10 HOLIDAYS FOR CONSERVATION

Our round-up of the best ecotourism projects around the world. Here's how to help wildlife while having a blast!

- JAMES LOWEN

Hebrides UK

Counting marine species

VOLUNTOURISM - WHERE volunteering and tourism intertwine is typically associated with digging wells or building schools in African villages. But ample wildlife-focused opportunities also exist, often involving conservation-related research or habitat management. A fabulous option involves identifying and photographing whales, dolphins, porpoises and sharks off western Scotland with the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT). This important surveying work involves spending 7-12 days aboard the Silurian, a 10-berth research vessel used to film scenes in the original BBC Blue Planet series.

No previous experience is necessary - you will be taught how to identify wildlife and trained in data collection. And with 24 species of cetacean known to swim in the rich waters surrounding the Hebrides, you could well see the likes of minke whale and basking shark.

Alongside funding HWDT research, citizen scientists have collected a colossal amount of data that has driven real-world outcomes. Thanks to volunteers, HWDT has monitored and reported on changes in cetacean populations, and improved understanding of the threats faced by marine species. Better still, it has helped delineate the boundaries of Europe's largest protected area for the harbour porpoise and provide the evidence needed to create Marine Protected Areas for minke whale, Risso's dolphin and basking shark.

Rainforest reserves Ecuador

Stay in an eco-lodge and spot spectacular birds

JOCOTOCO FOUNDATION OWNS 18 strategically located nature reserves in Ecuador.