What kind of experiences does Biosphere Expeditions offer?
We have three kinds of expedition experiences, as well as events. And all of them are open to all, there are no special skills or fitness required to join and there are no age limits whatsoever.
First and foremost, there are our 2-week expeditions. These are true wildlife research and conservation expeditions, which take between 12 and 14 days, and offer you opportunities to explore fascinating parts of the world, have a lifetime adventure and get truly hands-on, working in wildlife conservation out in the field with local scientists and people. Then there are our 1-week projects, which are just the same as the 2-week expeditions, except for their shorter duration of 7 days.
We also offer taster weekends, which are for those who would like to dip into expedition life at home first, before committing to the real thing. Taster weekends will give you a unique insight into what it’s like to be in the field with Biosphere Expeditions assisting scientists with wildlife research and conservation. Always set amongst the stunning scenery and wildlife of National Parks in countries where we have offices, you will be part of a small team, alongside a park ranger and your expedition leader. You will discover expedition and wildlife research and conservation skills such as working with a map, GPS and compass, collecting important animal data, reading animal tracks and signs, using telemetry equipment and wildlife camera traps. You will also learn about the national park you are in, its fauna and flora, history and the conservation work going on inside.
Whilst on 2-week expeditions and 1-week projects English is our language of communication for the international team of scientists, helpers and team members, taster weekends are conducted in the language of the country they are held in, such as for example German in Germany or English in the UK.
Finally, we also hold a number of events, usually in countries where we have offices or close by. These may be talks, slide shows, presentations, open days, get-togethers for former team members, etc. All are designed to make Biosphere Expeditions accessible to you locally and give you the chance to meet some of our staff and ask your questions in person.
What makes Biosphere Expeditions unique?
There are quite a few volunteer organisations today offering people a chance to help in conservation work. The thing that sets us apart is that we carefully select long-term projects, always run by local scientists that make a significant conservation impact. We make them feasible by providing the workforce (you) and funding (amongst other things your expedition contribution), and we don't just go there once, we keep going back until the work is done, even if it takes years. Your presence, your expedition contribution, and the work you put in, are the reasons the research can be carried out. But it does not stop there. We are not just an administration body funding research and sending volunteers into the field. We get actively involved, with an expedition leader on every project. This leader stays with the expedition for the entire duration as an integral part of the expedition team, participating in the research, working, eating and staying with you, and generally making sure that things run safely and smoothly. Of course, the expedition leader is also there to provide guidance and leadership, to take care of any problems as they arise, and to be an interface between the expedition team, the local scientists and the local population.
But all of this is just us talking about ourselves. There is independent confirmation of our special status too, such as the many awards we have won. For example, the “Best Volunteering Organisation” award at the international Responsible Tourism Awards in London or an environment award from the German Minister for the Environment – the list goes on and you can see all our awards at www.biosphere-expeditions.org/awards. More independent confirmation comes from the team members’ feedback or the press coverage we receive (see www.biosphere-expeditions.org/feedback): to quote but one of them “I am so grateful to have had the chance to work alongside you on the incredible work you are doing here. Thank you for really involving me in all the aspects of the conservation work, and the chance to get so close to such incredible animals. I can go home knowing so much more about conservation work and what it involves, and the memory of being so close I could feel a cheetah’s heartbeat. Thank you also to Biosphere who provided me with this opportunity and for making it safe and fun. I wish you every success for this and all your other expeditions”.
What does Biosphere Expeditions offer and what makes it unique?
