Wildlife conservation and community volunteer projects and internships worldwide
November 8th 2025
From forests to coral reefs, from the Amazon to Iceland, these conservation volunteer projects abroad let you play a hands-on role in tackling the climate crisis. Whether you’re a student, graduate, or passionate environmentalist, there’s a project where your effort truly matters through climate action & conservation volunteering.
Here are our Top 8 Climate Action & Conservation Volunteering Programmes for 2026, spanning five continents and tackling key issues from deforestation to marine ecosystem loss.
Work at the front line of rainforest conservation in the Peruvian Amazon. Volunteers and interns help monitor wildlife, restore degraded forests and support community education on sustainable resource use. These long-term programmes protect threatened habitats while empowering local people.
Why it matters: Scientists warn the Amazon is approaching a tipping point, with nearly 20% already lost. This project contributes directly to keeping the rainforest, and our planet, alive.
Help restore Iceland’s lost forests and combat soil erosion by planting native trees around the Úlfljótsvatn area in southwest Iceland. Volunteers work alongside the Icelandic Forestry Association, planting and caring for seedlings in one of the most inspiring reforestation initiatives in Europe.
Why it matters: Forests store carbon and protect soils – every tree planted here helps reverse centuries of deforestation and aids global climate regulation.
Join reforestation and restoration efforts across New Zealand’s national parks and reserves. Volunteers plant trees, remove invasive species, monitor wildlife and protect fragile habitats from climate impacts. Locations range from Auckland to Punakaiki, covering both North and South Islands.
Why it matters: These projects safeguard Aotearoa’s native ecosystems while offering students and nature lovers the chance to learn hands-on conservation and field ecology skills.
Contribute to sustainable forestry and climate adaptation in Ecuador’s spectacular cloud forest. Volunteers collect and plant seeds, care for nurseries, and monitor tree growth. You’ll also help local communities learn about agroforestry and sustainable land use.
Why it matters: Tropical forests capture huge amounts of carbon. By restoring these landscapes, volunteers help combat both deforestation and rural poverty.
Join marine researchers protecting Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows and sea turtle nesting beaches along Greece’s coast. Volunteers snorkel to survey seagrass and sand dunes, collect microplastic data and assist with drone mapping and beach conservation.
Why it matters: Seagrass ecosystems store up to 35 times more carbon than tropical forests, making them essential allies in fighting global warming.
Volunteer or intern in the stunning Blue Bay Marine Park on the southeast coast of Mauritius. Participants help restore coral reefs through coral farming, turtle monitoring and seagrass surveys, while also engaging in agroecology and environmental outreach.
Why it matters: Coral reefs and mangroves protect coastlines, store carbon and sustain marine life. This project rebuilds ecosystems and strengthens community resilience to climate change.
Dive into marine conservation in Bali’s northeast coast. Volunteers help install and monitor artificial reefs that attract coral larvae and marine life back to degraded areas. You’ll work with local divers and communities to restore coral habitats and promote sustainable fishing.
Why it matters: Coral reefs support 25% of all marine species and are collapsing under climate stress. Restoring them boosts biodiversity and coastal resilience.
Support reforestation and sustainable agroforestry in one of the world’s most vital ecosystems, the Amazon Basin. Volunteers work with local experts to grow native trees and crops that restore biodiversity while providing sustainable livelihoods.
Why it matters: The Amazon regulates Earth’s climate and rainfall. Restoring its forests is one of the most effective natural climate solutions on the planet.
Do you have any questions about a particular project, how to join or anything in between? If so please don’t hesitate to write to us at info@workingabroad.com
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