Ever thought about eco-volunteering? Do you plan to spend a summer vacation in a faraway land, enjoying the sun, but always feel guilty of not being able to use the time or money for environmental causes? Stop feeling guilty and plan your next summer vacation volunteering abroad! This will not only give you the amazing opportunity to venture out into the mysterious unknown but you can be proud of yourself for helping those in need. Volunteering is extremely satisfying work. When you see the difference that you have made in the form of the trees you have planted, or the corals that are thriving because of the efforts you put into saving them, trust me, that peace and gratification will be well worth it.
There are various places in the world that are in dire need of human help, some more than others. Besides, adding a little more balance to nature is always appreciated and will be a step towards humanity in the long run. Below are some organizations that you can volunteer with:
1. Environmental conservation in Borneo – As a volunteer, you will be helping in forest conservation in Borneo as well as helping the local community through the established eco-camp. You can choose to collaborate on missions that attract you, such as reforestation, workshops in nearby schools, or restoration tasks performed at the local lake. You can also help them improve their eco-tourism strategies if you know about this subject. Keep in mind that as these tasks can get physically strenuous, you must be fit and physically and mentally ready to perform physical labor when called upon.
2. Agriculture in Uganda – If you think you are green-fingered, this may be an amazing opportunity to show off those gardening skills. Volunteers in Uganda take part mainly in farming activities, right from clearing the land for a fresh round of plantation to managing grown crops and clearing pests. You will get a first-hand experience to learn about food security and the effects of global warming and other damaging global phenomena on developing countries. If you wish, you can also spend some time teaching in local schools. You will be provided with all the required equipment, but you must bring your personal gardening clothing, such as tough boots and gloves. Your weekends will be free so you can take the opportunity to explore the nearby forest through activities like jungle safaris and white water rafting along the beautiful Nile.
3. Great Barrier Reef conservation in Australia – Did you always feel a pull towards the ocean every time you visit the beach? This is your time to help conserve one of its most precious belongings and a very delicate and essential part of marine life. One of the best features of this volunteering package is that it includes Open water or Advanced certification, depending on your current level. They train you for the first six days before providing it, so you earn the certification. You then move to the boat where you will assist marine biologists in collecting data about the status of the reef and analyzing it. You will be directly contributing to the health of the reef while earning diver certification!
4. Himalayan conservation in Nepal – When the mountains call, you got to go. This is an unmissable biodiversity conservation opportunity to look at the Himalayas in person and stay there among the local flora and fauna. The Himalayas are home to several amazing species such as the snow leopard, musk deer, and various indigenous species of birds. You can take part in activities like wildlife research, development of the infrastructure of their local communities, agriculture, and resource management. This is a unique opportunity to become a part of nature and will surely be a major, refreshing break from the urban lifestyle you have at home.
5. Marine conservation in Tenerife – This is another great option to be close to the ocean and help the whales and dolphins live peacefully in suitable habitat. Tenerife is an excellent location to observe these marine creatures that largely inhabit the waters nearby. You can help them by working on the major problems that they face including depletion of food because of fishing, water, and noise pollution, help the wounded ones heal, and take part in reversing the degradation of their natural habitat. You will also engage in data collection that environmentalists and marine biologists will use for research and analysis to understand how to make the living environment better for these cetaceans.
6. Environmental education in Bali – Being a popular tourist destination, Bali sees a lot of litter and damage to its natural environment. Balinese culture thinks that every individual should have knowledge and respect for nature, and these values are inculcated from their childhood. As a volunteer, you will visit schools and teach children about ways to be responsible individuals. You will also be responsible for engaging them in activities such as cleaning, tree plantation, and running campaigns for environmental causes. You can take the weekends off to enjoy the beaches and beautiful natural sites.
These are some of the various options you have to engage in volunteering. If you wish to get in contact with a particular interest or location, a good source to check out is GoEco.org. They partner with over 40 countries and 150 programs to provide plenty of opportunities for people to participate in helping out various ecological causes.
The experience of volunteering abroad will not only add tremendous value to your resumé but will help you see the world through the eyes of less privileged people. Despite the beautiful locations and the exposure to nature and wildlife in its rawest form, remember that the most important part of volunteering is actually doing the fieldwork. It won’t be easy, can get really messy, and you might become homesick. Keep all these in mind while planning the duration of your volunteering experience. Communicate with the planners and get information so you can mentally prepare yourself for the journey you will embark on. Most importantly, be proud of yourself for choosing to help the earth and being a responsible citizen of this exquisite planet!
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