If you are an outdoors adventurous type and conscious about the environmental problems facing our planet then an environmental conservation project is for you. Environmental volunteering is an ever-increasing need across the globe and conservation volunteers are needed for a wide variety of projects. Our environmental volunteer projects around the world range from reforestation, sustainable farming practices, biodiversity and ecosystem preservation and national park development to botanical research and tackling pollution. By becoming an environmental conservation volunteer, not only will you be involved in environmental education and research but also hands on activities within some of the most beautiful places on earth.

Environmental issues are a growing concern as our world’s ever-growing population yields a higher demand for food and resources. Each year around 13 million hectares of forest are converted to agricultural land or cleared for other purposes. This, staggeringly, is roughly equivalent to an area four times the size of Costa Rica

Eighty percent of all species on Earth live in tropical rainforests. Deforestation in those regions wipes out critical habitat, disrupts ecosystems and leads to the potential extinction of many species, including irreplaceable plant species that are needed to make medicines. More than 120 prescription drugs sold worldwide today are derived directly from rainforest plants, so it is vital that we do our best to protect them. Scientists predict that if the current rate of deforestation continues, tropical rainforests could be wiped out as functioning ecosystems in less than 100 years.

Deforestation also causes desertification and soil erosion. The type of landscape and soil determines what kinds of crops we can grow and where we will be able to grow them.

Unfortunately, environmental conservation can cost money and is often in direct conflict with other objectives especially economic growth. This is why Kaya not only supports projects that conserve the environment but also projects that provide economically viable solutions to a more sustainable future.

Become a Conservation volunteer today and conserve our planet for future generations.