Success of volunteers in Uganda

Our school project in Uganda is now just 2 months off the completion of its second full year. The changes in the school are amazing. The whole list is too long but here are the highlights. As a result of volunteer’s generosity the school now has a 60,000 litre underground water tank and a hydration programme for the pupils, a free mug of maize porridge every day for every child which means they can concentrate in the afternoon instead of trying to work on an empty stomach, a secure store room, a staff room, tables and chairs for the staff room so for the first time they have a flat surface to mark all the exercise books – sometimes 200 from 1 lesson!, 4 cupboards, a 4 stanza ecosan pit latrine, shutters on all the windows, a night watchman is now employed, electricity in 4 rooms, a computer, 3 laptops, a combined printer/scanner/copier, resurfaced blackboards, a sickbay with bed, a properly levelled football pitch with metal goalposts and a simple score board, some books and resources including Ugandan musical instruments such as drums. Amazing! There is also a girl’s sanitation project so that the girls don’t miss 25% of their time off school – some children are 18 by the time they leave primary school so nearly all the girls will benefit from this.

There is still much to do. The teacher’s accommodation needs completing so that most can live at school and then night classes can be held for the community. The school needs a library, a separate store room and a separate staff room. Also, the store of text books and science equipment need building up so that pupils don’t have to share books and can really learn science well. At present the children’s science ability is very poor so it is a priority area for development. Volunteers often want to try to bring out supplies to help the school and many buy them in country which is much better as it contributes to local income.

As long as volunteers continue to volunteer, the school will continue to develop. No volunteers equals no development as there isn’t any funding otherwise. The school achieved the best results in the sub county at the end of the last school year and it’s vital that the development is maintained and further developed as these children are the future for Uganda.

Moses, the Project Manager, is a man of extraordinary vision, especially given the impoverished background from which he has striven to raise himself. He is a phenomenon. Moses relates to all people as equals. He soaks up everything he can from volunteers who have experienced so much more of the world but he has a great deal to give too. No-one I ever met matches him for tolerance and patience and humility. He has catered for the needs of people from so many very different countries which are just coloured shapes on a page in an Atlas to him. Yet he is able to relate to everyone and volunteers become very fond of him and his whole lovely family. Moses’ motivation to improve the lot of his fellow Ugandans through the project knows no bounds.

Potential volunteers should know that they will make a huge difference to the future of these children and their descendents when they come to this school to work with Moses and the staff to improve teaching, learning and general conditions at the school. They can have great fun with these kids who love the volunteers and readily play and laugh with them and if given half a chance will get up to all sorts of mischief too!

volunteer in Uganda and continue the good work of this project

Gap year in Asia

Taking your gap year in Asia is a great way to see one of the worlds most diverse and enthralling continents while also making a positive difference. Gap year Asia means gaining a far greater insight into the local cultures and everyday life rather than merely passing through, making for a far more authentic volunteer Asia, careerbreak Asia or travel Asia experience. Plus, if you want to take a gap year in Asia its not necessary to have any specific skills or qualifications just bring along your passion and an enthusiasm to give something back and keep an open mind! In return you will gain an unforgettable and worthwhile gap year Asia experience that you’ll treasure for years.

Gap year Asia with Ecoteer whom provides you with a wide choice of worthwhile gap year volunteer programs and projects. You can get involved with one of our popular wildlife conservation projects, presenting thrilling gap year opportunities to work with some of Asias most endangered animals, such as Turtles in Malaysia. You may also consider gap year volunteering in Asia to make a contribution towards improving the lives of disadvantaged children and adults in local communities, or you could make a vital difference by contributing your time to gap year in thailand or gap year in India. Our recent gap year projects in Sri Lanka enable gap year volunteers to help reestablish communities destroyed by the 2004 tsunami and 6 years on have long been forgotten. Whatever you do when you take your gap year Asia you can be sure to find the adventure thats right for you.

Recommended gap year Asia projects

Gap year in Malaysia

Gap year turtle volunteer project in Perhentian, Malaysia

Cost – GBP200 per week

Be part of our fledgling gap year turtle conservation and marine awareness project in the most beautiful islands of Malaysia, the Perhentian Islands, off mainland Malaysia. Green turtles are in dire need of our help especially in Terengganu, where 4 species of marine turtle nest but three of them, the hawksbill, Olive Ridley and Leatherbacks are almost locally extinct. Gap year volunteers help protect two important turtle beaches, run weekly after-school clubs at the primary school and teach tourists about marine conservation and turtle protection.

Join the Turtle gap year volunteer project now

Gap year Malaysia and teach English at learning centres

Cost – GBP749 for 4 weeks

Ecoteer are combing forces with a local NGO to help them expand their network of learning centres across Sabah, Borneo Malaysia. This gap year volunteer project will be the second project to be run by Ecoteer. Help teach English to the children of palm oil workers during your gap year asia. Provide the children education which they would otherwise have no access too.

Teach English in Sabah, Borneo Malaysia.

Orangutan gap year volunteering in Borneo

Cost – Over GBP200 per week

The gap year orangutan project is a collection of orangutan conservation projects in both Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo, funded by gap year volunteer contributions. The GOP’s strength lies in its unique collaboration of orangutan conservation organisations or individuals who exchange knowledge, advice and ideas towards orangutan conservation in this part of the world. Each project has the shared vision of increasing the size and health of Borneo orangutan populations, bringing them back from the brink of extinction.

Join the Orangutan volunteer project new

Marine gap year volunteers in Sabah

Cost – GBP100 per week

Giant Clams the pearls of coral reefs are almost locally extinct. Become a marine volunteer in Borneo and help save these Giants. Gap year Asia volunteers help with the spawning of giant clams and coral re-planting work. Gap year Asia volunteers are also involved in the environmental education work with school children.

Become a marine volunteer in Borneo

Gap year in Cambodia

Volunteer in ecotourism or teach in Cambodia

Cost – Free

The lodge offers bed and breakfast accommodation to “green” and eco-friencly travellers, but it is also open to all kinds of visitors who want to stay somewhere completely different to conventional lodging in town. Gap year Asia volunteers teach English to the youth of the tribal groups to make them more employable. English is not included in the national curriculum so gap year Asia volunteers teaching English is of great need.

Volunteer teach english and help the Cambodian youth find future employment

Gap year in Laos

Volunteer in Laos textiles

Cost – GBP50 per week

This gap year volunteer project in Laos is dedicated to Lao cultural preservation through the promotion of Lao textile arts. It is our goal to economically and socially benefit Lao rural mountain artisans and thereby contribute to the wider community especially to women.
Unique aspects are that our new gap year Asia volunteers do not come into an existing role rather they become part of the community and co-steer the process of building up the future work of the ladies. A small team is in place to supervise and the founder of the Foundation can guide through various ideas connected to the projects aims.

Volunteer in Lao textiles now

Gap year India

Volunteer at tiger reserve ecolodge

Cost – GBP50-100 per week

Nestled deep in the picturesque Ramganga valley and surrounded by lush hills, the Lodge lies in total seclusion with the meandering Ramganga virtually cutting it off from human habitation. The lodge is strategically located on the banks of the river, the lifeline of Corbett, before it enters the park at Domunda. We provide a unique gap year Asia volunteer wildlife experience for nature lovers and our lodge easily ranks as one of the wildest jungle lodges in India. The rustle of the breeze in the adjoining forests, the calls of birds, the rumble of the river as it goes over rapids and sitting around a campfire at night to hear alarm calls of sambar and barking deer, provides an unforgettable dimension to the ambience. What makes it unique is the diversity it offers. The envious location affords long walks into the surrounding forest, something not permitted inside the park. A good mix of riverine, forest and high altitude habitat makes it a birdwatchers haven. With exclusive fishing beats replete with Golden Mahseer, anglers have rated it as the best sportfishing destination in North India. The added attraction of elephant safaris in the wild country makes this an irresistible proposition for your gap year in Asia.

Volunteer with tigers at India ecolodge

Volunteer and teach english in India

Cost – GBP20 per week

Gap year Asia volunteer opportunity in India and teach English and core subjects to the poor children and orphans in the beautiful hilly town of Shillong, North East India. Little Prakash and his friends in Shillong need help! In a poor tribal area of Shillong, a primary school with an attached orphanage housing 10 children is being run by Didi Ananda Kalyanbrata, a yoga nun. The school currently has 120 children, some of whom study free as their parents are unable to pay even minimal fees. All the children learn meditation and yoga.

Volunteer in India now

Volunteer at sustainable ecotourism lodge in India

Cost – Free

Gap year Asia volunteers can work at this retreat which is a unique project that combines sustainable ecotourism with sustainable agriculture and environmental education. Our eco-lodge is situated on a certified Organic farm in the rainforests of the Western Ghats of karnataka. We cater to environmentally conscious gap year asia volunteers who want to experience a harmonious existence with nature. We also organize and host workshops and educational programs with emphasis on organic farming, sustainable living, rainforest ecology and biodiversity for students and special interest groups such as organic farmers. We are recognized as one of india’s leading eco-lodges and have received a 1st prize award from eco-club international in 2005.

Volunteer in ecotourism in India

Gap year Thailand

Volunteer and help rural communities of Thailand

Cost – GBP20-50 per week

The rural population in Thailand is poor and has only little access to education. Gap year Asia volunteers share their lifes with the local community. The gap year Asia volunteers support is making a big change in the villagers. During your gap yer volunteering at this project you can get involved in teaching English, construction and just about anything that makes the lifes of the local community better.
Highly recommended.

Volunteer and make a difference in Thailand

Gap year with Elephants in Thailand

Cost – GBP100 per week

The gap year Asia Elephant project is unique and set in Northern Thailand. Established in the 1990″s their aim has always been to provide a sanctuary and rescue centre for elephants. Elephant gap year volunteer jobs are varied, from bathing elephants to basic health care. Gap year Asia volunteer roles also include assisting elephants keepers bathing elephants and general duties around the park and surrounds.

Become an elephant volunteer in Thailand

Gap year China

Teach English in Shanghai, China

Cost – GBP50-100 per week

Gap year Asia volunteer teaching in Shanghai: After a one week Induction course in Shanghai (include, Induction, culture course, Mandarin lesson and sightseeing explore) you will spend 4 weeks to 12 weeks teaching english to 7 to 18 year olds. Your teaching will usually be spread over 11 lessons to 15 lessons per week (35 to 40 minutes per lesson), Monday to Friday.

Volunteer and teach english in shanghai China

Gap year Japan

Sustainable living volunteer in Japan

Cost – Free

The ethos of this gap year Asia volunteer project is to live sustainably and in harmony with nature. The mission statement is: “To inspire and educate the citizens of Earth to create their own environmentally sustainable lifestyles and businesses, through participation in the creation and operation of a self-sufficient education center, organic farm, restaurant, fair trade shop and eco-technology development and demonstration center”. The farm and Cafe are run by an international volunteer team of staff from all over the world. About 4 or 5 team members and volunteers live on Mt Fuji full-time. We are also largely supported through the help of our Short Term Farm Volunteers, who help with everything from planting to cooking.

Volunteer at sustainable farm and lodge, Japan

Gap year Sri Lanka

Gap year Asia volunteers help rebuild communities

Cost – GBP50-100 per week

This is a rare opportunity to volunteer during your gap year asia and do a variety of different work in the poor areas of Sri Lanka. The people in the poor areas of Sri Lanks are still suffering from the devastation left by the Tsunami in 2004. Gap year Asia here and help these people whilst gaining an insight into day to day Buddhism. Gap year Asia volunteers do not, however, have to participate in religious activities.
The gap year Asia volunteer Sri Lanka Project is a small, personal, multi faceted project which was started after the devastating Tsunami in 2004 by Janaka De Silva, the General Manager of a local hotel and a dedicated philanthropist. He spends his spare time helping poor Sri Lankan families living on the outskirts of Galle town.
The project is totally non profit making. Any money left when the volunteers have been fed & accommodated, is ploughed straight into buying equipment, books & building works for the project.

Volunteer in Sri Lanka now

Help medicinal plants volunteer in Sri Lanka

Cost – GBP20-50 per week

We are a grassroot NGO involved in conservation of fast disappearing native plant species and documentation of indigenous knowledge or ethno botanical values associated with native plants. We possess a wonderful arboretum with rare medicinal and wild fruit plants with plenty of valuable traditional knowledge and all volunteers are placed in our arboretum in eco friendly architecture. Our main objective is to propagate these rare plants amongst Sunday schools in rural church parishes and Buddhist monasteries with hands on experience.

Volunteer in Sri Lanka now

Gap year Mongolia

Health care gap year Asia volunteer opportunity in Mongolia

Cost – GBP50-100 per week

As a gap year Asia volunteer, you will be assisting the Family Hospital in their effort to improve health care in poorest district in Ulaanbaatar and its surrounding areas. Two or three days a week, according to the community’s needs, you will accompany a mobile clinic that goes out to rural communities around the capital that often have little or no medical facilities. The drive to these communities generally takes about an hour-and-a-half. The mobile clinic usually visits Day Care Center, Black market, Orphanage center and Ger district, so that the doctors can give the children medical check ups. On the days that you are not going out on the mobile clinic, you will assist in the Family Hospital medical centre, which provides basic medical aid to children.

Volunteer in health care, Mongolia

Teach English in Thailand

Ecoteer have been superb at helping us locate excellent volunteers to come on English teaching projects this summer in Surin, Thailand, but our work is never done. We are continually looking for volunteers for the year ahead to come out on one of our three English teaching projects. As well as teaching English to children and adults and our childcare project we are particularly keen on finding volunteers to spend a week on our English camp project. We have schools waiting for us to run these camps, but to do so we must find at least 3 volunteers willing to come on the same week. The English camps are a lot of fun and ideal for people who only have a short amount of time to spare. If you are planning to come to Thailand for a holiday, then why not do something different whilst you are here and get a friend or 2 to join you on an English camp? We guarantee you will have an unforgettable experience and get to see the real Thailand. For more information on this and all our projects, check out our listings on Ecoteer

For our English camps go to English education work camps in Thailand

Also check out our other projects

Teach English to children in Thailand

Teach english to adults in Thailand

Help orphans in Thailand

Voluntourism – the benefits and pitfalls

A huge proportion of people who experience volunteering while on vacation are inspired to volunteer long-term, passionate advocates or donors for their own community.  This is a huge benefit of the booming voluntourism industry, one that is so often overlooked.  A voluntourism experience offers a bit of volunteering within a normal holiday, and that’s why there is a cost involved — because people are paying for a holiday, but there is also a donation to a project involved too.

The industry is growing because more and more people are seeking meaning, fulfilment and a sense of purpose in life. If this is not met in their careers and daily lives, volunteering whilst traveling is a powerful way to meet this desire.

It is important to remember voluntourism and aid work are two distinct markets, appealing to two completely different groups.  Aid programs perform an essential role, but people involved with it are long-term participants, volunteers or otherwise. Voluntourism is for people who are going on vacation who do not have the time to be involved with traditional aid programs.

Benefits of voluntourism to the host communities depend on the skills of the volunteer.  For example, doctors provide a specific need within a community while volunteers can help build libraries, schools or houses that the community could not otherwise afford.

There also need to be benefits to the individual to ensure they have a well-rounded travel experience. A responsible voluntourism provider needs to identify the best available accommodation, which has strong environmental and social responsibility credentials and guides who are trained in responsible travel principles.

Voluntourists should look for an organization that consults with the local community, and assurance that the needs of the project has been sourced by the community rather than imposed on it externally.  Their skills should be matched to a project and be put in touch with previous clients who have volunteered there before. Voluntourism can and does make a huge difference.

For example, five years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans is a growing destination for people who want to help out in a variety of areas: environmental conservation, wildlife preservation, and assisting people affected by this calamity.  There is still much to be done to help renovate houses damaged by that storm or help with skills training of long-term unemployed. This is an excellent example of all the good things voluntourism can do.

But it’s almost impossible for the discerning volunteer to figure out which volunteering organizations are doing good work and which are not.

They can cost a fortune, but local communities see little of the benefits — and all volunteers are left with is a dose of cynicism. It’s a minefield out there.

The small organizations genuinely doing good on the ground are overlooked because they can’t afford to engage in mass marketing.  This is what Ecoteer seeks to rectify by giving the smaller organisations a chance to reach the masses.  However a lot of big travel companies now create volunteering opportunities, but it just doesn’t fit with what’s really needed overseas.

There are key questions that individuals need to ask before they choose a volunteering project: Are the projects needed? Are you a charity or a profit-making company? Can I see a copy of your accounts to see where the money actually goes?

There needs to be a regulatory body that assesses the validity of different organizations and keeps the industry honest. But the large travel organizations that dominate the industry are powerful and going to be dead against the idea of a regulatory body because it will make them look as ridiculous as they are behind the gloss.  But that’s what is needed — easy access to information so individuals know their time and money will be put to good use.

Voluntourism can make tangible differences but as voluntourists its our duty to research about the projects as much as possible and go with an open mind.  Bad experiences are almost always due to high expectations after glossy brochures make it seem you will save the world. When in reality the world is a cruel place.  Go with an open heart and mind and you will have a life changing experience as well as playing a small part in helping this world. Voluntourism is the way to travel.

Ecoteer Team

Volunteer abroad

Volunteer in Asia, it sticks to you

Asia sticks to you. The joss sticks lit for the household shrines in Thailand impart a sweet perfume to the thick air. The heavenly aroma of Indian spices follows you for days.

This is a spiritual place infused with the gods of past and present: the ancient spirits of the land and the family, the deities of Buddhism and Hinduism and the rules of Islam. Architectural wonders and sacred spaces abound from the Great Wall of China and the temples of Angkor to lesser known marvels in Myanmar, Nepal and Afghanistan.

From sublime coastlines to snow capped mountains, rolling landscapes fed by the monsoon rains and frenetic cities fizzling with energy, the diversity of Asia’s landscapes is mind-boggling. As are their highlights from trekking Malaysia’s steamy jungles and wildlife spotting in southern India to riding horses through the Mongolian steppes, skiing Japan’s Alps and dodging falling coconuts on of the continents many remote islands.

Then there’s the food. Tuck into fiery Indian curries, get adventurous with a local dish from a road side stall and gulp down a hearty bowl of Japanese ramen. With its colours, smells, flavours and personalities, you’ll find Asia is deliciously rewarding.

Asia truely is one of the best continents to explore and immerse yourself in culture and thus is a hotspot to volunteer.

Volunteering abroad in Asia

There are numerous opportunities to volunteer in Asia.  Volunteering in Asia can take you from the cold lake of Baikal in Russia to the lush tropical island of Perhentian in Malaysia.  Another added bonus about volunteering in Asia is that it is easy to travel around for individual volunteers.  Combining both volunteering and backpacking all into one trip – which could last a life time.
Volunteer in Malaysia

Help the people and turtles of Perhentian, Malaysia

Be apart of Help Our Penyu’s fledgling community-based turtle conservation and marine awareness program in the most beautiful bay in the Perhentian Islands, off mainland Malaysia. Green turtles are in dire need of our help especially in Terengganu, where 4 species of marine turtle nest but three of them, the hawksbill, Olive Ridley and Leatherbacks are almost locally extinct. The populations of green Turtles in the area have also decreased by 80% in little over 50 years, so we are desparately trying to prevent the Green Turtles going locally extinct as well.

Volunteer with Turtles

Volunteer in India

Organic Yoga farm

We are a farm retreat located in Muthalamada near Chulliar Dam in the Palakkad District of Kerala. The center is set in the ambiance of our organic farm at the base of the Nelliampathy hills falling along the southern edge of the Palakkad gap.

Organic farm originated as an attempt to find ones earthy moorings at the culmination of a period of inner search, replete with inner struggles and wanderings. It was also a phase of dwelling on the teachings of J.Krishnamurti, Ramana Maharshi, Gita and Ramakrishna.’ Sradha’ is intended as a place for physical work and inner inquiry.

volunteers are expected to take part in the activities here and also find time for silence, reading , inner inquiry, yoga etc.

Volunteer at yoga retreat

Volunteer at Tiger lodge

Nestled deep in the picturesque Ramganga valley and surrounded by lush hills, the Lodge lies in total seclusion with the meandering Ramganga virtually cutting it off from human habitation. The lodge is strategically located on the banks of the river, the lifeline of Corbett, before it enters the park at Domunda. We provide a unique wildlife experience for nature lovers and easily ranks as one of the wildest jungle lodges in India. The rustle of the breeze in the adjoining forests, the calls of birds, the rumble of the river as it goes over rapids and sitting around a campfire at night to hear alarm calls of sambar and barking deer, provides an unforgettable dimension to the ambience. What makes it unique is the diversity it offers. The envious location affords long walks into the surrounding forest, something not permitted inside the park. A good mix of riverine, forest and high altitude habitat makes it a birdwatchers haven. With exclusive fishing beats replete with Golden Mahseer, anglers have rated it as the best sportfishing destination in North India. The added attraction of elephant safaris in the wild country makes this an irresistable proposition.

Volunteer with tigers in india

Volunteer in Thailand

Teaching in Thailand

Surin is one of the poorest regions in Thailand and most adults have had no English language education in their lives. Poor workers whether Farmers, Government employees or Tuk Tuk drivers can’t afford to take language lessons and yet they would benefit greatly from even having a fundamental grasp of the English language. English is the ’the’ global language and as the country develops and integrates more with the rest of the world, it is important that it’s poorest citizens don’t get left behind. LemonGrass aims to help some of the poorer adults in society by providing courses run by western volunteers. The interaction, the experience and the early steps of learning English can give disadvantaged people in Thailand a real start and help them in their lives and careers. Whilst Surin is far from the tourist trail, offering volunteers a taste of the real Thailand, more and more adventurous travellers and businesses are appearing in the region, making this an ideal opportunity to help poor communities grow. Working with adults is a great way for western people to make some lifelong friends with people from a very different culture.

Volunteer teaching in Thailand

Volunteer with elephants

Elephant Nature Park is a unique project set in Northern Thailand. Established in the 1990″s our aim has always been to provide a sanctuary and rescue centre for elephants. The park is set in Chiang Mai province, some 60km from the city, and has provided a sanctuary for over 34 distressed elephants from all over Thailand. Set in a natural valley, bordered by a river, and surrounded by forested mountains the area offers a timeless glimpse of rural life.

Elephant volunteer jobs are varied, from bathing elephants to basic health care. Traveling around the country in a variety of modes, from 4 wheel truck to bamboo raft volunteers will experience local and tribal lifestyles, culture and hospitality

Volunteer with elephants in Thailand

Volunteer in Laos

Help the northern communities of Laos

The GreenHeart Foundation is dedicated to Lao cultural preservation through the promotion of Lao textile arts. It is our goal to economically and socially benefit Lao rural mountain artisans and thereby contribute to the wider community especially to women.  The project was initiated in 2007 and now needs helpers for a new strategy progress.

The aim is to re-start the foundations work within the target villages by end of this year. At the moment the project needs planning, development of back office, management and creative computer work, PR work…

Volunteer with Laos community

Volunteer in Sri Lanka

Medicinal plants are disappearing fast

We are a grassroot NGO involved in conservation of fast disappearing native plant species and documentation of indigenous knowledge or ethno botanical values associated with native plants. We possess a wonderful arboretum with rare medicinal and wild fruit plants with plenty of valuable traditional knowledge and all volunteers are placed in our arboretum in eco friendly architecture. Our main objective is to propagate these rare plants amongst Sunday schools in rural church parishes and Buddhist monasteries with hands on experience.

Volunteer in Sri Lanka

Volunteer abroad with Ecoteer

Ecoteer is a community of volunteer and volunteer projects abroad.  Ecoteer members can contact the volunteer projects directly eliminating the middleman or agents costs which inflate volunteer fees.  Ecoteer has volunteer opportunities, teach abroad placements, and internships abroad in many industries including ecotourism, conservation, community work and teaching.

To find how you can volunteer abroad visit www.Ecoteer.com today.

Top 5 Ecotourism destinations

Since the last few years, there has been growing awareness about the environment and sustainability, thanks to massive campaigns against global warming. This is slowly changing the trends in choice of destinations for holidaying too. There is a growing demand among travelers for destinations that are eco-friendly. You may feel that there are limited options for you to choose from. But fact is, there are countless such destinations all over the globe that are worth visiting.

Top 5 eco-tourism destinations for 2010
Here, we have listed out some of the top destinations that you can visit if you are a green warrior. These destinations are for you if you are keen on protecting the environment while traveling and having fun.

Costa Rica:
This country has been identified as the greenest country in the world. It is actively eco-friendly in every way possible. This country strives to be green, right from conserving wildlife to promoting eco-tourism. It is possibly the best example of an environment-friendly nation.

Costa Rica has beautiful black sand beaches, misty and lush green rain-forests, gushing rivers, along with a number of wildlife reserves housing some rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. There are also a large number of resorts and hotels that are nature-friendly. This is one green destination to look out for if you wish to be sensitive to the environment and have loads of fun at the same time.

Kerala, India:
This is a small state nested in the southwestern corner of India. Many call it “God’s Own Country”, a name that couldn’t be any closer to describing this heavenly destination. It is one of the most pristine locations in India, well preserved and protected.

Kerala has lush green forests and unspoiled sandy beaches. Along with this, it houses a very wide range of flora, many of them endangered. The Lake Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to animals like wild boar, elephants and bison. The Rajamala National Park is home to the nilgiri tahr, which is an extremely endangered species of mountain goat. This is the place for you if you like being amidst nature and take in all its sights, smells and sounds.

Brazil (also spelled Brasil):
You may not think of Brazil when it comes to green destinations, as it is known mostly for its beach holidays. But it now slowly emerging as a hot destination for eco-travelers, with the government and the people adopting many environment-friendly measures.

Brazil is home to the Amazon basin, which has been recognized as having the highest concentration of biodiversity in the world. Many species in this region are yet to be documented, and many others are rare and endangered species. To go along with this, there are a number of resorts and hotels that use eco-friendly resources. Almost as much as eighty five percent of the electricity used in homes comes from renewable sources. So if you are an environment and wildlife enthusiast, this is the place to be.

Kenya:
Kenya is a place that you would imagine as vast Savannah with zebras, lions and elephants all around. Well, you will surely find these in Kenya. But there is a lot more to explore in this country than the wildlife. It is a destination with some exciting adventures on offer.

Kenya has more than fifty national parks and wildlife reserves, with a huge variety of animals and birds along with lush rain-forests. In addition, there are lakes, sandy beaches, coral reefs, deserts, mountains and even snow-capped peaks, each with their own unique flora and fauna to boast. You will find all this in a superbly diverse ecosystem, most of which has been well-maintained and preserved. This destination is for you if you love variety and would like to take frequent safaris in thick jungles.

Norwegian Fjords:
This is a destination that not many may know of. It is extremely remote and hidden away safely by its location as well as government regulations preserving it. Norway is a world leader in environmental policy, and this is reflected in the way its ecology is preserved.

The Norwegian Fjords offer waters that are crystal clear and pristine, snow-capped mountains and cascading waterfalls. There is a lot of wildlife here to go with this scenic and beautiful surroundings. If you are looking for some fun and adventure, this place also offers you a chance to go biking and hiking across the rugged terrain if the fjord. You can also get a glimpse of age-old traditions in small fishing villages that are scattered all over the region.

These are some of the top destinations that you could look at when planning your holiday if you are looking at having a good time while keeping up your role as an eco-warrior. Happy Holidaying!!!

Ecoteer ecotourism and responsible travel

Volunteer during the World Cup

As we all know the World Cup is being held in South Africa this month.  But football is not the only thing in South Africa this year.  Read on to find out more about the volunteer opportunities Ecoteer offers in South Africa.

Humanitarian work in Tzaneen

The project is a humanitarian organization serving vulnerable, poor and orphaned children and their families in a holistic way. Volunteers will have the opportunity to work in all five main human need areas and experience the fulfilling and content feeling of changing someones destiny.

GBP150 per week

http://www.ecoteer.com/placements/placements.php?func=view&placementid=398&orgID=4930

Monkey around near the Kruger national park

This Centre has rescued primates from all over the world and currently cares for over 70 Common Marmosets, Black eared Marmosets, Common Squirrel Monkeys, Bolivian Squirrel Monkeys, Tamarins and Mona Monkeys at our South African monkey sanctuary. Based in South Africa, we have enjoyed the company of volunteer workers from the USA, UK, The Netherlands, Denmark, Australia and New Zealand.

Just GBP150 per week.

http://www.ecoteer.com/placements/placements.php?func=view&placementid=251&orgID=1084

Volunteer at this eco-camp in South Africa

We are a small, (2.5ha), fledgling, tourist resort, situated alongside near pristine sub-tropical riverine forest in Morgan Bay a small coastal resort just north of East London and immediately south of the transkei, South Africa. Our main asset is the riverine forest, trees, plants, birdlife and tranquility.

They offer free accommodation – just pay for your food!

http://www.ecoteer.com/placements/placements.php?func=view&placementid=171&orgID=761

Help in the rural areas of South Africa

This is a rural South African Non Profitable Organization based in Tsweleni, in the heart of the Wild Coast. We are dedicated to the youngest, aged between 3 to 7 years old pre-school students, and the elders living in the rural former Transkei.  Our aim is to improve health, living and learning conditions in our poverty stricken rural areas, through creative awareness, education and local empowerment.

GBP130 per week

http://www.ecoteer.com/placements/placements.php?func=view&placementid=186&orgID=776

Daniel

Volunteer abroad in ecotourism

Worst coral bleaching event on record!

I’m volunteering at a Thai University, and have been studying corals for several months now. Naturally, when the opportunity came to go to the Andaman Sea for field work, I jumped at the chance. We were going to survey the extent of what we initially thought to be a local coral bleaching event, and although I knew it would not be pretty, I had seen a few bleached corals before, and wasn’t expecting a shock. My expectations could not have been further from the harsh, stark white reality. Looking from the boat into the crystal clear waters around Ko Adang, it was obvious from the surface that the corals, usually rich tapestry of mixed purple, green, browns, yellows and blues, were all startlingly pale. Closer inspection on SCUBA revealed that almost 100% of corals were affected. Some were bleached only partially, with pale hints of their previous colour or small patches that were less severely affected, but most were all over a brilliant glaring white. Giant clams, anemones, soft corals and zooanthids were all also affected.

Alarmed at what we had seen, we contacted people over a wider area and my fields at Ecoteer informed me that Malaysia has also suffered severe bleaching. It seems that the entire Indian Ocean has been affected, from Mauritius right across South East Asia to Papua new Guinea. There are even predictions that this event, caused by an extended spell of calm, warm weather conditions, may be even worse than the widespread mass coral bleaching of 1998 which is the worst on record. Both 1998 and 2010 are El ninio year’s, where prolonged hot weather creates stressful conditions for marine life. In response to the stress, corals eject their symbiotic algae, known as zooxanthellae, which give them their bright colours. They then appear ‘bleached’ and have transparent tissues, leaving the white skeleton clearly visible. However the zooxanthellae give corals part of the energy they require to survive, and without them the corals soon die.

We do not expect our bleached reefs to be able to survive much longer. Unless the temperature cools quickly, all that we can do is monitor any recovery. But perhaps we can give the reefs a helping hand… by working with local communities as a ‘coral dating service’ to help enable the few surviving colonies connect with one another when they are able to spawn again! Re-growing coral reefs is a slow process though, and ultimately reducing our carbon emissions to stop the trend of increasingly severe and frequent El nino event is the only hope for recovery of our precious coral reefs.

If you have bleaching reports, or would like more information on what can be done please contact Cat Wilding at Prince of Songkla University, Thailand. cat.wilding@hotmail.co.uk

volunteer abroad

Walk for Turtles

Sea turtles are “ambassadors of the oceans”, for conserving these animals means protecting the seas and coastal areas. The collection of nesting numbers is vital for their conservation but has never been conducted statewide in Terengganu therefore the walk will provide invaluable data which the decision makers wouldnt otherwise have.
The Walk for Turtles event (organised by Ecoteer and Help Our Penyu) is a 10 day walk which will start, annually, on World Sea Turtle Day (16th June), in 2010 from Dungun to Kuala Besut, visiting every beach along the way (mainland and islands). The team will be collecting invaluable sea turtle track and body pit data during the walk, visit conservation projects and give awareness talks. The data will be used to identify potential new areas for sea turtle nest conservation in Terengganu. The walk will be further extended in 2011 to cover all beaches in the State of Terengganu resulting in a thorough annual monitoring of sea turtle nesting densities. Raising awareness is the second objective of the walk with the team hosting presentations, meeting turtle conservation experts and visiting conservation projects. The event will be broadcast via the worldwide web, television and newspapers raising awareness throughout the world. The third objective of the walk is to raise RM100,000 for sea turtle conservation projects throughout Terengganu. The funds will be used to support sea turtle conservation in Terengganu, Malaysia.

Please follow us via our facebook group and twitter to get latest video blogs and tweets.

You may donate to the turtles of Terengganu through Ecoteer

What is sustainable tourism?

Many people have told me they are just so confused with all the different names for tourism.  One of the most common is what is sustainable tourism?

Sustainable tourism is simply tourism which has minimal impact on the location you visit.  Sustainable tourism could be in a city just as it much as in a pristine environment.  The best way to describe it is to look at the financial meltdown of Europe.  People, banks and now governments have borrowed more money than they can pay back – is that sustainable?  Could that last forever?  As we have seen the answer is no.  Linking this to tourism if you exploited the environment or mistreated people would that last forever?? The answer is no.

So how to make sure your holiday is sustainable?

1)      Ask about the facilities environmental and social policy;

2)      Pay money direct to the facilities rather than buying through an agent;

3)      Ensure you visit the local villagers and if you like their products buy direct from them;

These are just three ways to ensure your holiday is more sustainable, for more information the best website we have found is http://www.sustainabletravelinternational.org/

Ecoteer has just got their licence to sell tour packages and will start to sell only true sustainable holidays.  The website is www.ecoteerresponsibletravel.com

Daniel

Volunteer Abroad