It’s not an easy time to be a person who cares deeply about the well being of the natural world. The oceans are warming, rainforests disappearing and species reaching extinction at an alarming rate. It can feel a bit bleak.
But look closer, and you’ll see glimmers of hope, bright spots where the wild is flourishing.
Around the world, passionate individuals and organizations are stepping up to protect our planet’s most vulnerable wildlife. From the dense rainforests of the Amazon to the vast plains of Africa, innovative conservation initiatives are not only safeguarding endangered species but also empowering local communities and fostering sustainable ecosystems. At Discover Corps, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing these inspiring efforts firsthand through our immersive travel programs. Read on for more on the global wildlife conservation projects that are creating real, lasting change—and show how you can be part of the movement.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is leading the charge in the fight to keep our natural resources alive and well. With 5% of the world’s biodiversity within its borders, this country has more than its share of nature reserves, national parks and protected areas to provide a safe haven for mammals, reptiles and marine life alike.
Among these, sea turtles are among the most threatened species in the region. The country’s sea turtle population has declined by a devastating 90% over the past 35 years due to a host of factors, including climate change, increased boat traffic, predators on the beaches and ocean trash.
Travelers assist on a number of projects, depending on where the turtles are in their annual migratory cycle: dig up hatched nests to determine hatching success rates, take part in night patrols to look for nesting females, collect their eggs and move them to the hatchery, or release hatchlings into the ocean. Discover Corps traveler participation plays a part in a larger satellite tracking project for a variety of sea turtles across Costa Rica, which you can learn more about here.
South Africa
Conservation is in full force in South Africa! From government-led outreach initiatives and hiring programs to grassroots groups making a difference, there’s no shortage of changemakers here.
When it comes to creativity, an organization called Under the Wire gets top marks! Repurposing poacher’s confiscated traps into jewelry and decorative items creates funding that goes directly back to conservation efforts. Win-win!
Discover Corps travelers spend a morning with this small oganization, where they get hands-on in creating one-of-a-kind items that support wildlife, and serve as a fond reminder of their experience in South Africa.
Galapagos Islands
The Galápagos archipelago is arguably the greatest destination on the planet for nature travelers. Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, this island chain is the
second largest marine reserve in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Despite strict environmental protections, many invasive plant species have been introduced to the Galápagos. These species grow quickly and can crowd out native
species that the islands’ animals depend on. Spend two mornings lending a hand at a sanctuary for giant tortoises, helping out by removing invasive plant species and
planting endemic bushes and trees that tortoises eat.
Baja, Mexico
Baja Sur’s ocean is teeming with sea life! From enormous whale sharks to rays to dolphins, wildlife is abundant here. And locals are working hard to make sure it stays that way!
One such organization is Efecto Arena, a La Paz-based nonprofit that is part of a global network of researchers working to restore depleting coral reefs in coastal areas worldwide. They have made significant progress in coral restoration projects, particularly in San Rafaelito, which is located within the Balandra Flora and Fauna Protection Area. Using techniques like coral fragmentation and nursery cultivation, they have planted thousands of coral colonies. So far, they have transplanted over 7,700 coral colonies, with another 6,000 currently growing in nurseries, ready to be planted. In addition to physical restoration, Efecto Arena focuses on environmental education, reef health monitoring, and building partnerships with other organizations and funders to strengthen protected natural areas.
Travelers spend a morning in the water with conservationists, touring their coral gardens and transplanting new corals into the rebuilt forests.