Lucky for you, no matter what region of the world draws your interest, there are probably trees; by extension, there’s likely a volunteer project waiting for you to help plant more of them. Here are some hot spots for tree planters abroad:

Ecuador is an excellent location to volunteer in tree planting because of its vast biodiversity. As a result of its very fertile land, many species of plants and animals thrive in Ecuador, making gardening and farming very feasible. A very popular location to volunteer in tree planting and environmental conservation is the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos are world renowned for their biodiversity, but through the commercialization of tourism, many non-indigenous plants and animals have been introduced to this area. Much of the focus of volunteer programs in Ecuador is to restore the natural cycle of native habitats.

South Africa is a quickly growing nation, currently experiencing a rise in industrialization. With this growth in population and commerce, it’s becoming more important to preserve natural habitats and prevent deforestation. This movement starts with environmental awareness and eco-education. By volunteering to plant trees in South Africa, you will help spread this message of green living to the nation through helping to maintain community gardens. Through your actions of encouraging South Africa to be more environmentally friendly, you will instill ideals that will stick around long after your leave to ultimately make the planet a healthier place.

Costa Rica is a country that is rich in biodiversity and makes for a great location to volunteer in tree planting. The country’s vast rural rainforests make for very successful gardening and farming. Next to tourism, Costa Rica’s largest industry is produce production. Some of the world’s tastiest fruits and vegetables are grown in Costa Rica and shipped all over the world because of their high quality. The amount of rain Costa Rica experiences, in addition to the intense sunlight and tropical, humid weather all contribute to the success of crops.