An Exploration into the Contributions Associated with Volunteer Engagement within Ecotourism Wildlife Projects

Abstract

This study aims to provide an exploration in to the effect of voluntary help for endangered animals through analysing helping behaviour and observing the relationship between humans and animals. It will aim to identify the motivational factors associated with volunteering in ecotourism projects and attempt to demonstrate the positive contribution that volunteers make towards wildlife conservation through collecting data from open-ended questionnaires which were administered to 41 participants who had volunteered before in a range of international conservation projects which all share the same goal of protecting endangered species. The study will also aim to evaluate the volunteers experience associated with the level of engagement in ecotourism projects and understand the growing interest in volunteer tourism through interviewing an internationally recognised organisation, POD. This study will aim to identify the motivational factors associated with volunteering in ecotourism projects and attempt to demonstrate the positive contribution that volunteers make towards wildlife conservation.

Ultimately, this study shows that the general consensus on wildlife tourism is that it is a substantial industry with a need for a greater understanding of both visitors and wildlife. Overall, the studies made by this project show that engagement with wildlife affects the satisfaction of volunteer’s massively. The findings also explore the negative and positive effects that wildlife tourism can cause tourism and show that ultimately, volunteer organisations value their volunteers very highly.