Volunteering abroad in reforestation will take you off the beaten path to beautiful, hidden places that not just anyone gains access to. Countries that have spent decades practicing unsustainable land management, relying on timber and slash and burn agriculture, are now suffering the consequences as resources deplete. Reforestation volunteers will work to save these natural areas and help preserve the local way of life by teaching more ethical and sustainable practices.

Cambodia is known for its stunning temples (Angkor Wat) and its lush greenery. Between the rainforests of the Cardamom Mountains, the Central Indochina dry forests, and the Southeast dry evergreen forests, Cambodia has a lot to lose. Cambodia is also unfortunately known for having one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world. Illegal logging, creating fields by cutting and burning plants, and uncoordinated mining have significantly exhausted Cambodia’s forests. At the center of Cambodia’s reforestation efforts lies Tonle Sap Lake, named a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1997. The lake is a driving force in the Cambodian economy, producing up to 400,000 tons of freshwater fish each year. However, the erosion of flooded forests surrounding the lake have led to a steep decline in fish populations, provoking an immediate need for reforestation efforts.

Paraguay is known for its red soil, beautiful hills, and diverse culture. Due to uncontrolled forest clearing in the past, Paraguay is now known as one of the countries with the highest level of deforestation in the Americas. On a larger scale, the Eastern region of Paraguay seems to be the spot that needs the most help; it is the hotspot of endemic Paraguayan species and unique ecosystems. After years of damage, what remains is a highly fragmented forest, which is an extremely difficult environment for vegetation and wildlife to flourish. Volunteering in central South America will surely be a unique experience: you will meet the locals that not only speak Spanish but also their indigenous language, Guarani.

Zambia is best known for the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, stretching nearly a mile along its border with Zimbabwe. However, it has also joined Cambodia and Paraguay on the list of countries with the highest rates of deforestation. Unsustainable agricultural practices, charcoal burning, and mining have all contributed to the diminution of Zambia’s tropical forests and natural biodiversity. As a reforestation volunteer in Zambia, you will get a firsthand look at the cultural, as well as environmental, impact of urbanization and industrialization. In addition, volunteers will become immersed in the more traditional and varied cultural practices still flourishing across rural areas of the country.