Spring Break Travel Destinations with a Cause
Vacation in Swaziland, the Amazon or Malaysia as an Eco-volunteer
Feb 22, 2009
Why not help make a difference in the world over Spring break by protecting nature and its inhabitants? Local organizations all over the world are looking for eco-volunteers, people who choose to travel to a specific destination and help with conservation projects or other various efforts requiring active participation.
Training & Experience
The experience gained from being an eco-volunteer ranges from working directly with experts in fields like wildlife research and protection, to educating the local population and tourists about the goals of the projects. The training necessary for participation in these projects is part of the program, and tools, supplies and equipment that will be needed for the duration of the project will usually be provided.
Since each project is unique, both the training and experience will differ depending on what is being done. Collecting botanical samples and data may be necessary training for one project, while feeding and caring for animals may be essential training for another.
Accommodations
Accommodations for volunteers are generally very basic facilities. Some places have no hot water, in some instances rooms must be shared, and in some countries vegetarian meals are not available.
In many of the remote locations, food is provided since it is not readily available. Sometimes food is not included for volunteers, and they must rely on local eateries as a resource.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are a wide range of projects that are in need of volunteers. The best way to narrow down which project to undertake is to first decide which place and which cause would be personally worthwhile. For those who are animal lovers, volunteering at a rescue sanctuary might be more rewarding to them than collecting botanical samples or measuring trees.
For those wanting to spend Spring break on an idyllic island off the East Coast of Malaysia, volunteering to survey local reefs and protect highly endangered sea turtles may be the right project to choose. Volunteer duties for the Great Marine Project include protecting nesting turtles and their eggs in order to preserve them. The accommodations at this eco-resort on Perhentian Besar include its own exclusive beach, and a course in scuba diving is available as well.
The Amazon Rainforest Conservation Project in Peru allows volunteers to assist researchers with their field work by collecting samples, recording data, observing species and planting trees as part of their reforestation program. A rustic lodge accommodates volunteers, and independent travel time is given to visit Machu Picchu or other regions.
In Swaziland, at the Mkhaya Game Reserve, volunteers are needed to protect rhinos. This project in Southern Africa may have volunteers prepare food for the rhinos, help to maintain fences and infrastructure or help with veterinary activities. Accommodations are basic and local food is provided.
There are many, many more volunteer opportunities available worldwide including helping animal sanctuaries in Brazil to care for wildlife that have been the victims of abuse, trafficking or deforestation and reconstruction of native habitat on the Galapagos Islands. Whatever the cause, volunteering for any project can be a valuable and important experience.
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