Explore conservation volunteering opportunities involving the protection, monitoring and restoration of wildlife, habitats, ecosystems and biodiversity around the world.

Conservation projects may involve forests, wetlands, coastlines, marine ecosystems, protected areas, wildlife habitats or community-managed landscapes. Activities and objectives vary considerably between organisations, so always read the individual listing carefully.

Some opportunities may be seasonal, archival or no longer active. Check the publication date and confirm the current activities and participation requirements directly with the organisation before making travel plans.

What is conservation volunteering?

Conservation volunteering supports activities intended to protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems, improve habitats or contribute to the responsible management and understanding of natural environments.

Depending on the project, participants may help with:

• habitat restoration and native vegetation work;
• wildlife or biodiversity monitoring;
• camera traps, field surveys or citizen science;
• tree planting and nursery activities;
• removal or monitoring of invasive species;
• trail and protected-area maintenance;
• marine, coastal or freshwater conservation;
• environmental education and community outreach;
• data entry and other support for research projects.

The listing should explain what participants will actually do and how their activities contribute to the project’s wider conservation objectives.

Wildlife conservation and animal contact

Conservation does not necessarily involve handling animals. In many responsible wildlife projects, volunteers contribute through observation, habitat work, monitoring or data collection rather than direct contact.

If animals are handled, ask why this is necessary, who supervises the activity and whether relevant permits and welfare procedures are in place. Capture, restraint, tagging, rehabilitation and other specialist activities may require trained or authorised personnel.

Close interactions, performances or staged photographs offered primarily for visitor entertainment should not automatically be treated as conservation activities.

Evaluating a conservation project

Before joining, consider asking what the project’s objectives are, how results are measured and who is responsible for the conservation strategy.

For research or wildlife projects, useful questions may include whether the work follows an established monitoring protocol, what happens to the data collected and whether the project works with researchers, local communities, land managers or relevant authorities where appropriate.

Activities such as tree planting should also consider appropriate species, local ecology and long-term maintenance. A project being described as conservation-focused does not automatically guarantee a positive environmental impact.

How to use this page

Open the opportunity that interests you and read the complete announcement. Look for the contact details at the end of the listing to find the organisation’s website, email address or application procedure.

Before applying, confirm:

• the conservation objectives and exact activities;
• the required skills or experience;
• training and supervision;
• weekly hours and days off;
• accommodation and meals;
• location and transport arrangements;
• equipment and insurance requirements;
• minimum stay;
• any fees, deposits or other financial conditions.

Some opportunities may have no mandatory participant fee, while others may request a contribution or programme fee. If payment is required, ask for the exact amount, what it covers and the applicable payment, cancellation and refund conditions before making a commitment.

A participant fee does not automatically make a conservation project more or less responsible, effective or appropriate.

Voluntouring does not organise placements, select participants, arrange visas or mediate between volunteers and host organisations. It does not process participant payments between travellers and hosts. Publication on Voluntouring.org does not in itself constitute verification, endorsement or a recommendation of a conservation project or organisation.

Fieldwork and safety

Conservation activities can involve remote locations, difficult terrain, heat, cold, insects, wildlife, water, tools or physically demanding work. Ask what clothing, equipment, protective measures and training are required.

Projects involving boats, diving, climbing, wildlife capture, chainsaws, controlled burns or other specialist activities should have appropriate supervision and safety procedures. Make sure your insurance covers the specific activities involved.

For remote fieldwork, also confirm access to drinking water, communication, healthcare, transport and emergency evacuation arrangements.

Related opportunities

• Environmental volunteering opportunities
• Marine conservation volunteering opportunities
• Animal welfare volunteering opportunities
• Rainforest volunteering opportunities
• Research volunteering opportunities

For additional guidance, read Voluntouring’s information about safety and legality in volunteering and work exchanges.

Important: project activities, permits, conservation conditions, participant fees and safety requirements can change. Confirm current information directly with the organisation before making travel or financial commitments.

Last reviewed: September 2026.

Browse conservation volunteering opportunities 🌿🦋

Browse the projects below and use the “Older Posts” navigation if available to continue exploring previous opportunities. Always check the publication date and current conservation activities before applying.

Do you represent a conservation, habitat restoration or biodiversity project looking for volunteers? You can submit your opportunity to Voluntouring.org for editorial review.

Submit a conservation opportunity