When we read the papers and watch the television we are constantly reminded of the huge problems the world faces in the shape of social hardship and vanishing eco-systems. But unless you've got very green fingers or a lot money it's often difficult to imagine affecting such large-scale problems. Sometimes you feel as if you're swimming against the tide. However, the tide is turning and sustainable tourism is becoming the most popular way to see the planet. The key is to focus on making small positive differences and not expect to solve the world's problems on one volunteer project. You may only plant a handful of trees or teach a child a few words of English, but if everyone does their bit then all those little changes add up to one big difference.
Can tourism be the answer?
This is a fair question, after all how can tourism be the answer when
it is responsible for much of the damage? A reasonable and controlled
number of travellers can have a very positive effect on a local area.
The United Nations has declared tourism an important source of foreign
exchange and employment in developing countries. What's more, an income
from tourism gives people both the means and the incentive to further
protect their area. Too many tourists can threaten the delicate balance
though. In Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands for example, growing
popularity brings with it a real threat to the eco-system. The irony is
that unless sustainable tourism replaces traditional travel here, the
only thing that will stop the crowds is the destruction of their
beauty, and that will be too late. As long as a place doesn't get
trampled under too many sturdy hiking boots and we act responsibly when
we're there, we still think that tourism can be a positive thing.
Who do I trust?
As long as you do your research there's no reason why you can't make a
difference when you travel. There has been an explosion of travel
companies all promising very similar things, but there are a few
questions you should ask first before you travel. If you're going to
travel half way round the world you need to be sure that once you get
there you will be working on a project that really needs you. To get
the most out of volunteering you need to put effort into choosing who
you go with and where you go. The most important thing to find out is
the relationship between the sending agency and the local organisation;
if there isn't a partnership between the two than you could end up on a
project that local people don't need or want. Make sure the sending
agency can tell you about the project you will be visiting and give a
basic description of your tasks. A good company should help locate and
deliver volunteers to worthwhile projects rather than set up their own
to meet demand, without much concern for their benefit.
What can I do?
We know from experience that volunteers work that little harder and
leave that little bit more satisfied when they choose to dedicate their
time to something they really care about. Ask yourself what your
passion is and in what area you really want to make a difference.
Teaching English
The British Council estimates that by 2010 around one third of the
world will be learning English, and it's not difficult to see why. As a
truly global world language' English is the language of business and
normally the best way to communicate with tourists visiting your
country. If you live in a developing country and want to take advantage
of new opportunities then the ability to speak English is a key skill.
Teaching English while you travel is your chance to directly improve
the lives of dozens of people.
Conservation
Some of the most beautiful parts of the world are also the most fragile
and it's important that it's their beauty they stay famous for. Whether
you are replanting trees, helping protect marine life or protecting the
animals which live there, conservation projects take you to the heart
of the fight against environmental damage. Charities like the WSPA are
keenly aware of the need to protect animals when you visit other
countries and offer a lot of information for travellers. You'll be
surprised at the difference you can make armed with nothing more than
enthusiasm, local knowledge and a shovel!.
Working with people
The advantage of doing community work is that you can see the
difference you make right in front of you. Whether it's the four walls
going up on a building project, the smiles of children on a community
project or the accurate shooting of the kids on your sports coaching
project, you won't doubt for a minute that you're making a positive
difference!
