Volunteering trips are an amazing way to see the world, meet new people, and even do some good whilst you’re at it! But what if you’d like to specifically help out the planet and the environment on your volunteering adventure? It can be hard to find programs that actually help, aren’t a total scam, and give you an amazing opportunity, so in this post we’re going through the best types of environmental volunteer schemes along with some of the best that we’ve found that you can research and sign up for right now!
The Best Types of Environmental Volunteering Scheme That Can Have A Real Impact
Coastal and Ocean Clean-ups
One way you can have a direct impact on the surrounding environment during your trip is to volunteer for coastal clean-ups or ocean clean-ups. As part of a clean-up you’ll remove plastics and litter from beaches, shores, and the sea which brings a whole scope of benefits that you’ll directly contribute to!
Plastic and other rubbish on beaches is incredibly harmful to the wildlife, including birds, crabs, lizards, seals, baby turtles and more. Once this waste ends up in the ocean, it becomes a major hazard to sea life, sea plants, and even humans as micro plastics build up throughout ecosystems.
By participating in a clean-up operation, you’ll be helping to directly reduce the build-up of litter and hazardous waste materials and keep beaches and oceans safer for everyone!
Reforestation
Reforestation volunteering programs are focused on planting new trees and life, and helping to regenerate natural areas. There’s a reason why deforestation and the destruction of huge forests like the Amazon is a scary prospect – these green areas are the lungs of our planet and are vital in absorbing carbon and producing clean oxygen.
Unfortunately, many companies, organisations, and even governments are sacrificing our forests for financial and material gain which is only accelerating the issues our environment faces.
Taking part in a reforestation scheme means that you’ll be directly responsible for helping to build our planet’s forest areas back up again through planting trees and helping them to grow. Ok, you alone won’t solve the immeasurable destruction that’s currently occurring, but in a few decades you will have real, physical signs of your environmental volunteering work! And, every tree does its part in helping.
Sustainable Education
Education is essential in driving the battle for climate awareness and reducing our environmental impact. In whichever form it comes, educating, inspiring, and engaging younger generations in the climate conversation can go a long way in developing a healthy attitude towards the planet and its resources.
Whether you help out at eco-focused activity events, teaching children abroad about sustainability, or helping out at after school clubs and environmental programs, there are lots of ways that you can reach children with important information on environmental awareness, climate change, and leading a sustainable lifestyle!
Support Charities
This final one is a bit of vague “cover all aspects” approach that could give you a wider scope if you’re struggling to find specific programs for any of the above.
Countries all over the world have sustainable charities in place that are already carrying out important work. Indeed, there are many global charities that carry out their projects across the world too. Helping out these charities is another great way to volunteer with a primarily sustainable focus as you could support them with a range of activities from any of those named above, to animal welfare, to protecting habitats.
Some of The Best Environmental Volunteer Schemes You Can Take Part In Now
It’s all well and good outlining the best types of environmental volunteering schemes to see where you can make the biggest impact, but what if you actually want to sign up to one now and get out there? Well good news, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourites!
Restoring Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest
Location: Rosário da Limeira, Brazil
Description: We warmly invite you to join us at the Iracambi Rainforest Center in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, where you’ll gain firsthand experience in reforestation, medicinal plants, community outreach and environmental educational.
For over twenty years we’ve planted over 140,000 native forest trees, founded the first program of environmental education in the region, set up the first web-based GIS, created thousands of acres of protected areas, hosted 2000 international students and volunteers from 70 countries, and impacted the lives of thousands of people in the Serra do Brigadeiro mountains.
Environmental Education Volunteering in Bali
Location: Ubud, Bali
Description: Love spending time in nature and want to be an Environmental Education volunteer in Bali – Ubud? International Volunteer HQ’s Environmental Education project enables volunteers to teach local elementary school children about recycling and sustainable living, as well as sharing English language skills. Volunteers will gain teaching experience and children will learn how to clean up and look after their home and the natural environment.
Link: https://www.volunteerhq.org/gb/destinations/bali/environmental-education-in-ubud/
Reforestation Volunteering Project in Iceland
Location: Úlfljótsvatn lake, Iceland
Descriptions: Volunteers are needed to help with ecological restoration and reforestation in the region of Úlfljótsvatn lake in the southwest of Iceland. Parts of the area have been heavily eroded or degraded and are in an urgent need of attention. Volunteers will assist with the reforesting in the area, by planting seedlings and by fertilising young trees.
Link: https://www.workingabroad.com/projects/reforestation-volunteer-project-iceland/
The Great African Sea Forest Marine Volunteer Program in South Africa
Location: False Bay, South Africa
Description: Join a team of passionate marine biologists and conservationists in the field and get hands-on experience working on marine research and conservation projects. Assist with scientific monitoring projects, citizen science initiatives and explore the kelp forests whilst on fish and shark surveys with the research team. Contribute to long term monitoring programmes of the Great African Seaforest.
Link: https://www.workingabroad.com/projects/great-african-sea-forest-programme-south-africa/
Beach / Mountain Cleaning Support in Spain
Location: Bilbao, Spain
Description: Since many beaches and mountains are not yet adequately protected from an environmental point of view, the support of volunteers is required. With your volunteer work in this project, you make a significant contribution to the preservation of ecosystems and marine and environmental life. Information, awareness and educational work towards people to take an active role in change and to be more aware of what each of us can contribute so that the environmental impact is one of the significant tasks of this program.
Link: https://www.volunteerworld.com/en/volunteer-program/beach-mountain-cleaning-in-spain-bilbao
Thailand Coastal Conservation
Location: Phang Nga, Thailand
Description: Contribute to conserving Thailand’s unique species and habitats while living and working with other international volunteers in one of the most naturally splendid regions in the world, Thailand’s province of Phang Nga. Assist with turtle conservation, plastic pollution prevention, bird and butterfly surveys, island biodiversity monitoring, and environmental awareness education, in an effort to work toward United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, UN SDGs, #14 and #15, Life Below Water and Life on Land.
Link: https://www.gvi.co.uk/programs/thailand-coastal-marine-expedition/
Plastic Cleanup Expedition in Costa Rica
Location: Garabito, Costa Rica
Description: Our main goal is to make the oceans, rivers, and coastlines plastic free primarily through our coastal cleanup expeditions. We also have an approach through regenerative programs that are possible thanks to our international volunteer program. We have had volunteers from more than 30 countries around the world participating in our projects. We also receive sponsorship from Companies and NGO’s that believe change is a priority for our planet.
These are just some of the volunteer programs across the world that are focused on direct action to protect the environment that they work within. If you’d like to find more sustainable and environmental volunteer schemes, we’ve linked a few sites below! Alternatively, use Google to find more and be sure to read up on each program – what will you be doing, is it well reviewed, are the organisation reputable and trustworthy?
