Travel Guidelines for Volunteers

Responsible Travel Guidelines for Volunteers

In order to help Earthwatch on our scientific field research expeditions in a way that does not compromise our environmental, social and cultural responsibilities, and which also maximises the economic and conservation benefits to communities, there are certain actions that you can take.

These include:

• Travel to and from the project rendez-vous by the most direct route and environmentally sustainable means available. Earthwatch offsets all volunteer carbon emissions through Climate Care and encourages, and provides information on non-air travel where possible.
  
• Ensure that any extra travel you are involved in before or after your expedition is beneficial to local communities and does not degrade the environment.
  
• Inform yourself about the local customs, culture and traditions before you travel, and learn a few words of the local language - this will improve your experience as you will be able to interact with local people.
  
• Respect cultural differences - remember that you are a guest in the communities visited and that often your hosts will do things differently - be patient and polite.
  
• Find out about social and economic development conditions that are related to your chosen expedition, and be respectful and tolerant of these.
  
• Ask the research team about local peoples' perceptions of the research being undertaken and how the scientists work to benefit the local communities.
  
• When packing be aware of local dress standards and pack accordingly - refer to your expedition briefing and travel guides.
  
• Be aware of and sensitive to the impact of photography - always ask permission before taking a photo.
  
• Environmental awareness is extremely important in these most fragile areas of the world - reduce your consumption of energy and water where possible, minimise waste and use environmentally friendly products.
  
• Educate by example and involve yourself in any clean-up operations, or at least, clean up after yourself.
  
• Do not get involved in any kind of illegal activity, and do not support the trade in illegal products or protected species.
  
• Feed back your experiences to Earthwatch Institute (Europe) or the operating company you are travelling with in order that improvements can be made.
  
• Remember to honour any commitments you made while in the field as this helps to build trust - a requirement in achieving sustainable operations and supporting scientific field research worldwide.