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?

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.