Working for environmental organisations and in nature management abroad: what is it, why would you do it, and where is the best place to go?
Working for environmental organisations and in nature management abroad: what, why, and where is the best place?
- What is working for environmental organisations and in nature management abroad like?
- What are the reasons for working for environmental organisations and in nature management abroad?
- What skills and motivations do you need to work for environmental organisations and in nature management abroad?
- What are the best countries and locations to work for environmental organisations and in nature management abroad?
- What are the risks of working for environmental organisations and in nature management abroad, and are you insured against those risks?
What is working for environmental organisations and in nature management abroad like?
- Working for environmental organisations and in nature management abroad means you are committed to protecting, restoring, and sustainably using nature and ecosystems.
- This can range from practical fieldwork to policy, educational, or communication work.
- You can work for international NGO's, local nature organizations, research institutes, government agencies, or social enterprises focused on biodiversity, climate, nature management, or sustainability.
- Depending on your background, you might work in nature reserves, on projects with local communities, in research programs, or in offices where policy and strategy are developed.
- Responsibilities: the work varies considerably depending on the project and organization, and can include:
- Ecological fieldwork and monitoring of flora and fauna.
- Supporting nature management and restoration projects.
- Environmental education and outreach to local communities.
- Conducting research on biodiversity, climate, or land use.
- Policy and project support for NGOs.
- Data collection, reporting, and evaluation.
- Collaborating with local partners and government agencies.
- Working conditions: Many positions are project-based or temporary. Contracts often run for six months to a year.
- Work can be paid, an internship, or volunteer work.
- Salaries are generally lower than in the commercial sector.
- In return, you often gain extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the subject.
- Working hours can be irregular, especially during fieldwork.
What are the reasons for working for environmental organisations and in nature management abroad?
- To feel involved: you work directly on the conservation of nature and biodiversity, often in areas where the need is greatest.
- To become environmentally aware: you learn how nature, people, the economy, and culture are intertwined.
- To take responsibility: you contribute to projects with long-term impact and often significant ecological interests.
- To develop analytical skills: you learn to understand, monitor, and translate ecological problems into solutions.
- To experience meaning: your work visibly contributes to a more sustainable world.
What skills and motivations do you need to work for environmental organisations and in nature management abroad?
- Commitment: An affinity for nature, the environment, and sustainability is essential.
- Collaboration: You will work with local communities, colleagues, and international partners.
- Flexibility: Projects may not proceed as planned due to weather, environmental factors, or local circumstances.
- Independence: Personal initiative is expected, especially in the field.
- Perseverance: Results are often only visible in the long term.
- Environmental awareness: Respect for local knowledge, culture, and interests.
What are the best countries and locations to work for environmental organisations and in nature management abroad?
- Countries with many international environmental organizations and policy work: Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.
- Countries with many nature projects and fieldwork: Costa Rica – biodiversity, nature management, ecotourism; South Africa – wildlife, nature parks, community projects; Indonesia – rainforest, marine conservation; Brazil – Amazon, nature and climate projects; Kenya – wildlife conservation and community management.
- Countries with many marine and coastal protection projects: Australia – Great Barrier Reef, marine research and policy, Belize – coral reefs and marine reserves, Indonesia – mangroves, coral restoration, coastal communities, Mozambique – marine biodiversity and fisheries management.
- Countries suitable for starters, interns, and volunteers: Nepal – nature, education, and community projects, Peru – biodiversity and local nature projects, Thailand – nature conservation and education, Mexico – environmental and community projects.
What are the risks of working for environmental organisations and in nature management abroad, and are you insured against those risks?
- What are the risks of working for environmental organisations and in nature management abroad?
- It is common to work in remote areas with limited medical facilities and high evacuation costs.
- It is common to contract a contagious or local disease, be unable to work for a period, or even have to be flown home.
- It is common to get bitten or stung by an animal in the water or on land, with medical consequences.
- It is common for work to be physically demanding, with a risk of injuries and accidents.
- It is common to work in areas with unsafe infrastructure due to poor roads, transportation or communication.
- Are you insured while working for environmental organisations and in nature management abroad?
- There may be several reasons why you need separate insurance when working abroad.
- Local employers generally offer limited or no supplementary insurance.
- There's a risk of accidents, for example, because you're doing work with which you have little experience.
- During work, internships, or volunteering abroad where you receive compensation or a salary, your own health insurance coverage in your home country may be cancelled.
- See the pages on: insuring international Insurances for working abroad, for internships abroad, for volunteering abroad, or for expats and emigrants.
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