Conserving wildlife goes beyond simply saving animals. It is the preservation of ecosystems, local communities and that future generations may experience the incredible diversity of life on our planet. The decision to volunteer wildlife conservation project overseas is one that many people make in order to make their trip more impactful and meaningful, while also helping to support the conservation of wildlife in the long term.
But, conservation volunteering with wildlife is misunderstood. Many people envision to feed baby animals or to take pictures with exotic animals all day long. In fact, ethical conservation is more about preserving wildlife in the wild, re-establishing ecosystems and the conduct of scientific research, than about providing entertainment for visitors.
Understanding Wildlife Conservation Volunteering
Volunteering abroad in wildlife conservation programs is a part of a greater conservation mission. You might work under the guidance of highly-trained conservationists, researchers, park rangers, or local communities who are dedicated to the protection of endangered species and habitats on a daily basis.
The tasks may vary depending on the destination and the goals of the project. Volunteers can participate in wildlife census, re-establishing disturbed habitats, gathering environmental data, upkeep of conservation facilities, preparing meals for rescued wildlife, or environmental awareness for locals on sustainable practices.
Each project is unique, but all aim to preserve wildlife by taking sustainable action in the long term.
The ethical dimension of conservation.The importance of ethical conservation.
Not all wildlife volunteer programs are in good practice. Some organizations put their tourist program ahead of their animal welfare policies, allowing unneeded animals and people to interact with each other. These may be fun, but could have negative impacts on animal behavior and conservation results.
In ethical projects the emphasis is on the interests of the animals and not on the interests of the volunteers. This involves keeping a safe distance from living wildlife, keeping distance from rescued wildlife when such animals might be stressed, and helping them recover if possible.
Do your research on any program before enrolling in it to make sure it has a conservation objective, is transparent, and has partnerships, and will have a long-term effect. When selecting a responsible organization, your time and efforts will actually be used to promote wildlife protection.
What Volunteers Do
Conservation volunteers are frequently stereotyped as spending their day just talking to animals. Animal care may be a component of some programs, but a large amount of work occurs behind the scenes.
Common duties of volunteers are:
- Helping maintain and restore habitats.
- Researching by observing wildlife.
- Facilitating the activities of EE.
- Feeding and cleaning cages of rescued animals.
- Helping maintain conservation facilities.
- Beach, forest and river clean-ups.
- Re-establishment of ecosystems through planting of native vegetation.
Although these activities might not be glamorous, they are very important to help conserve biodiversity and to help conservation teams.
The status of animal sanctuaries
There are also volunteer opportunities at animal sanctuaries offered by many conservation organizations that are ethical. These sanctuaries are for permanently housing or rehabilitating an injured, orphaned or rescued animal that otherwise could not not survive without the help of humans.
Sanctuaries are not like tourist destinations, but are more concerned with the welfare of the animals than with entertainment for the visitors. Volunteers often help cook food, tend to enclosures, provide animal enrichment items, and perform other support functions and duties in the facility, but do not actually touch animals themselves.
Responsible animal sanctuary volunteer positions are those that help to make a difference while showing respect for the animals' natural behaviors and their needs for recovery.
Skills You Need
So much for what many people think of when they hear the term conservation volunteering: you have to be a biology major or an environmental scientist.There's one of the biggest misunderstandings about conservation volunteering and that's that you have to be a biology major or an environmental scientist.
In fact, many programs are open to energetic volunteers who are eager to learn. Physical fitness, adaptability, working in a team and a positive attitude are all beneficial skills, but not always essential ones of professional expertise.
Few special projects request volunteers that have scientific backgrounds, but for many conservation projects, training is provided beforehand.
Benefits Beyond Conservation
Voluntary work for wildlife conservation is beneficial to the environment and the volunteer.
They tend to get hands-on experience with techniques of conservation, acquire communication and teamwork skills and further their knowledge of issues facing the environment around the world.
Residing among local communities also offers great cultural experiences. Volunteers are briefed on traditional conservation methods, life living in harmony with wildlife and daily struggles of people living near protected wildlife areas.
The program brings many participants back home with a better understanding about the environment, and they still continue to help conserve it even after the end of the volunteering experience.
Select the best course for you
Not every volunteer experience will make a difference the same. Here are some questions to ask before taking on a project:
- Does the group have specific conservation objectives?
- Are local communities involved in the project?
- Do animals come first?
- What are the volunteer fees used for?
Does conservation deliver measurable outcomes and results that are communicated?
Does the program stay away from unneeded interaction with wildlife?
Researching allows you to make a contribution that benefits conservation and not unethical wildlife tourism.
Making a Lasting Difference
Wildlife conservation isn't a quick fix. It is a long-term project that requires community involvement, scientific research, education and habitat protection.
Your wildlife conservation efforts abroad are contributing to a larger mission of helping to save endangered species and protect the natural environment. Regardless of which of these activities you do each day, you all share a common objective: to achieve conservation.
The most rewarding volunteer experiences are those that embody the idea of lasting environmental impact, but do not emphasize personal recognition. When volunteers select ethical conservation projects, they are helping to assure that wildlife will flourish for generations to come.
Final Thoughts
Wildlife conservation abroad is more than just a trip abroad or an adventure. An opportunity to contribute and help protect some of the world's most valuable ecosystems while supporting conservation efforts and learning from experienced professionals.
If you are thinking of taking a conservation trip, don't judge by the marketing and pretty photos! Select programs emphasizing ethical behavior, community involvement, and quantifiable conservation results. This will not only enrich your life but help to make this place a better and more lasting place for wildlife and their habitat.
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