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Volunteer for Reforestation

Volunteer for reforestation and contribute to saving the environment...

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Volunteer Work for Reforestation

Are you interested in conserving our forests one tree at a time? Look no further! Forests cover about 30% of the world’s land area. They play an essential role in the health of our planet: They provide food and shelter for biodiversity and indigenous communities, prevent soil erosion, and slow down climate change. Even though forests are an important ecosystem, they are disappearing at an alarming rate due to deforestation and forest degradation.

Luckily, many volunteer organizations aim to prevent further damage and restore destroyed areas. There are many reforestation opportunities available worldwide, from Brazil to South Africa, Portugal, Malaysia, and New Zealand, enabling volunteers to discover unique locations and protect the environment. Plant trees, raise awareness for the importance of environmental conservation or take care of animals who lost their habitat. Your volunteer efforts will be greatly appreciated!

Why are reforestation volunteers needed?

Deforestation is the practice of the permanent removal of trees through human-driven or natural means. According to the World Bank, 1.3 million km2 (502,000 sq mi) of forest were cut down between 1990 and 2016 – it mainly occurred in the Amazon Rainforest. Most of the time, deforestation is carried out to enable agricultural expansion and cattle ranching. But also forest fires, illegal logging, and infrastructures are some causes of deforestation.

Removing chunks of forests destroys the home of over 350 million people and threatens several animal and plant species such as the orangutan or the Sumatran tiger.

The Amazon Rainforest, for example, provides clean water in many countries in South America. Destroying the most important forest will put an end to the availability of freshwater supplies.

Furthermore, forests are one of the largest storehouses of carbon. They help to mitigate the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The loss of trees will accelerate climate change.

As you can see, deforestation will affect every living being on the planet. Therefore, it is important to protect the remaining forests and restore damaged ones. If you are someone who cares about environmental conservation and is eager to witness forests flourish, volunteering in a reforestation program will be the perfect fit for you!

What will I do as a volunteer for reforestation?

Each reforestation project will differ depending on its focus and goal. But the main aim of every program is to create a more sustainable world. Let’s take a look at some of the most important types of tasks you may be doing when you volunteer abroad for a reforestation program:

Planting Trees

The most obvious task you will be performing is planting trees. Whether you’re working in the Amazon Rainforest or a tree nursery, get ready to get your hands dirty! But there’s more to planting trees than meets the eye: as a volunteer for reforestation, you will contribute to all the different stages of the reforestation process: you will prepare the seedlings, ensure they are healthy for planting, plant trees, and monitor them. Besides the hands-on experience, you will even get the opportunity to learn about the theory of reforestation such as applying techniques for collecting, identifying seeds and plants, planting and monitoring, and much more!

Raise Awareness

Promoting awareness for forest conservation is a crucial part of protecting the environment. To create a more sustainable future, it's essential to teach the current and next-generation the importance of environmental protection.

As a volunteer for reforestation, you will assist with educating the local communities and schools on the importance of conservation and implementing more sustainable ways of living. Teach them some practices to live more sustainably and encourage local communities to join in the exciting task of protecting the forests all over the world.

Wildlife Conservation

If you want to join a reforestation program in the Amazon Rainforest, your tasks might include protecting wildlife as well. Besides countless plant species, this ecosystem is home to 1,300 bird species, 3,000 types of fish, 430 mammals, and over 2.5 million different insects! Sadly, due to deforestation, lots of animals are injured or lost their habitat. Therefore, as a volunteer abroad, you will also care for wounded or orphaned wildlife and release them back into the wild once they are ready.

What are the best places to volunteer for reforestation?

Once you have decided to volunteer abroad in a reforestation program, you may be wondering: “where in the world can I plant trees?”

Luckily for you, reforestation is happening everywhere taking root in volunteer opportunities all over the world! Let’s take a closer look at the different places some of these projects can take you to:

Latin America
The continent of South America is home to the lush Amazon Rainforest, also known as the “Lungs of the Earth”. It covers a surface area of approximately 5.5 million km² (2.1 million sq mi) which spans across nine countries of Latin America. If you are interested in a reforestation program, you will have the choice between Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Columbia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.

Africa
If you think of locations where reforestation is taking place, Africa might not immediately pop into your mind. However, did you know that about 15% of the world’s remaining forests are located in Africa? They are just as effective as the Amazon Rainforest when it comes to removing carbon from the atmosphere. There are many reforestation programs in South Africa, Tanzania, Ghana, or Madagascar that need your support!

Asia and Oceania
Volunteers attracted to South East Asia are welcome to support reforestation programs in Indonesia, Thailand, or Malaysia. Become a volunteer for reforestation by helping locals create a greener world! While doing so, you might even encounter remarkable wildlife up-close!

Would you like to volunteer somewhere even farther to the East? Then join a reforestation program in New Zealand or Fiji!

Europe
If you always have wanted to explore Europe, take this opportunity to join a reforestation program to make your adventure abroad even more meaningful! Whether you’d like to plant trees in the forest in the United Kingdom, Spain, or Portugal, our reforestation opportunities have got you covered.

5 benefits of volunteering for reforestation

It’s difficult to name drawbacks when talking about volunteering abroad. It’s almost always associated with feelings of positivity. Both travel and volunteering allow people to get out of their usual environment and open up to new experiences. Join one of the forest conservation programs and you will help the communities of your travel destination. Let’s take a look at some benefits volunteering for a non-religious mission trip may have in store for you:

Happiness

Research shows that the act of contribution makes people feel happier as it gives them a sense of purpose along with a focus beyond themselves. You’ll be contributing to the greater good if you decide to volunteer for reforestation. Rest assured that your help will affect the current and future well-being of our ecosystem, its wildlife, and humankind.

Valuable Learning Opportunities

Choosing to volunteer will open up a new world. You will learn about the country and culture and interact with the local community. This will enable a deeper understanding of the people and their situation. Gain practical experience skills during the reforestation volunteer program and witness the opportunities that will unfold because of it.

Boost your career

Volunteering abroad is always a great achievement to list on your CV. It shows that you are passionate about a cause and willing to donate your time and efforts to work towards a better future. Employers value qualities like that very much so it might come in handy at some point.

Meet new people

During a volunteer trip, you will meet other volunteers and travelers who share your taste in activities and interests. You’ll be connecting with like-minded fellow volunteers and locals. This is a wonderful opportunity to build meaningful relationships and allow cultural interchange.

Travel

This is your chance to explore and discover some of the most interesting places the world has to offer. You’ll be doing this while contributing to a meaningful cause. What are you waiting for? Get out your suitcase and start packing for your adventure abroad!

Who can volunteer for reforestation?

You’ve decided you would like to volunteer for reforestation but you’re wondering if you are cut out for it? Don’t worry!

Fortunately, many programs do not ask for specific requirements. It does not matter whether you have a green thumb or not, many organizations are grateful for volunteers who have a good work ethic and aren’t shy to get their hands dirty. Besides, we advise you to make sure you’re in good physical health as you will work under different weather conditions from what you’re used to depending on the destination (for example heat, humidity, a generous amount of rain, etc.).

In case you’re still in doubt, we have listed a few personality traits which are great to have as a reforestation volunteer:

  • a social mindset
  • a good work ethic
  • the ability to work in a team
  • adaptability
  • enthusiasm
  • resilience
  • a non-judgmental approach and respect for diversity
  • a professional attitude to work
  • a strong regard for health and safety
  • eagerness to travel

How do I get started with volunteering for reforestation?

You’re determined to become a volunteer for reforestation and you’ve found some programs you’re passionate about. What’s next? Let’s take a look at the first 3 steps which will send you on your way to volunteering in a reforestation program:

  1. Check whether there’s a match between the project and your skills.
  2. Take a look at the location of the project and decide whether it would be a location you are willing to travel to.
  3. Get in touch with the organization and see whether your expectations and the schedule of the program match.

    4. Once you have decided on your project, there are two important steps left:

  4. Make sure you have a valid passport.
  5. Take into account the visa requirements for your destination.

When these 5 items are sorted, you are set to embark on your meaningful adventure abroad! Are you ready to get your hands dirty and contribute to a greener world?