Volunteers help save heritage sites with Earthwatch.
Finding a holiday that offers you a challenge but is also great fun isn't always easy, but Earthwatch, the international environmental charity, has the answer.
Earthwatch is asking for volunteers to support the conservation of the world's natural and cultural heritage by rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty on real research projects alongside Earthwatch scientists. No experience is necessary, only a thirst for adventure and a passion to make a real contribution to heritage conservation.
Earthwatch has recently entered a new partnership with UNESCO that focuses on the conservation of the world's natural and cultural heritage. In line with this relationship the organisation will be supporting six World Heritage Sites in 2004, three of which are detailed below.
Anyone with a fascination for the unknown should consider going on the Earthwatch ‘Triassic Park' expedition in Argentina. Volunteers are based in a wilderness camp in the ‘Valley of the Moon', where they help to unearth answers to the fascinating question, how did dinosaurs come to rule the world?
Or why not explore ‘Easter Island Cultures', Chile? On this remote Polynesian island the real story of a vanished civilisation lies buried in the earth. Volunteers are given the chance to probe deep into the past through excavations that will help to unravel the mystery surrounding this lost culture.
For a tropical experience, travel to Australia and join the ‘Rainforests of Northern Australia' project. After a century of forestry and agriculture this magnificent forest is becoming fragmented and unique species have been lost forever. Surrounded by lush vegetation, sweeping beaches and steep mountains, volunteers will join a pioneering study of the rainforest eco-system in an effort to conserve it for future generations.
Claudia Eckardt, Volunteer Programme Manager, said ‘Earthwatch is committed to motivating people to take responsibility for the environment. Volunteering for Earthwatch is a fantastic way for people to take an active role in World Heritage projects in stunning locations and it generates an amazing sense of satisfaction for everyone involved.'
This is just a flavour of the amazing Earthwatch projects on offer. Earthwatch has 140 projects in 50 countries for enthusiastic volunteers. Full details and price information are available in the Expedition Guide 2004 and on our website www.earthwatch.org/europe.