Ethical and Responsible Travel

Trekforce Worldwide is dedicated to providing opportunities for volunteers who wish to become part of sustainable rainforest conservation projects and language placements in Central and South America and in South East Asia.

Trekforce Worldwide was born from the experience of the charity Trekforce Expeditions, founded in 1990 by explorer Wandy Swales. Trekforce Worldwide works in partnership with international and local non-governmental organisations, government departments, community groups and other scientific and conservation bodies. Our staff identify sustainable and exciting projects and placements that will operate long after our teams have completed them.

Reputation
Over 15 years Trekforce have established a proven reputation as project conservation experts, providing the opportunity for volunteers to complete worthwhile and sustainable projects which benefit the host country and educate and inspire those involved.

Responsible Pillars

• All volunteers are culturally prepared by experienced, locally-based staff and community members. Volunteers on expedition have a very basic standard of living, in keeping with that of the local communities with which we work.
• We provide a fair wage for our local guides and experts, and also for families that host our volunteers where appropriate. In the long-term, our community projects provide a sustainable income for locals.
• Our environmental impact is kept to a minimum. All waste is burnt or removed, all washing is done away from rivers and biodegradable soap is used.
• Volunteers work on projects that are initiated by organisations primarily concerned with the conservation of biodiversity or community development.
• We have robust operating procedures that identify techniques for minimal impact camping and integration.
• Trekforce Worldwide have a comprehensive training programme in-country that covers detailed issues on how to operate safely in a number of different environments, as well as lessons in cultural sensitivity and environmental awareness.
• Trekforce Worldwide only work through local project partners (supported by the local community) and community groups. These project partners must take responsibility for the project after the volunteers depart and are crucial to the planning, delivery and ongoing success of all projects.
• All treks employ local staff at both a management and delivery level.

Staff & Feedback

During expeditions we have field base staff working in each country that we operate in. They are in constant communication with the communities and organisations that we provide volunteers for, and they ensure that we are operating responsibly by asking for regular feedback. These relationships are built up over a number of years. We are in a unique position to be able to monitor our reputation because we are asked back by the same organisations and communities year on year and are constantly recommended to others. Dignitaries, both tribal and governmental, often attend our project opening ceremonies.

Local Partners

Trekforce directly coordinates all projects and does not contract work out to suppliers, thus taking full responsibility for all practices. However, through the projects, local communities and organisations are able to establish responsible practices for themselves. Trekforce have also helped train local eco-tourism guides.