally curious. You’ll have a chance to make genuine friendships, and relationships, and perhaps even fellowships.
- What you can help: Wildlife Conservation, Ecological Conservation
- Cost of living: $1,800- 2,600 / month
- Recommended program: GoEco | New Zealand- Conservation Experience
5. Belize
You bettah Belize there are conservation volunteer opportunities in Central America! Belize is a “biodiversity hotspot”, making it ideal for the conservation volunteer abroad. The tropical forests are home to hundreds of species of mammals, reptiles and amphibians, but many are endangered as a result of pollution.
If you choose to become a conservation volunteer in Belize, you’ll have a chance on land and in the sea to chart and monitor plants and wildlife. When you’re not busy investigating the unique ecosystem, you can spend time exploring Mayan ruins, or snorkeling through the Mesoamerican Reef, a unique system that stretches through the ocean for more than 600 miles.
- What you can help: Marine Conservation, Ecological Conservation
- Cost of living: $500—1,000 / month
- Recommended program: Pod Volunteer | Reef Conservation in Belize
How to find more conservation volunteer programs abroad
It’s clear that humanity's’ impact on the world has created a need for conservation, but can be a little daunting to imagine fixing it by yourself. Luckily, there are countless conservation volunteer programs abroad for you to get involved in. Tackling the earth’s problems just got a whole lot more manageable: teamwork is where it’s at.
If you happened upon this article, chances are you have some green in your heart. You’re not alone in your sentimental/environmental thoughts; there are tons of people around the world getting together to help the planet as conservation volunteers. JFK once said: “One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.” You really can make a difference through conservation volunteer work. Volunteering abroad connects people like you to projects that matter, so connect with likeminded people and multiply your impact on a conservation volunteer program. Click on the link below to get customized program recommendations from our travel experts!
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