The climate is changing, the forests are vanishing, and the Yangtze river dolphin is no more. With increasing numbers of us eager to do something to save the planet, the conservation volunteering market is booming. But how does one choose between the thousands of volunteer projects of offer? Bradt's Wildlife and Conservation Volunteering is the first book to properly dissect this exploding industry, and to assess which are the most environmentally and scientifically useful companies on the market. It features different types of 'sending agencies' including charities, not-for-profit, brokers, clearing houses, eco-tour operators and travel agents, and asks, 'Where does the money go?' With a focus on wildlife and environmental conservation volunteering, it includes chapters on conservation and environmental issues, planning and preparation, and fund-raising, and features detailed interviews with volunteers during and after their travels. There's also a unique chapter about day-to-day life on a range of conservation volunteer projects. Whether you're a wealthy professional searching for a meaningful holiday, a retiree wanting your travels to have a purpose, or a gap-year student looking for a wider life experience, this ground-breaking guide, written by an author with first-hand experience of conservation volunteering in Africa, Asia and South America, will help you to find a genuine eco-friendly, conservation-focused experience.

From helping homeless pets to assisting injured wildlife, there are many ways to volunteer with animals. Some people help scientists track wild animal populations, while others help zoos teach people about the importance of conservation. Volunteering for Animal Welfare examines different volunteer opportunities and how to get involved.

Presents a reference guide to over two hundred worldwide organizations for people who want to work in international nature conservation projects, providing descriptions of each site, the type of work needed, duration, language, costs, and application procedure.

A comprehensive guide to environmental and wildlife volunteer programs throughout the world. This unique site-by-site guide profiles more than 300 programs where volunteers can work in a variety of activities involving conservation and study of wildlife. From the Fur Seal Project of the Earthwatch Institute in St. George Island, Alaska, or identifying and tracking wildlife in the Limpopo Nature Reserve, South Africa, to Blue World Institute's Adriatic Dolphin Project in Croatia, to the tracking program of the Open Minded Project in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand, readers will learn the best ways to "give back" and make the most positive environmental impact during their travels. Each entry includes a profile of the site and organization behind it, as well as location, contact information, category, costs, dates and duration, how to apply, and field notes that include any special concerns, requirements for participation, and suitability.

"This year, over ten million people will go abroad, eager to find the perfect blend of adventure and altruism. Volunteer travel can help you find your place in the world--and find out what you're made of. So why do so many international volunteer programs fail to make an impact? Why do some do more harm than good? Learning Service offers a powerful new approach that invites volunteers to learn from host communities before trying to 'help' them. It's also a thoughtful critique of the sinister side of volunteer travel; a guide for turning good intentions into effective results; and essential advice on how to make the most of your experience."--Amazon.com.