UNESCO volunteer projects 2025
Do you dream of volunteering while exploring some of the world’s most iconic heritage sites? The UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers 2025 Campaign offers just that – an incredible chance to join local and international volunteers in protecting cultural and natural treasures across the globe.
Under the theme “Working on the Future,” the 2025 campaign includes 89 action camps organized by 70 organizations in 41 countries, from April to December. These projects span 82 official World Heritage sites and locations on the Tentative List, making this one of the most ambitious and inclusive editions in the campaign’s 17-year history.
What are UNESCO volunteer projects?
Launched in 2008, the World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) Initiative brings together youth, local communities, and site managers to actively preserve and promote World Heritage. Each year, selected organizations host action camps where volunteers carry out practical conservation tasks, raise awareness, and engage with local culture.
Whether it’s helping restore ancient temples in India, supporting sustainable tourism in the Prosecco hills of Italy, or protecting biodiversity in Costa Rica, each project blends meaningful impact with intercultural exchange.
Where can you volunteer?
From the Rock Carvings of Tanum in Sweden to the Royal Belum rainforest in Malaysia, from Stone Town in Zanzibar to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple in the U.S., the list of destinations is as rich as it is diverse.
Highlights include:
- Italy: Join efforts to safeguard the Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps or assist in maintaining the landscape of Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene.
- Kenya: Participate in preserving the Lamu Old Town, the Tana Delta forests, or Fort Jesus in Mombasa.
- Mexico: Support restoration at the Palenque National Park or monasteries on the slopes of Popocatepetl.
- Germany & Spain: Help conserve works by Antoni Gaudí, classical sites in Weimar, or the Upper Middle Rhine Valley.
Each project has its own timeline, activities, and accommodation setup, so you can choose the one that fits your interests and travel plans.
How to apply?
UNESCO itself does not manage volunteer selection. Instead, each camp is organised by a local or international NGO or association.
To participate, you must:
- Visit the official WHV 2025 project list
- Select a project you’re interested in.
- Contact the organizing body directly via the details provided in the project description.
It’s recommended to apply early, as spots may be limited and some camps are held in remote or protected areas with logistics to consider.
Why join?
Volunteering through WHV is about working side by side with people from diverse backgrounds, contributing to the long-term sustainability of World Heritage, and discovering a deeper connection with history, culture, and nature.
These projects are particularly suited for:
- Young people (usually 18–30) looking for hands-on, immersive experiences
- Students and travellers passionate about heritage, architecture, archaeology, ecology, or sustainability
- Anyone seeking an affordable, meaningful alternative to commercial volunteering
UNESCO volunteer projects 2025
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