Zoorefugio Tarqui is a wildlife rescue center in the Ecuadorian Amazon, founded in 2008 to protect animals affected by illegal trafficking. The center provides care, rehabilitation, and safe housing for a variety of species, including monkeys, reptiles, felines, and birds, while promoting conservation and environmental awareness in the local community. Volunteers support daily tasks such as animal care, feeding, enclosure maintenance, and enrichment activities. The experience offers hands-on learning, cultural exchange, and the opportunity to live in nature while contributing directly to wildlife protection.
IPBio is a non-governmental, non-profit organization focused on environmental education and scientific research in biodiversity, ecology, and the behavior of Brazilian fauna and flora. It works to support conservation projects across ecosystems in Brazil. IPBio is partnered with FreeWildlifeBrazil Celine, a non-profit dedicated to native bird release. In 2024, both organizations merged into a joint program, combining efforts to protect wildlife through shared volunteer and internship initiatives.
IPBio – Biodiversity Research Institute is a non-governmental, non-profit organization focused on environmental education and scientific research on biodiversity, ecology, and the behavior of flora and fauna in Brazilian ecosystems. Its reserve is accredited as an “advanced outpost” by UNESCO. IPBio has contributed to publications in leading scientific journals such as Science and Nature – Scientific Reports. The organization also supports both indirect conservation through sustainable development and direct conservation through reforestation and a wildlife release center in the Atlantic Forest.
Founded in 2013, MRCI is a government-approved organisation in Madagascar working across environmental research, conservation, community development, medical assistance, and content creation. Its projects focus on marine, forest, and turtle conservation, alongside education and infrastructure support in remote villages. In partnership with international organisations, MRCI conducts long-term biodiversity monitoring and species protection initiatives on land and underwater. It also supports community health and education while providing a safe, inclusive space for global volunteers to contribute to sustainable development and conservation in Madagascar.
We are a marine conservation organisation with over a decade of hands-on experience protecting the reefs of Koh Tao. Our focus is to protect coral reefs through restoration, research, education, and community action. We train both divers and non-divers to take part in real conservation work, including coral restoration, reef monitoring, citizen science, internships, and environmental initiatives. We collaborate with local dive centres to promote a united, science-based approach to reef protection. As climate change and human impact continue to threaten marine ecosystems, our mission is to provide practical skills and real field experience that participants can apply beyond the program. Our projects focus on both natural and artificial reefs, collecting long-term data and actively supporting reef health improvement. Whether beginner or experienced, everyone can get involved in meaningful marine conservation.
A Love Story That Inspired DAKTARI Ian and Michèle Merrifield officially opened DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage in 2006, after years of dedication and hard work. They first met while Ian was working as a game ranger at Tshukudu Game Lodge and Michèle was volunteering there. While caring for injured zebras, wildebeest, and warthogs, they fell in love and shared a vision of protecting wildlife through education. DAKTARI’s mission is to educate and inspire local children to value their environment while supporting community development. Located in the South African bush near Kruger National Park, DAKTARI Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage is a local NGO founded in 2006. The organization provides environmental education programs where children stay at DAKTARI for five days to learn about wildlife conservation and their natural heritage. Children also help care for animals that cannot be released back into the wild, helping develop empathy, respect, and responsibility toward wildlife. Volunteers from around the world support the program by teaching lessons and helping guide children in animal care activities. In addition, DAKTARI runs an Outreach Program, including weekly ECO Clubs and Wildlife Crime Campaigns, to inspire positive attitudes toward environmental conservation within local communities.
Bali offers several eco-tourism and conservation programs focused on marine ecosystems, including sea turtle conservation, coral reef restoration, and mangrove rehabilitation. These marine camps are typically immersive volunteer or educational experiences run in collaboration with local communities in Bali. The programs combine hands-on activities with environmental education and are designed for volunteers, students, groups, and eco-tourists. Sea Turtle Conservation: Volunteers work closely with turtle conservation activities, including monitoring nesting beaches, collecting data for conservation methods, observing feeding grounds, and assisting in the care of injured turtles in rehabilitation centers. Coral Reef Protection: Coral reefs play a vital role in marine ecosystems, providing habitat for fish and crustaceans. Activities include reef cleaning, coral restoration, reef monitoring, and supporting coral planting programs while helping protect reefs from pollution. Mangrove Ecosystems: Mangroves are essential coastal ecosystems that support biodiversity, produce oxygen, and filter air and water. Volunteer activities include mangrove planting, biodiversity monitoring, and education on their role in coastal protection.
Ecotourism Nusa Penida was created by our conservation community, Nuansa Pulau, which has been committed to protecting the environment since 2017. Since then, we have planted more than 95,000 corals. We actively rehabilitate coral reefs and mangrove forests, preserve traditional seaweed farming practices, and work toward a sustainable future for the island while educating the next generation.
Eco Hero Conservation is a marine research and conservation program based in Nusa Penida, Indonesia, that trains and educates divers in the conservation of marine megafauna. We are always looking for marine enthusiasts to join our research diver training program and research team. This conservation program builds on the experience and expertise of volunteers from around the world. Coral reefs are essential to both human and marine life. They provide habitat for a wide variety of species and protect coastlines from erosion and storms. However, reefs are under severe threat from human activities such as irresponsible fishing, pollution, and climate change. Conservation is therefore essential, including keeping coastlines clean, preventing erosion, practicing sustainable fishing, avoiding coral damage, involving local communities, improving management capacity, and rehabilitating damaged reefs. We believe true conservation lies in allowing nature to function with minimal human interference. However, human activities such as plastic pollution, overfishing, and destructive practices disrupt this balance. As our work is ocean-based, we combine marine activities with ecological education. Participants may join a divemaster internship with marine ecology specialties, contributing to daily data collection on manta rays, turtles, and fish, learning about corals, and participating in coral propagation programs. We also organize beach and reef cleanups, awareness activities, and community support such as teaching English to local children. The internship includes training, materials, instructor support, and certification. Accommodation and lunch are provided on ocean training and research days.
I'm Ruth, and I discovered the Maldives over 20 years ago while visiting as a scuba diver in search of manta rays and whale sharks. I was fortunate to form close friendships with Maldivian locals who welcomed me into their homes to share dinners, afternoon hedhika, coffee, and betel nuts. My love for the country led me to visit over 30 times before co-founding Secret Paradise in 2012. My experience of Maldivian hospitality shaped our community-based tours, designed to connect travelers with local families, businesses, and NGOs. I feel privileged to call the Maldives my home and deeply respect its people, culture, and fragile natural environment. The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) is a research-based conservation charity dedicated to studying whale sharks and supporting marine conservation in the Maldives and Indian Ocean. Since 2006, it has become the only long-term organization focused on whale shark research in the Maldives. Its mission is to advance scientific knowledge and support conservation policy through collaboration with local communities and stakeholders, helping protect marine biodiversity and the ecosystems that sustain livelihoods and culture. Secret Paradise Maldives is an award-winning, positive-impact tour company and certified Travelife Partner and Climate Literate business. Recognized for sustainability and responsible tourism, we create immersive travel experiences beyond traditional beach tourism. Whether you are a solo traveler, couple, family, or friends, we offer guided tours that immerse you in Maldivian culture, marine life, and local communities. Our experienced local guides accompany all tours and are trained in first aid, snorkeling safety, and lifeguarding, ensuring safe and meaningful travel. Our guests travel responsibly, engaging deeply with the destination while treading lightly on the environment and contributing positively to local communities.
United Tansania e.V. is a German NGO, registered in 2021 and based in Tanzania. We study both hyena species: the striped hyena, classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN, and the spotted hyena, which is threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict. To understand the drivers of sustainable carnivore survival outside protected areas, we work on mitigation solutions with communities that experience hyena conflicts. Due to their negative reputation and responsibility for livestock losses, hyenas are subject to high levels of persecution, including the use of snares. Our team, led by a veterinarian and supported by local trackers and camp staff, is committed to empowering local communities and conducting research on spotted and striped hyenas. Our long-term goals include developing effective strategies for carnivore conservation and improving animal health.
In 2010, Dr. Edward Louis, who has worked in Madagascar since 1998, established the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership (MBP), a Malagasy non-governmental organization created to expand innovative conservation projects throughout the country. MBP is dedicated to protecting Madagascar’s unique forests and biodiversity while sustainably improving the quality of life for local communities that rely heavily on natural resources. Guided by the belief that “everything is connected,” or “Mampifandray ny tontolo,” MBP combines conservation, education, research, and community development to achieve long-term sustainability for both people and the environment. Through this volunteer program, MBP aims to support conservation research, community-based conservation, education, and outreach activities. Volunteers contribute to projects that help preserve the environment, support sustainable development, and strengthen local understanding of conservation challenges and solutions. MBP works closely with local communities to encourage environmental awareness, improve educational opportunities, and create empowerment initiatives that benefit residents living near conservation areas. Volunteers may assist with environmental education, research support, outreach programs, and other community-focused activities designed to create a lasting positive impact. The main project sites are located at Kianjavato Ahmanson Field Station (KAFS) in southeast Madagascar and the Grewcock Ihofa Vohitsara Bioreserve (GIVB) in central-east Madagascar. These areas are rich in biodiversity and provide volunteers with a unique opportunity to experience Madagascar’s natural beauty while contributing to meaningful conservation and community efforts.
We, Volunteer International Adventures, are a passionate, hands-on organisation based in Africa, with a dedicated team creating meaningful volunteer experiences since 2008. We welcome students, travellers, families, friends, gappers, and career breakers to join our ethical projects in South Africa, Zambia, Zanzibar, and Zimbabwe, focusing on animal and youth projects. We believe in responsible and inclusive volunteer travel, offering opportunities that not only support important projects but also allow volunteers to fully immerse themselves in the local culture, build real connections, and create lifelong memories. Our local teams are committed to your journey by ensuring your safety, supporting your personal growth, and guiding you every step of the way so you can focus on making a genuine difference where it is needed most. Volunteers in our Knysna projects can contribute in areas such as veterinary medicine, animal care, youth development, social work, teaching, early childhood care, sports coaching, and community development with NPOs.