Streamlining standards in the sector, G Adventures’ non-profit organisation, Planeterra Foundation has launched the first ever International Voluntourism Guidelines.

Unveiled this week in conjunction with The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) and an international advisory committee, the new initiative was developed in response to growing interest in the sector and designed to identify a global ethical standard of practise.

Covering a range of issues; from selecting and working with volunteers to financial reporting and local engagement, Planeterra co-executive director Megan Epler Wood explained the Guidelines would help transform “good intentions” to be in the voluntourism sector into actual “tangible benefits” through “ensuring the community’s benefit is a priority for all those involved”.

“Balancing the desire for travellers to make a difference in the communities they visit, and giving back to local peoples and environments to create a lasting positive impact requires a clear vision of the long-term objectives of the project, and a very good understanding of community needs, along with consistent monitoring of volunteer projects,” Ms Epler said.

Also assisting tour operators in planning and managing programs in a responsible manner, TIES chair Kelly Bricker added that the “comprehensive tool” would serve as a positive contribution to the field.

“... we believe that by collaborating with a diverse range of voluntourism practitioners and industry leaders, we’ve been able to gather and utilise some of the latest research, practical knowledge and applications in the field that will help voluntourism providers plan and manage their programs in a responsible and sustainable manner,” Ms Bricker added.

The Voluntourism Guidelines cover a variety of topics including:

• Is Voluntourism Right for You?
• Communicating to Travellers about the WHY of Voluntourism Programs
• Selecting and Working with Volunteers
• Defining Success and Measuring Impact
• Transparency in Financial Reporting
• Transparency in Non-Financial Reporting
• Benefits for Communities and Local Engagement
• Managing Social & Economic Impacts and Maximizing Benefits
• Supporting Biodiversity Conservation and Heritage Preservation