Is there any worthwhile animal conservation projects that are not a scam?
All the ones Ive been looking at have cost hundreds of pounds and seem to be more like holidays than actual volunteering. Is there any projects abroad that actually help animals in a real way?
Don’t get involved with charities or activists. Charities want money, rarely do anything beneficial and in some cases promote the cause they are trying to prevent (it makes sense – if they do their job too well then there is no point in their existence any more). Also sometimes they involve activists. Activists jump to conclusions, never see both sides of the story and often harm rather than help.
A good idea is to help researchers and universities; you could also (depending on how much time you have) pick an animal, find out what’s going on then devise a plan of action and go it solo.
Write to a couple of researchers or universities, ask what kind of projects they are running on animal conservation and if you can help. You will probably need to have travelled before, know a fair amount about animals and have skills such as climbing and walking. If you don’t have these skills, get them.
A private company I have worked with deals with falcons all around the world, particularly the saker falcon which is much in decline. These guys know what they’re doing and are very effective. See if they have vacancies: http://www.falcons.co.uk but you do need to do your homework, read bout falcons and get pretty fit.
You can also write to the BBC or if you’re in another country whatever TV channel you have, like the discovery channel. You probably won’t get a reply but the more people you write to the more chances you get.
Finally, find a local wildlife reserve in your area and ask if you can volunteer – they probably have conservation projects of their own and will be happy to have some help.
All the best and good luck – sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders.
I think WWF is a good world wide one, I have heard about them actually doing something to help.
Greenpeace is also another great organization.
1st all non profit organizations are a scam, if 10 cents of every $1.00 got to who ever the people are targeting it would be a miracle.
Just do work, don’t send money, this is the only way to really help out.
This site does have some volunteer listings..you just have to search through the list to find them:
http://wfsc.tamu.edu/jobboard/
These are legit but may require some experience but most do not make you pay to help out.
Try Earthwatch (http://www.earthwatch.org). You can also apply for a grant that would help to cover the cost. The money that you spend would go straight to the project. I am actually participating in one next summer in Canada.
You can also try the Student Conservation Association (http://thesca.org) if you are interested in an internship, in the United States. I assume that you are in the UK.