Turn your optimism into action
It’s easy to feel weighed down by the challenges.
Species under threat. Habitats disappearing. The climate crisis accelerating.
But here’s one thing we believe at Conservation Careers:
Optimism is not naive – it’s courageous.
It’s a choice to see what can be done, and to do it.
And in conservation, action rooted in optimism changes everything – for wildlife, for habitats, for communities, and for your own career.
That’s why we’ve handpicked four conservation experiences where you turn optimism into action and impact.
For anyone aspiring to work in conservation, these experiences help you move from “I want to” to “I have.” They build skills, confidence and connections that open new opportunities.
Optimism becomes powerful when it’s paired with action.
The question is: What action will you take?
Explore these Conservation Experiences
Coral Reef Conservation in Thailand
Get involved in reef impact assessments, setting up and monitoring experimental reef nurseries, conducting reef biodiversity surveys and mapping reefs. You’ll also gather data on mangrove species composition, diversity and abundance.
Your impact
- Contribute to ongoing environmental projects that address critical challenges.
- Support coral research and restoration through impact assessments, monitoring of experimental reef nurseries and reef mapping.
- Join local conservation partners and qualified professionals to ensure your efforts are ethical, meaningful and sustainable.
Wildlife Conservation Internship in Madagascar
Travel to the last remaining primeval rainforest on the island of Nosy Be, home to rare, Critically Endangered species. Discover how real conservationists manage issues such as illegal logging and poaching and learn conservation techniques that’ll set you up for a lifetime of success in the field.
Your impact
- Join a world-class research team as they collect data on rare and Critically Endangered species.
- Get broad exposure to a variety of conservation fieldwork projects and training opportunities to grow your skills.
- Support a team of scientists and academics with ongoing, cutting-edge research that gets published and makes an impact.
Whale and Dolphin Conservation in the Canary Islands
Travel to Spain’s sun-drenched, subtropical island archipelago, off the coast of Morocco. Based on the island of Tenerife, you’ll go whale and dolphin watching with volunteers from around the world, taking photographs of the animals and recording other information.
Your impact
- Contribute directly to effective whale and dolphin conservation efforts.
- Contribute to ongoing environmental projects that address critical challenges.
- Work with local conservation partners and qualified professionals to ensure your efforts are highly ethical, meaningful and sustainable.
Volunteer Abroad Guatemala: Wildlife Protection
Support the care and rehabilitation of rescued animals such as parrots, macaws, monkeys, reptiles and more while learning all about the threats that these animals face and how they can be combated. Your work directly impacts animal welfare.
Your impact
- By preparing food and maintaining enclosures, you ensure the best chance for the animals’ daily improvement, leading to an eventual release back into the wild.
- Work side by side with veterinarians and animal welfare specialists to learn about species-specific behaviour, habitat and needs.
- Gain insight into the big picture of wildlife conservation in Guatemala.
Looking for more ways to turn optimism into action and impact? Explore all our Conservation Experiences with apprenticeships, internships and volunteerships around the globe.