Ethical Volunteer Programs Abroad
As part of our Responsible Volunteering Policy we are committed to the following areas: Responsibilities to the Project: To support projects that fulfils the needs and requirements of animal welfare and environmental conservation objectives and the surrounding environment. To work alongside local NGOs, government, universities and partner organisations building long-term relationships based on mutual trust and respect.
Responsibility to our Volunteers: We have a responsibility to provide our volunteers with worthwhile, meaningful and low-cost quality projects. We provide honest, accurate and relevant information to prepare volunteers for their placements. We provide continual support to volunteers and the necessary training throughout their placements. We highly value our volunteers and recognise their importance and the contribution they make to animals, conservation efforts and the organisation they visit.
Environmental Responsibility: Environmental conservation lies at the heart of O2E Projects and effective conservation is paramount. We need to improve and sustain the natural landscape that our wildlife should live in safely and in good health. O2E believes in developing successful working partnerships at each project site and works with the local communities, government bodies, NGO’s and universities to share its knowledge with this wider community.
All conservation problems are enhanced by human populations and therefore many O2E projects involve the local community. Since man causes many of the problems we are facing, altering behaviours and attitudes, and educating people is an important factor in developing solutions to the problems.
Economic Responsibility: We operate low cost volunteer programs in Australia which enable more volunteers, local and international, to experience O2E projects. Your volunteer fees are forwarded to your project and are used to contribute to the day to day running and development of the project. Volunteers often have the opportunity to visit the local villages or markets and therefore contribute to the economy of the area. This allows locals to appreciate and welcome visitors into their communities and for them to develop alternate money generating activities than those involving animals.
Socio-cultural Responsibility: Our affiliations with the host communities are long-term, and over time enduring relationships are built based on mutual trust and respect. We respect the local cultures and traditions, encouraging volunteers to do the same where appropriate by providing them with relevant information such as customs and clothing prior to embarking upon their journey. Volunteers usually stay in one place for longer than a traditional traveller; therefore it is likely you will be making friends with the local people. To gain the most out of your placement, we encourage volunteers to get involved and embrace the heart and soul of the country.
Written by Tracy Leske – Co-Founder and Director, Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers
