Why is it Vital to Volunteer on an Environmental Conservation Project?

What are Environmental Conservation projects all about?

There are incredible terrains to explore in Latin America, Asia-Pacific or Africa that are, unfortunately, in danger of being destroyed. This is due to advances in technology and a drastic increase in human growth and consumption. For example, logging and clear-cutting of timber has led to massive deforestation of primordial forest in regions such as the Amazon. From these excessive actions, pollution and climate change have become significant indicators of our habits as global citizens.

At Kaya, we offer environmental conservation projects that focus on conserving some these gorgeous natural spaces with the help from volunteers around the globe. Our projects focus on, in particular, land and marine habitats. As a volunteer with Kaya, you will be working alongside other like-minded individuals to contribute efforts that will help protect flora, fauna and many wildlife species.

How can I help?

You can share your skills and time helping to build and fix pathways, fences and walls that are important duties in protecting habitats since it provides humans access to nature without causing further harm. You can also help to provide environmental education, working with local schools and communities to help convey the importance of preserving our natural environment to the local communities, who don’t always understand the harm they do.

How will I do this?

Whether you come with existing experience and skills or are just interested in helping wherever possible, your project orientation will provide a clear idea of what you will be doing on your chosen project. You will be able to work alongside locals and keep them motivated to take better care of their surroundings. You will work with local staff, or use your initiative to identify ways you can help in activities such as:

• Trail Maintenance
• Species Monitoring – including endangered species in the region you are in.
• Reforestation and planting
• Rehab of green spaces
• Weed and invasive species clearing
• Conservation research
• Grounds maintenance
• Sustainable garden creation and maintenance
• Eco-tourism initiatives
• Environmental conservation and community outreach awareness efforts

What might I learn?

You will certainly gain an insight into the challenges present in the preservation of the natural environment while dealing with cultures other than your own. If you are interning on one of our projects, not only will you be able to gain practical experience, but also you will be working alongside professionals in the field. You will see steps being taken to reduce the impact on the environment and will be able have greater knowledge about how you can reduce your carbon footprint and care for the environment when you return home from your travels.

What challenges might I face?

• Since you’ll be working in the great outdoors, potentially in hot weather, there is the chance you might tire easily. Therefore we advise that our volunteers have a moderate level of fitness to help combat this challenge.
• Some of the activities are painstaking and require patience. For example, data monitoring can be quite laborious but it is still an essential part of conservation work.
• Bare in mind that whilst out on one of our projects, you may encounter bugs, such as mosquitoes, so it is advised to cover exposed skin and wear insect repellent whilst you are working.
• Remember to keep hydrated and bring water with you each day – this is really important if you are working in a hot climate!
• You may also have reduced access to electricity and Internet in some destinations.

With this in mind you do need to be flexible, patient, resilient and open minded – but know that your support is part of a slow, strong movement to restore some of the world’s most beautiful greenery.