Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
Accountability in the wild
On wildlife organizations in Southern Africa and their
accountability efforts on volunteer programs
Author:
Supervisor:
2nd Reader:
Institution:
Course:
Stephanie Broekarts, 3258696
Dr. W.J.V Vermeulen
Dr. F van Laerhoven
Universiteit Utrecht
Bachelor Thesis Environmental
Studies, GEO302137
Date:
3rd of February 2015
Word count: 5860
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
Abstract
Volunteer tourism, also dubbed voluntourism, is a relatively new form of tourism with
growing popularity. Volunteer work at a wildlife organization in Southern Africa is especially
sought after. Although the impact of these volunteer programs is debated, it is generally
considered a good alternative to usual tourism to positively link tourism and nature
conservation.
Every kind of organization needs to be held accountable for their policies. Asserting
accountability is part of good governance, and happens more frequently through online
measures. Assumptions have an impact on an organizations policies and accountability
efforts. Important components of accountability are impact measurement and communication.
The former is about measuring organizational and financial performance, the latter about
answerability and transparency.
The wildlife organizations assume that the volunteer programs aid in financial matters,
provide necessary manpower and raise awareness. In regards to impact measurements,
organizations get basic data and feedback on the program but an organized system is lacking.
The majority of organizations use online tools to communicate and engage with their
stakeholders. However, improvements can be made in regards to disclosure of official
documents and financial transparency.
In conclusion it is found that these wildlife organizations in Southern Africa assert fairly
extensive accountability efforts on their volunteer programs, but there is room for
improvement.
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
Foreword and Acknowledgements
This thesis is written as completion of my BSc in Environmental Studies at Utrecht
University. I’d like to take this moment to say thanks to the people who have helped making
this research possible.
Firstly, I want to express my gratitude towards all of the organizations that took time out of
their busy schedules to help me find some answers about their volunteer programs and
accountability efforts. Parts of my research would not have been possible without their
cooperation. Thank you Leonie Hofstra (Balule); Jenny (Moholoholo); Mikkel Legarth
(Modisa); Innocent C. Mulenga & Sharon Rose (Chimfunshi); Primrose Nyanhete, Katie
O’Brien & Alanna Wallace (Lion Encounter); Helena Warren (Kariega) and Colette Masier
(N/a’an ku sê).
Many thanks go out to my thesis supervisor Dr. Walter Vermeulen. His insight, directions,
and feedback have helped me tremendously in writing this thesis.
Furthermore, I want to express my appreciation of Clare Barnes for coordinating this course
and being supportive and understanding; not only in writing this but in general over the last
few years. Thank you Dr. Frank Laerhoven for being the second reader of this thesis.
I also want to thank my student feedback group - Sera Guida & Oskar van Megen – for
providing me with feedback, encouragement and upcoming deadline warnings.
Lastly, I’m grateful for my family and friends who have always been supportive of my
- sometimes unconventional - choices over the last years both in life and studies; it means a
lot to me.
I hope this thesis turned out to be informative and enjoyable to read!
Stephanie Broekarts
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
Table of Content
Abstract……………………………………………………………………………........................... i
Foreword and Acknowledgements………………………………………………………………..... ii
1. Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………… 1, 2
2. Conceptual Framework………………………………………………………………………. 3 - 7
2.1 (nonprofit) Accountability…………………...……...……………………….…........... 3, 4
2.2 Good governance……………………………………………………………………….... 4
2.2 Assumptions towards voluntourism……………………………………………….……... 5
2.3 Impact measurement…………………………………………………………………... 5, 6
2.4 Communication…………………………………………………………………………... 6
2.5 PDAC-cycle…………………………………………………………………………… 6, 7
3. Methodology……………………………………………………………………….………….. 8, 9
3.1 Literature research…………………………………………………….………………….. 8
3.2 Selection of organizations………………………………………………………………... 8
3.3 Desk research………………………………………………………………….…………. 8
3.4 Interview guide…………………………………………………………………………… 8
3.5 Semi-structured interviews / Questionnaire…………………………………………… 8, 9
3.6 Multi criteria analysis………………………………………………………………….…. 9
4. Results…………………………………………………………………………………...… 10 - 18
4.1 Results organization profiles……………………………………………….…………… 10
4.2 Results accountability efforts…………………….................................................... 11 – 17
4.3 Multi criteria analysis……………………………………………………………...……. 18
5. Discussion………………………………………………………………………………...……...19
6. Conclusion and Recommendations…………………………………………………..……….…20
7. List of References………………………………………………………………...………... 21 -25
Appendices……………………………………………………………………………..…….. 26 - 42
Appendix I – Interview guide…………………………………………………….....…… 26
Appendix II – General profiles of the organizations………………………..……….. 27 - 33
Appendix III – Interview reports……………………………………………..……..... 34 - 42
1. Introduction
Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
“Wildlife volunteering is an amazing way to travel to exotic locations while
conserving endangered species worldwide.” (GoEco, 2014).
“A wildlife conservation program is the ultimate life changing and rewarding
experience.” (Enkoshini, 2014).
“Help to feed the animals and support the sanctuary in a volunteer role - you may
even get a chance to cuddle cubs or bottle-feed baby animals for an unforgettable
wildlife experience.” (Gap360, 2014).
Sounds appealing? It does to a growing number of tourists (Coghlan, 2006). These
descriptions are just a small sample of the plethora of ‘wildlife volunteer’ ads appearing
online, showing the immense popularity of this relatively new form of tourism. Volunteer
tourism (VT), also dubbed voluntourism, does not only focus on humanitarian projects; an
experience at a wildlife or nature conservation project is also very much sought after.
Southern Africa is the most popular destination when it comes to these kinds of
projects. Volunteers pay exorbitant amounts of money to work - work they are usually not
educated or skilled at whatsoever. Certification and standards are in place for sustainable and
ecotourism, but none specifically for voluntourism; which makes it a sector with a lack of
credibility.
Nonetheless, VT has been proposed as an alternative to usual ecotourism to positively link
tourism and nature conservation. It is believed that VT represents an emerging tourism sector
for vacationers who want to make a difference during their holidays (Coghlan, 2006). But
how much of a difference are they actually making?
Both public and academic opinion on this phenomenon is inconsistent. Scholars report on the
effects of traditional tourism on the environment. Tourism is generally considered
unsustainable as its contribution to climate change is increasing (Peeters & Landré, 2011).
However, there are also positive case studies to be found where the growing tourism industry
had a positive impact on natural resources (Li et al., 2006). There’s also more specific
research done on both the possible positive (Brightsmith et al., 2008, Rattan et al., 2012) and
possible negative effects (Guttentag, 2009) of volunteer tourism, as well as on the reliability
of unskilled volunteers (Darwall & Dulvy, 1996).
One article, written by a woman who has experienced a VT trip, expresses a popular counter
argument of VT. She argues that locals should do the work done by volunteers. Not only
would they most likely be more knowledgeable at the job; it would be more cost effective,
stimulative to the local economy and more efficient. “Before you sign up for a volunteer trip
anywhere in the world this summer, consider whether you possess the skill set necessary for
that trip to be successful”, she says (Biddle, 2014).
A portion of the wildlife organizations in Southern Africa that take on volunteers identify as a
for profit business, some are considered Nonprofit organizations (NPOs). Al though they
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
don’t always have a government to answer to, they do have a certain responsibility and
accountability that they need to adhere to (Jepson, 2005). There are a variety of actors that
play a role in VT, and plenty of stakeholders that organizations hold accountability to. The
main actor between the organization and the volunteer is a travel or volunteer agency, as most
volunteer placements happen through such an agency.
There are different tools for accounting for policies such as data collection, disclosure
statements and reports, evaluation and performance assessment, and communication
(Ebrahim, 2010). Implementing accountability efforts is seen as part of good governance of
an organization (Bird, 2001; UNESCAP, 2009) and increasingly happens online (Saxton &
Guo, 2011).
This is where the gap in academic literature presents itself and the significance of this
research becomes visible; no research has yet been done on how these kinds of organizations
account for the impact of their volunteer programs both offline and online.
This thesis is written in light of completing the BSc Environmental Studies at University
Utrecht and will account for 7,5 ECTS. The goal of this research is to analyze the
accountability efforts that wildlife organizations in Southern Africa assert on their volunteer
programs. It is aimed to find an answer to the following research question:
To what extent do wildlife organizations in Southern Africa account for their volunteer
programs?
To get to an adequate answer to that research question, three sub questions will be used:
1) What assumptions are in place about the impacts of the volunteer programs of wildlife
organizations in Southern Africa?
2) How are the impacts of the volunteer programs measured?
3) How are these impacts communicated?
As this topic is a current issue, which has global effects – it affects the volunteers from all
over the world, the local projects and their economies, people and nature-, it has societal
relevance. With new information provided by this research, volunteers can make a more
informed decision on the projects they want to work at, while stimulating the wildlife
organizations to improve on their accountability efforts. No other research into this specific
topic has been done before; therefore it has a great scientific relevance and is adding relevant
theory to this ongoing discussion.
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
2. Conceptual Framework
This conceptual framework defines the key concepts used in this research. It also aids in
establishing a standard on accountability efforts, to which later on the research results can be
compared.
2.1 - (nonprofit) Accountability
Accountability defines a relationship. One interpretation of accountability is “the processes
through which an organization makes a commitment to respond to and balance the needs of
stakeholders in its decision making processes and activities, and delivers against this
commitment.” (as cited in Ebrahim, 2010).
Both for profit and nonprofit organizations (NPOs) have a multitude of external as well as
internal stakeholders to answer to. In the example of the wildlife organizations in Southern
Africa with volunteer programs some of those are: governmental bodies / legislature, donors,
sponsors, shareholders, customers, guests, volunteers, travel/volunteer agencies and staff.
Internally they also have a certain responsibility to themselves and their mission.
Travel /
volunteer
agencies
Volunteers
Donors
Guests
Sponsors
Customers
Government/
legislature
Shareholders
Wildlife
organizations
in Southern
Africa with
Volunteer
programs
Staff
Figure 1: An overview of all the different internal and external stakeholders to which the
organizations face accountability.
Ebrahim distinguishes four different kinds of accountability that NPOs face: financial,
organizational governance, performance, and organizational mission (Ebrahim, 2010). These
different kinds of accountability are often included in the criteria for accreditation or
benchmarking for NPOs/NGOs (Keurmerk Goede doelen, 2014; SGS Global, 2011; CBF,
2015).
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) has released a set of international voluntourism
guidelines for commercial operators. In here, they also emphasize the importance of
accountability, specifically on the levels of measuring, monitoring and reporting (TIES,
2012).
Recently, internet-based technologies are more frequently used by nonprofit organizations to
address accountability. That is done along two dimensions: “disclosure” and “dialogue”. The
former concerns transparently providing key information on the performances and finances of
the organization; the latter includes taking input and feedback from core stakeholders and
establishing interactive engagement with them (Saxton & Guo, 2011).
This research will analyze both online and offline accountability efforts.
2.2 - Good governance
Accountability efforts ensure in part the practice of good governance. The concept of good
governance is about the best practice standard in the process of decision-making and the
implementation of those decisions. It can be applied to all kinds of organizations. The two
objectives of good governance are increasing the accountability an organization holds to
shareholders and improving the quality of policies (Aguilera & Cuervo-Cazurra, 2004).
The UN sets a standard for good governance with eight requirements: participation,
rule of law, transparency, responsiveness, consensus oriented, equity & inclusiveness,
effectiveness & efficiency and accountability (UNESCAP, 2009).
The requirement that plays a vital role in this research is naturally accountability - all
institutions, not only governmental, must be accountable to their stakeholders and the public.
Transparency is described as information being freely available and accessible.
Responsiveness means responding to stakeholders within a reasonable timeframe. Both are
essential; as part of this research is contacting and interviewing the organizations..
Effectiveness and efficiency also play a role, as the research reviews the organizations’ efforts
in data collection – which is in part to further effectiveness and efficiency of policies
(UNESCAP, 2009).
Figure 2: The eight
requirements for good
governance according to the
UN, and the ones that play a
vital role in this research
highlighted (adapted from
UNESCAP, 2009).
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
2.3 - Assumptions towards voluntourism
Looking at assumptions helps understand the presuppositions, expectations and beliefs
organizations hold about the impact of their policies. Assumptions have an impact on how
organizations make decisions and on their accountability efforts.
Volunteer tourism (VT), or voluntourism, can be defined as: “tourists who, for various
reasons, volunteer in an organized way to undertake holidays that might involve aiding or
alleviating the material poverty of some groups in society, the restoration of certain
environments or research into aspects of society or environment.”(Wearing 2001).
There is a chronic lack of funding for basic conservation research and a potential for
ecotourism, and especially voluntourism, to finance research. Even though there are concerns
about the credibility of the ecotourism industry and the potential benefits are often overstated,
scholars conclude that ecotourism, volunteer tourism and nature conservation are a mutually
beneficial triumvirate (Brightsmith et al., 2008).
Others come to the same conclusion and specifically point out voluntourism’s role in creating
conservation awareness. They observe that the more time volunteers spend at a project, the
more awareness they have thus passing that on to non-volunteers, peaking an interest in them
to also fund or volunteer at the project (Rattan et al., 2012).
While most of the literature seems positive or hopeful about the benefits of voluntourism,
some possible negative effects are mentioned. One article states the following issues:
“a neglect of locals' desires, a hindering of work progress and completion of unsatisfactory
work, a disruption of local economies, a reinforcement of conceptualizations of the ‘other’
and rationalizations of poverty, and an instigation of cultural changes.” (Guttentag, 2009).
Volunteer tasks vary from animal caretaking, to physical labor and assisting in research such
as data collection. The reliability of non-skilled or non-specialist volunteers is debated. There
are however, positive reports on their reliability in data collection. In conclusion it is found
that volunteers can be trained in under two weeks to a sufficient level of reliable data
collection. The volunteers quickly show significant improvement in their reliability, and end
up only 0-6% less precise in their measurements than specialists (Darwall & Dulvy, 1996).
2.4 - Impact measurements
NGO benchmarking standards describe accountability through the means of measurement and
assessment of policy outcomes (SGS Global, 2011). Similarly, the TIES voluntourism
guidelines identify the significance of establishing a system to monitor progress and measure
impact (TIES, 2012).
Impact measurement is a management tool that intends to produce objective, reliable, relevant
and timely information on impact and performance. Furthermore, it gives an insight in
strengths and weaknesses and helps to determine what adjustments are needed to achieve the
best performance (Callahan, 2006). Measurements can be used to “evaluate, control, budget,
motivate, promote, celebrate, learn and improve.”(Behn, 2003, pp.586).
Depending on the purpose, perspective and context, different kinds of measurements can be
done. Nonetheless, they all require a baseline with which the measure can be compared. A
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
baseline can come from legislature, a governing body, a certification or quality label, similar
organizations, guidelines or internal standards set by management (Behn, 2003).
Figure 3: The eight purposes that
public managers have for measuring
performance (Behn, 2003, pp.586.)
2.5 - Communication
Transparency and answerability are two of the core components of accountability. Enforcing
accountability without transparency is not possible (UNESCAP, 2009). Through open
communication, an organization shows that they are willing to make their data available and
accessible to the public and they are willing to be questioned about their reasoning for their
policies. Disclosure statements, reports and evaluation and performance assessment are tools
of accountability organizations can use to communicate to the public (Ebrahim, 2010).
It has been documented that there is a decline in public confidence asserted in charitable
organizations. Communication and disclosure from the organization to the public is vital in
building up that confidence, creating engagement with the public and maintaining a healthy,
loyal relationship with the donors (Waters, 2010).
The voluntourism guidelines state that it’s vital that organizations are able to communicate on
why their program matters, what it is that makes their program effective, how they are
achieving that and who is leading it. In addition, it states the need for transparency in both
financial and non-financial reporting. Public availability of that kind of information helps
travelers make more objective decisions (TIES, 2012). Nowadays , public availability implies
online disclosure and dialogue (Saxton & Guo, 2011).
2.6 - Plan – Do – Check –Act
Continuous improvement is another one of the criteria often used for accreditation or
benchmarking for NPOs (SGS Global, 2011). The PDCA (plan, do, check, act) is applicable
to all levels of all kinds of organizations and businesses and provides a framework of
continuous improving management, based on theory (Dale et al., 2013). A PDCA- cycle for
the volunteer programs of wildlife organizations in Southern Africa can be made.
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
The Assumptions are part of the Plan particle. An increase in funding for conservation efforts
and increasing awareness of conservation issues are the two biggest positive assumptions
mentioned in literature about volunteer tourism (Brightsmith et al., 2008, Rattan et al., 2012).
The Measuring of impacts can be placed under the Do particle. For the case of the wildlife
organizations, they can collect data on the volunteer program and the organization itself.
The Communicating of those findings can be put under the Check particle. This
communication needs transparency and answerability (UNESCAP, 2009) and could be in the
form of official documents such as statements, reports and evaluation and performance
assessment (Ebrahim, 2010). It could also be through less official means such as online
channels (Saxton & Guo, 2011).
Any conclusions and recommendations that emerge from this research can be put under the
Act particle, as adaptive learning, participation and self-regulation also all fall in the
framework of accountability (Ebrahim, 2010).
• State the objective of
the volunteer program
• Define assumptions
regarding impact
• Predict impact
• Determine if there's a
need for changes to the
program
• Standardize the changes
Act
Plan
Assumptions
Check
• Analyse data
• Compare data to
assumptions and
predictions
• Report on the findings
Communicate
Do
Impact
Measurement
•Implement the program
• Collect data on the impact
of the program
• Collect data on organizational performance
Figure 2: A PDCA-cycle for the volunteer programs of wildlife organizations in Southern
Africa.
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
3. Methodology
3.1 - Literature research
The base of the research had to be created on known academic knowledge and literature. With
combining keywords such as ‘volunteer’; ‘wildlife’; ‘Africa’; ‘southern Africa’;
‘accountability’; ‘measurement’; ‘governance’; ‘Nonprofit’; ‘NGO’; ‘impact’;
‘environmental’; ‘policy’; ‘effectiveness’, and the use of academic search engines such as
Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar, relevant academic literature could be found. A
conceptual framework could be established upon which the empirical part of this research
could be built.
3.2 – Selection of organization
A selection of prominent wildlife organizations situated in Southern Africa that has a
volunteer program was made. An organization was deemed prominent, and thus selected, by
their occurrence in search engine results, their occurrence on travel/ volunteer agency
websites, their presence on social media and their presence in other popular media outlets.
Due to time restrictions, the sample size was limited to 10.
3.3 - Desk Research
The goal of the desk research is to find general information about the organization and
specifically about their philosophy, mission statements, actions and responsibility/
accountability reporting when it comes to their volunteer program. These organizations were
thoroughly researched through any online sources available, such as their own websites, the
travel/ volunteer agency websites and their social media channels. If available, policy
documents and monthly and annual reports about their programs were used. From this, a basic
profile of the organization could be made that shows differences in their location, size and
organization. These profiles can be found in Appendix II.
3.3 Interview guide
Based on findings from the conceptual framework, a list of questions could be created about
the accountability efforts on the volunteer programs; the interview guide. The interview guide
consists of the questions that need to be answered by the organization. The questions were
inspired by the literature from the conceptual framework about assumptions, impact
measurement & communication. It was kept as short, simple and objective as possible. The
final interview guide is attached as Appendix II.
3.4 Semi-structured interviews
The semi-structured interview entails the use of an interview guide, but is open to input from
the respondents. Firstly, all the organizations were e-mailed about the research in advance.
Not only to ask for an appointment for a Skype or phone interview, but also so they could
prepare themselves or gather extra information for the actual interview. Later on, they got
reminders over e-mail or social media or phone. The option for anonymity was given to
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
persuade the organizations to be as open and frank as possible. As the majority of the
organizations expressed a lack of time or resources (eg. a good Internet connection) for a
Skype or phone interview, and a preference for answering questions over e-mail, it ended up
more of a questionnaire for some than an interview. The timespan between first contact and
data intake deadline was 3 weeks. The full interview/ questionnaire reports are attached as
Appendix III.
3.5 Multi Criteria Analysis
Based on the desk research and the interview/ questionnaire answers, an overview of the
online and offline accountability efforts of the different organizations can be made. The
different organizations can be rated on their level of those efforts; comparing their results to
the best practice standard set in the conceptual framework.
In the category ‘Assumptions’ the criteria they’re rated on are the mentioning of financial
benefits and raising awareness.
In the category ‘Impact measurement’ the criteria they’re rated on is their data collecting on
the volunteer program and on organizational performance.
In the category ‘Communication’ the criteria they’re rated on is how fast/well they answer to
efforts to get into contact and how transparent their communication is. They’re also rated on
whether they have either official communication efforts – such as financial statements/ year
reports - or unofficial forms of communication happening in the shape of blogs, newsletters,
reviews and social media presence.
The rating is as followed:
1 = Nothing found, mentioned, or not applicable.
2 = Something is found or mentioned but not up to the standard derived from the conceptual
framework.
3 = Something is found or mentioned that is very close to the standard derived from the
conceptual framework.
The results are then presented in a table such as below to give an organized overview:
Organization’s name
Category
Criteria
Assumptions
Financial benefits
Raising awareness
Impact
Volunteer data
Measurement
Organizational data
Communication
Answerability
Transparency
Official
communication
Unofficial
communication
TOTAL (from 24)
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
4. Results
The results come from both the theoretical part of this research, as well as from the empirical
part of the research. From the conceptual framework a standard was established to which the
organizations accountability efforts can be compared.
4.1 – Results organization profiles
From the desk research general profiles of the different organizations could be made that
include their name; location; official website/social media; information about the
organizations; information about their volunteer program; average amount of volunteers a
years and average prices for two weeks of volunteering (often the minimum time of visit).
These profiles can be found in Appendix II.
Figure 3: A map with the selection of the wildlife organizations in Southern Africa.
For more details:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zMGhmfObj0eA.kK4XKthaW7_c
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
4.2 – Results accountability efforts
From the desk research, an overview of the organizations online accountability efforts can be
made. From the interviews, an overview of accountability efforts that are not visible online
can be made. The full interview results can be found in Appendix III.
Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage
After some difficulties with initiating contact, some last minute answers were given over email. Their whole volunteer program is run through African Impact (AI)– a volunteer agency.
The respondent was a project manager who worked for African Impact at the Chimfunshi site.
Not only were the answers extensive, they also e-mailed some more helpful documents such
as prices, a newsletter and the volunteer code of conduct.
Chimfunshi
Assumptions
Impact
Measurement
Communication
Online Desk Research results
 Without the help of volunteers the
project could not run.
 Care for and conserve rescued
chimps.
 Raise awareness & promote the
sanctuary.
 Volunteers can make an impact at
a grassroots level.
Nothing to be found online.
 No specific official documents
online, but year report online on AI
website.
 News section on the website is
regularly –multiple times a monthupdated.
 Most volunteer information found
on African Impact website.
Very active on social media –
updates multiple times a week.
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Interview results
 Volunteer provide manpower
Chimfunshi otherwise couldn’t
afford.
 A lot of tasks wouldn’t get done
without volunteers.
 Volunteers assist with the running
costs of the sanctuary.
 Volunteer data is taken in a
passenger register.
 Daily recording sheet of volunteer
hours.
 Feedback form when volunteers
leave.
 Annual reports.
 They report back to AI business
manager & operations director.
 Weekly volunteer meeting on
progress.
 Quarterly newsletter.
 Year report online on AI website.
 Quarterly / yearly a report of
volunteer activities and feedback is
sent to the Chimfunshi Board of
Trustees.
Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage
Multiple e-mails were sent, a Facebook message was sent, multiple phone calls were made;
all to no avail and no answer.
Chipangali
Assumptions
Impact
Measurement
Communication
Online Desk Research results
Nothing to be found online.
Nothing to be found online.
Interview results
 No official documents online.
 Volunteer diaries online.
Fairly active on social media –
infrequent updates from multiple
times a week to couple times a
month.
Harnas Wildlife Foundation
After an initial fast reply, being forwarded to different people and some e-mails back and
forth and, they asked to sent the questions so they could answer them over e-mail. Then the
replies stopped, even after multiple reminders of the deadline approaching over both e-mail
and Facebook.
Harnas
Assumptions
Online Desk Research results
 Volunteers play a vital role in the
condition of Harnas Wildlife
Foundation as a whole.
 Volunteers can give something
back or contribute towards positive
change.
Impact
Measurement
Communication
Nothing to be found online.
 No official documents online.
 Extensive information on website.
 News section on the website is
rarely updated.
 Very active on social media – close
to daily updates.
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Interview results
Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
Kariega Private Game Reserve
After getting a slow start with e-mail contact with the general manager of the volunteer
program, they expressed the preference for a phone interview. The interview was conducted
Friday the 30st of January 2015, where they were very accommodating to the questions.
Kariega
Assumptions
Online Desk Research results
The website states: “Volunteers
make a real difference.”
Impact
Measurement
Nothing to be found online.
Communication
 No official documents online.
 Very extensive information
online, even about finances.
 Testimonials & reviews online.
 Very active on social media – at
least daily updates.
Lion Encounter Zimbabwe
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Interview results
 Volunteer make huge impact as
they do tasks that otherwise
wouldn’t get done.
 Expect the volunteers to work
hard but there’s no unrealistic
expectation of what they can do.
 50% of their fee goes back in the
organization, big financial impact.
 General volunteer data is taken
through booking list.
 Volunteer tasks get evaluated on
the spot by volunteer coordinator.
 Annual reports.
 Bi-weekly meetings between
volunteer coordinator and reserve
manager about volunteer tasks.
 Monthly management meetings.
 They have the reserve manager,
Kariega conservation manager &
shareholders to answer to. Year
reports that get sent out to the
above.
Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
Very last minute it was possible to have a Skype interview with the business manager of the
project. This interview was conducted on the 2nd of February 2015. They were very
accommodating to the questions asked and more than happy to help out with further
questions. They explained a lot about the partnership and synergy with their booking agent,
African Impact (AI), which is similar to the Chimfunshi project.
Lion
Encounter
Assumptions
Impact
Measurement
Communication
Online Desk Research results
Interview results
• Volunteer projects help facilitate
the social development and
economic upliftment of Africa.
• Volunteers play a pivotal role in the
research and conservation of Africa's
environment.
• The guests and volunteers provide
much needed income.
• Helps to increase awareness to the
plight of the African Lion.
Nothing to be found online.
• Volunteers gain knowledge.
• Volunteers help with daily jobs.
• The program creates cultural
exchange.
• The program creates monetary
gains.
• No specific official documents
online, but year report online on AI
website.
• Extensive information to be found
on their website, FAQ very helpful.
• Fairly active on social media, 1-3
updates per week.
- 14 -
 General volunteer data is taken
through passenger register.
 Mid stay feedback from
volunteers on how they’re
experiencing the project.
 Annual reports.
 Report back to AI and board of
directors.
 Weekly reports are sent to AI
about the volunteers.
 Annual reports are online at AI
website.
Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
Modisa Wildlife Project
One of the owners replied to the initial message instantly and sent me their answers within a
day. Furthermore, they were willing to chat some more over Facebook to gain further insight.
Modisa
Online Desk Research results
Interview results
Assumptions
 Volunteers will leave with
knowledge of the challenges the
wildlife of Botswana is facing &
what actions are implemented to
benefit wildlife and the public.
 Program helps create more jobs
and helps bolster the local economy.
 Volunteers provide necessary
manpower.
Nothing to be found online.
 Extra help to achieve their
conservation goals.
 Volunteers can help spread the
word.
Impact
Measurement
Communication
 No official documents online.
 Extensive information on website
 Blog section on the website - rarely
updated.
 Lots of reviews online.
 Very active on social media – more
than 1 post a day.
 Take numbers on their
volunteers.
 They have annual reports.
 Use the data for inside
communication but it’s (annual
report) public on business
websites.
Mohololo Animal Rehabilitation Centre
They replied very fast, stating that their Internet connection wouldn’t allow for a Skype
interview but that they were more than willing to answer some questions. They were also
willing to e-mail some more for further insights.
Moholoholo
Assumptions
Impact
Measurement
Communication
Online Desk Research results
A bit of online on how/why the
volunteering started mentions the
creating awareness.
Nothing to be found online.
 No official documents online.
 Extensive information on website.
 Fairly active on their social media
– updates ½ times/week.
N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary
- 15 -
Interview results
 Raising awareness of declining
wildlife and habitat loss.
 They keep general data on
volunteers.
 The have annual reports.
 They say they don’t have anyone
to answer to.
 Communication is mostly kept
within the organization.
Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
They gave a fast and friendly reply to the initial e-mail. They expressed how busy they were
and their preference of answering the questions over e-mail. After some weeks answers were
received.
N/a’an ku sê
Assumptions
Online Desk Research results
 Project could not function without
the hard work, dedication and time of
volunteers.
Impact
Measurement
 No official documents online.
Communication
 No official documents online.
 Extensive information on website
 Blog section on the website is
rarely updated.
 Lots of testimonials online.
 Very active on social media –
almost daily posts.
Interview results
 Volunteers generate income
towards conservation efforts.
 Volunteers raise awareness
towards Namibian bio diversities.
 They keep general data on their
 Ongoing daily feedback on
volunteer tasks.
 Volunteers evaluate the project
at the end of their stay.
 They have Annual Reports &
Financial Statements
 They report to their large
donors, to auditors and to the
directors of the company on both
financial and other performance
indicators.
 They state the importance for the
key stakeholders to know about
the performance of the company.
Riverside Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Multiple e-mails were sent, a Facebook message was sent, multiple phone calls were made;
all to no avail and no answer.
Riverside
Assumptions
Impact
Measurement
Communication
Online Desk Research results
 Without volunteers it would be
much more difficult to continue with
all daily routines and maintenance at
RWRC.
Nothing to be found online.
Interview results
 No official documents online.
 Difficult to navigate as there are
multiple sites.
 News section on the website is
updated about once a month.
 Testimonials online.
 Very active on social media –
multiple posts a week.
Transfrontier Africa/ Balule Conservation Project
The camp manager replied to the initial message instantly and mentioned their connection
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
didn’t allow for Skype but they’d be happy to e-mail me answers. They then took only a few
days to answer.
Transfrontier
Assumptions
Online Desk Research results
 The website states that the project
relies heavily on volunteer funding to
run.
Impact
Measurement
Nothing to be found online.
Communication
 No official documents online.
 Website has clear information
online.
 There are some testimonials online
 Blog section on the website is
updated about once a month. Very
active on social media – multiple
updates a week
- 17 -
Interview results
 Volunteers help finance most of
the reserve.
 Volunteers help get the job done
more productively and effectively.
 They keep track of volunteer
progress and results when they
work on specific projects.
 Quarterly reports (containing a
combination of Intern’s scientific
papers, and management reports).
 Quarterly reports are distributed
to all landowners, committee
members as well as any other
interested parties.
Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
4.3 Multi Criteria Analysis
From the results from the desk research and interviews/ questionnaires, the organizations can be rated on the different criteria for
accountability efforts.
1 = Not found, not mentioned, or not applicable.
2 = Something is found or mentioned but not up to the standard derived from literature.
3 = Something is found or mentioned that is very close to the standard derived from the literature.
Category
Criteria
Assumptions
Financial benefits
Raising awareness
Volunteer data
Organizational data
Answerability
Transparency
Official communication
Unofficial communication
3
1
3
3
2
3
3
3
21
Criteria
Financial benefits
Raising awareness
Volunteer data
Organizational data
Answerability
Transparency
Official communication
Unofficial communication
Modisa
2
3
2
2
3
2
2
3
19
Impact
Measurement
Communication
Chimfunshi
TOTAL (from 24)
Category
Assumptions
Impact
Measurement
Communication
TOTAL (from 24)
- 18 -
Chipangali
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
9
Moholoholo
1
3
2
2
2
2
1
2
15
Harnas
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
10
N/a’an ku sê
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
3
21
Kariega
3
1
3
3
2
2
2
3
19
Riverside
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
9
Lion
Encounter
3
1
3
2
2
2
3
3
19
Transfrontier
3
2
2
3
3
2
1
3
19
Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
5. Discussion
In the discussion section a reflection on the research is done. In addition, uncertainties and
assumptions at the base of the study are discussed and how this has affected the research.
5.1 Selection of organizations
The selection of prominent organizations is not 100% reliable as part of their selection was
based on occurrence in search engine results and presence on social media. A low rating in
either does not automatically mean that an organization is not prominent; it could be that their
online presence is just limited. Search engine results also lack in reliability as they vary from
time to time and location to location and it’s possible to influence them through search engine
optimization and advertising techniques. This means that some prominent organizations may
have been left out.
5.2 Time and resources
This research had to be conducted in a short timeframe; ideally this research would have been
done locally, visiting all of the organizations and having interviews in person, and would have
taken a lot longer to conduct. As the timespan from reaching out to the organizations and
having to finish up the research was under a month, results are limited. If there were more
time, it would’ve been more likely to get actual Skype/phone interviews instead of e-mail
answers. Some organizations that didn’t answer now might have done so when they’d have
more time. It would also give the opportunity for a bigger sample size.
5.3 Reliability of interviews/ questionnaires
A questionnaire leaves room for interpretation and makes it difficult to go more in depth.
Both interview and questionnaire results rely on the openness and honesty of respondents. No
organization wants to be painted in a negative light. Naturally, the organizations believe in
their own decisions and might be biased in their answers.
5.4 Multi Criteria Analysis
This research has used 8 criteria in 3 different categories. Even though this distribution is
based on literature, different literature could be used to which different categories and criteria
could be created. It is assumed every outcome can be scored on a 3 scale- rating. In reality,
answers are more complex and not every outcome comfortably fits into one of the three
ratings. A multi criteria analysis is open to interpretation; where this report might have rated
some effort as close to the standard, another might have interpreted it differently.
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
6. Conclusion & Recommendations
In the conclusion, the results are examined and answers to the sub-questions will be used to
formulate an answer to the main research question. Based on this conclusion, some
recommendations can be made.
Looking at the result section, it can be concluded that most organizations (that replied) do put
in considerate effort in accountability over their volunteer programs. However, online
accountability efforts lag behind.
Assumption wise, the literature and empirical research results have similar outcomes. Most
organizations mention the financial benefits to a volunteer program, and raising awareness is
also oftentimes acknowledged. A logical answer that was frequently given but not mentioned
in literature is the necessary manpower that volunteer provide.
The importance of impact measurement as part of accountability is demonstrated in the
literature. The results show that most organizations keep track of general volunteer data, and
there is some on the job evaluation. Some organizations use feedback moments or forms from
the volunteers. Almost every organization has a year report. An organized system for impact
measurement of the volunteer program is not common.
When it comes to communication, literature mentions its pivotal role in accountability and the
significance of answerability and transparency. The majority of organizations use online tools
to communicate and engage with their stakeholders through means of websites, blogs, FAQs,
reviews and social media channels. Here, official documentation and financial transparency is
lacking. With most organizations, it has been a challenge to get into contact or get the actual
answers. This does not reflect very well on their answerability and transparency.
In conclusion it can be stated that the extent to which organizations in Southern Africa
account for their volunteer programs is fairly extensive. However, improvements can be made
in regards to online disclosure, especially in regards of official documents and financial
transparency.
From this research it is recommended that the voluntourism sector works towards an
international standard, quality mark or code of conduct where accountability on the
organizational and financial performance of their volunteer programs is key. This would not
only help set a standard of quality amongst the organizations but would also make it easier for
volunteers making an informed, unbiased decision on what organization to support with both
their monetary and physical contributions.
It is advised that even without the existence of such a standard, the organizations should strive
for a level of best practice accountability. Transparency means having information readily
available to the public. More online publication of official documents would make a big
difference and openness and honesty about financial matters would be of value.
It is recommended that further research into this is conducted. As the sector is relatively
young compared to traditional forms of tourism, not much has been done to this date.
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
7. List of References
Academic sources
Aguilera, R. V., & Cuervo-Cazurra, A. (2004). Codes of good governance worldwide: what is
the trigger?. Organization Studies, 25(3), 415-443.
Behn, R. D. (2003). Why measure performance? Different purposes require different
measures. Public administration review, 63(5), 586-606.
Brightsmith, D. J., Stronza, A., & Holle, K. (2008). Ecotourism, conservation biology, and
volunteer tourism: A mutually beneficial triumvirate. Biological Conservation, 141(11),
2832-2842.
Callahan, K. (2006). Elements of effective governance: measurement, accountability and
participation. CRC Press.
Coghlan, A. (2006). Volunteer tourism as an emerging trend or an expansion of ecotourism?
A look at potential clients' perceptions of volunteer tourism organisations. International
Journal of Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Marketing, 11(3), 225-237.
Dale, B. G., Van Der Wiele, T., & Van Iwaarden, J. (2013). Managing quality. John Wiley &
Sons
Darwall, W. R., & Dulvy, N. K. (1996). An evaluation of the suitability of non-specialist
volunteer researchers for coral reef fish surveys. Mafia Island, Tanzania—a case study.
Biological Conservation, 78(3), 223-231.
Ebrahim, A. (2010). The many faces of nonprofit accountability. The Jossey-Bass Handbook
of Nonprofit Leadership and Management,, 101-123.
Guttentag, D. A. (2009). The possible negative impacts of volunteer tourism.International
Journal of Tourism Research, 11(6), 537-551.
Jepson, P. (2005). Governance and accountability of environmental NGOs. Environmental
Science & Policy, 8(5), 515-524.
Li, W., Zhang, Q., Liu, C., & Xue, Q. (2006). Tourism’s impacts on natural resources: a
positive case from China. Environmental Management, 38(4), 572-579.
Peeters, P., & Landré, M. (2011). The emerging global tourism geography—An
environmental sustainability perspective. Sustainability, 4(1), 42-71.
- 21 -
Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
Rattan, J. K., Eagles, P. F., & Mair, H. L. (2012). Volunteer tourism: its role in creating
conservation awareness. Journal of Ecotourism, 11(1), 1-15.
Saxton, G. D., & Guo, C. (2011). Accountability online: Understanding the web-based
accountability practices of nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector
Quarterly, 40(2), 270-295.
Waters, R. D. (2010). Increasing fundraising efficiency through evaluation: Applying
communication theory to the nonprofit organization–donor relationship. Nonprofit and
Voluntary Sector Quarterly.
Wearing, S. (2001). Volunteer tourism: Experiences that make a difference. Cabi.
Other Resources
Biddle, P. (2014). The problem with little white girls, boys and voluntourism. Huffington
Post, 23/02/2014 accessed 20/11/2014 through: <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pippabiddle/little-white-girls-voluntourism_b_4834574.html?>.
CBF. (2015). Punten van beoordeling. Accessed on 14/01/15 through:
< http://www.cbf.nl/keurmerken/cbf-keur/punten-van-beoordeling>
Goede Doelen Keurmerk. (2014). Keurmerkcriteria. Accessed on 14/01/15 through:
< http://www.keurmerkgoededoelen.nl/foto/downloads/Document-Keurmerk-Goede-Doelen2014.pdf>
SGS Global. (2011). Outline of the criteria addressed in the NGO benchmarking standard V2.
Accessed on 12/01/15 trough:
< http://www.sgs.com/~/media/Global/Documents/Technical%20Documents/SGS-07Outline-of-the-NGO-BM-Standard-Criteria-EN-11-12.pdf>
The International Ecotourism Society. (2012). International Voluntourism Guidelines for
Commercial Tour Operators.
Accessed on 11/01/2015 through: < http://www.ecotourism.org/voluntourism-guidelines>
UNESCAP. (2009). What is good governance? Manual of July 9th 2009.
Accessed on 11/01/2015 through: <http://www.unescap.org/resources/what-goodgovernance>
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
Quotes in Introduction
Enkosini Eco Experience. (2014). Conservation work on wildlife projects & reserves in
Southern Africa. Accessed on 01/12/14 through < http://www.enkosini.org/>
Gap 360 – Wildlife Sanctuary Volunteer. Accessed on 01/12/14 through
< http://www.gap360.com/wildlife-sanctuary-volunteer-in-south-africa>
Go Eco – Volunteer for Wildlife. Accessed on 01/12/14 through
< http://www.goeco.org/tags/volunteer-for-wildlife>
Online resources for the desk research per organization
All websites accessed between 1/12/14 – 1/02/15.
Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage
< http://www.chimfunshi.de/?lang=en>
< https://www.facebook.com/africanimpactchimpanzeeproject>
< http://www.africanimpact.com/volunteer-projects/zambia/chimpanzee-sanctuary-wildlifeorphan-care>
Chipangali Chimpansee
< http://www.chipangali.com/>
< https://www.facebook.com/Chipangali>
< http://www.travelactive.nl/wildlife-and-travel/zimbabwe/the-wildlifeorphanage.html#costs>
< https://www.conservationafrica.net/projects/mpumelelo-wildlife-orphanage>
Harnas Wildlife Foundation
< http://harnas.org/>
< https://www.facebook.com/harnaswildlife>
< http://www.enkosini.org/NoahsArk.htm>
< http://www.travelactive.nl/wildlife-and-travel/namibie/noah's-arc.html>
Kariega Private Game Reserve
< http://www.kariega.co.za/>
< http://www.kariegavolunteers.com/>
< https://www.facebook.com/Kariega.Game.Reserve>
< https://www.facebook.com/Kariega.Conservation.Volunteers>
< http://www.enkosini.org/KariegaGameReserve.htm>
Lion Encounter Zimbabwe
< http://www.lionencounter.com/>
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
< https://www.facebook.com/LionEncounter>
< https://www.facebook.com/groups/30180982683/>
< http://www.africanimpact.com/volunteer-projects/zimbabwe/hands-on-lion-conservationvictoria-falls>
<
http://www.activityinternational.nl/Zimbabwe/Hands_on_Lion_Conservation_Volunteer_Proj
ect.aspx>
Modisa Wildlife Project
< http://modisa.org/>
< https://www.facebook.com/modisa.org>
< http://www.goabroad.com/providers/modisa-wildlife-project/programs/modisa-wildlifeproject-botswana-119226>
< http://www.activityinternational.nl/Botswana/Modisa_Wildlife_project.aspx>
Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
< http://www.moholoholo.co.za/>
< https://www.facebook.com/moholorehabcentre>
< http://www.kameleonadventures.nl/wvp_dr.php>
< http://www.travelactive.nl/wildlife-and-travel/zuid-afrika/wildlife-rehabilitationcentre.html#costs>
N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary
< http://www.naankuse.com/>
< https://www.facebook.com/naankuse>
< http://www.travelactive.nl/wildlife-and-travel/namibie/save-our-wildlife.html#costs>
Riverside Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (RWRC)
< http://www.riversidewrc.com/ >
< http://monkeyrehabilitation.com/>
< http://volunteermonkeycentre.yolasite.com/>
< https://www.facebook.com/pages/Riverside-Wildlife-RehabilitationCentre/771507612896990>
< https://www.facebook.com/groups/10315717899/>
< http://www.goeco.org/area/volunteer-in-africa/south-africa/monkey-and-wildliferehabilitation-center>
< http://www.travelactive.nl/wildlife-and-travel/zuid-afrika/monkey-rehabilitationcentre.html>
Transfrontier Africa/ Balule Conservation Project
< http://www.transfrontierafrica.co.uk/>
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
< https://www.facebook.com/pages/Transfrontier-Africa>
<
http://www.afrecotours.com/balule_conservation_volunteering_project_transfrontier_africa_k
ruger_park_south_africa.asp>
<http://www.aviva-sa.com/balule-conservation-project-kruger-park.php>
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
APPENDIX I – Interview Guide
General
- On average, how many volunteers a year does your organization receive?
Assumptions towards voluntourism
- Why do you have a volunteer program?
- What kind of responsibilities do the volunteers have?
- What do you expect from the volunteers?
- What kind of impact do you think the volunteers can have?
Impact measurements
- Do you keep general data on your volunteer program?
(eg. how many a year, finances, gender, nationality, age, experience etc)
- Do you keep track of volunteer performance?
- Do you evaluate volunteer performances?
- Frequency of measurement (if applicable)?
Communication
- Is there anyone you need to answer to (share/stakeholders)?
- Do you have Annual Reports/ Financial statements?
- Do you communicate any of those findings, either inside the organization or outside?
- If yes, why? If not, why not?
- Frequency of communication (if applicable)?
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
APPENDIX II – General Profiles Of The Organizations
All of the data in these tables is found through their official websites and Facebook pages or
agency websites (cited in the list of references). All of those sources were accessed between
1-14 January 2015.
Name
organization:
Location:
Website:
Facebook:
Bookings site:
About the
organization:
About the
volunteer
program:
Average no. of
volunteers/year:
Volunteer prices:
Name
organization:
Location:
Website:
Facebook:
About the
organization:
Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage
Near Chingola, Zambia
http://www.chimfunshi.de/?lang=en
https://www.facebook.com/africanimpactchimpanzeeproject (801 likes)
http://www.africanimpact.com/volunteer-projects/zambia/chimpanzeesanctuary-wildlife-orphan-care
Chimfunshi was founded in 1983; it is one of the oldest and largest
chimpanzee reserves in the world and is internationally recognized as
such. It’s a non-profit organization that serves as a groundbreaking haven
for 132 chimpanzees that cannot be returned to the wild. Apart from
chimpanzees, other rescued animals such as parrots, antelopes, owls,
buzzards, and many more live at Chimfunshi. Scientific research has a
high priority, as well as helping local communities.
Volunteer work includes behavioral enrichment to stimulate the chimps,
bush walks with the chimps, helping with farming and food preparations,
help with building and refurbishing. Assisting in research activities such
as monitoring, collecting data and helping raise awareness. Assist in
teaching conservation, English ad adult literacy.
39
2 weeks stay from €13481
Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
http://www.chipangali.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Chipangali (23986 likes)
Founded in 1973, Chipangali is a not-for-profit organization dedicated
to wild animals which have little hope for survival in the wild –
creatures which have been orphaned, abandoned, injured, born in
1
http://www.africanimpact.com/volunteer-projects/zambia/chimpanzee-sanctuary-wildlife-orphancare
- 27 -
Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
About the
volunteer
program:
captivity or brought up unsuccessfully as pets. It is often the last refuge
for those brought in sick or injured, and increasingly it is a sanctuary for
confiscated animals. Other functions are education, nature conservation,
research and cooperation between local and governmental authorities.
Volunteers help out with the daily care, feeding and husbandry of
animals, which might include hand rearing infant animals and making
enclosure enrichment for the animals. They also help to assist with
educational tours, support the wildlife research at the center and assist
with studies.
(https://www.conservationafrica.net/projects/mpumelelo-wildlife-orphanage)
Average no. of
volunteers/year:
Volunteer prices:
Name
organization:
Location:
Website:
Facebook:
About the
organization:
About the
volunteer program:
Average no. of
volunteers/year:
Volunteer prices:
Prices for two weeks from €11102 to €29903
Harnas Wildlife Foundation
Near Gobabis, Namibia
http://harnas.org/
https://www.facebook.com/harnaswildlife (25900 likes)
Opened in 1993, Harnas Wildlife Foundation is an entity established
originally for the protection of animals, but has grown to include
welfare projects and nature conservation as a whole, as well as boasting
quality and comfortable accommodation and hospitality services to
support this claim. Harnas has been actively involved in the care,
rehabilitation and rescue of neglected, abused and abandoned animals.
Until lately more than 380 indigenous wild animals have been rescued,
reside and/or released from Harnas.
Volunteers take part in various aspects of conservation, animal care,
research and environmental studies. Daily volunteer activities include
food preparation, feeding, cleaning, animal interaction and building of
enclosures, waterholes and fences, fence patrol on horseback, game
counting, animal studies, research on rehabilitated animals. Volunteers
may also assist with research.
A 2 week volunteer stay ranges from €13714- € 15955
http://www.travelactive.nl/wildlife-and-travel/zimbabwe/the-wildlife-orphanage.html#costs
https://www.conservationafrica.net/projects/mpumelelo-wildlife-orphanage
4 http://www.enkosini.org/NoahsArk.htm
5 http://www.travelactive.nl/wildlife-and-travel/namibie/noah's-arc.html#costs
2
3
- 28 -
Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
Name
organization:
Location:
Website:
Kariega Private Game Reserve
Facebook:
About the
organization:
About the
volunteer
program:

Average no. of
volunteers/year:
Volunteer prices:
Name
organization:
Location:
Website:
Facebook:
About the
organization:
About the
volunteer
6
7
Near Kenton on Sea, South Africa
http://www.kariega.co.za/
http://www.kariegavolunteers.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Kariega.Game.Reserve (11 914 likes)
https://www.facebook.com/Kariega.Conservation.Volunteers (1032 likes)
Kariega was established in 1989 by the Rushmere family and since then
has purchased and consolidated over 20 private farms to form what is
now over 9 000Ha (22 240 Acres) of land under conservation. Their
mission is to help conserve and protect the unique natural heritage and
improve the lives and prospects of the local communities through
sustainable responsible tourism.
The Kariega volunteer program started in 2005. Volunteers get hands-on
involved in conservation management on the reserve. They currently
concentrate on the following key research activities on the reserve:
Elephant impact monitoring, population status of leopards, lion prey
selection monitoring, rhino monitoring, Birds in Reserve Project (BIRP).
Volunteers can also get involved in game capture and help out with
habitat management.
180
Prices for 2 weeks range from €9286 to €10297.
Lion Encounter Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
http://www.lionencounter.com/
https://www.facebook.com/LionEncounter (2003 likes)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/30180982683/ (949 members)
Lion Encounter is a commercial program with a purpose and operates
the African Lion Rehabilitation & Release into the Wild Program in
partnership with ALERT. This is a 4 stage program where captive bred
lions are released into managed eco-systems as prides, and their
offspring, raised naturally by the pride, are relocated into Africa’s wild’s
in areas identified as suitable. They organize ‘walking with lions’ tours.
When not walking with the lions the volunteers assist the guides to care
for the cubs (feed preparation and enclosure cleaning) or take part in
http://www.kariegavolunteers.com/rate-conservation/
http://www.enkosini.org/KariegaGameReserve.htm
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
program:
Average no. of
volunteers/year:
Volunteer prices:
Name
organization:
Location:
Website:
Facebook:
About the
organization:
About the
volunteer program:
Average no. of
volunteers/year:
Prices:
Name
organization:
other project activities such as research, waterhole maintenance and
snare sweeps , for example. They might also assist with educational
programs at school.
2 weeks from €14988 - €15959
Modisa Wildlife Project
Near Maun, Botswana
http://modisa.org/
https://www.facebook.com/modisa.org (135 501 likes)
Founded only in 2010 by two international ex volunteers, Modisa has
grown out to be a well respected project and popular choice for
volunteers. Their main aim is to guard the wildlife of Botswana, with a
focus on the big cats. Some animals are held on the property. Global
awareness is a priority and they promote sustainability and enhance
biodiversity in the region trough local and international involvement
and research contributions.
The volunteer program aims to educate people on Africa’s wildlife and
the struggle to protect it. The volunteer program consists of a mix
between day-to-day work on the farm and a large variety of safari
activities and lectures. The day-to-day farm work includes everything
from helping to build and maintain of the facilities to cleaning predator
enclosures after the animals are fed.
200-300 a year
2 weeks stay range from €112010 - €122511
Moholoholo – Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
8
http://www.africanimpact.com/volunteer-projects/zimbabwe/hands-on-lion-conservation-victoriafalls
9
http://www.activityinternational.nl/Zimbabwe/Hands_on_Lion_Conservation_Volunteer_Project/Prijzen_
en_voorwaarden.aspx
10 http://www.goabroad.com/providers/modisa-wildlife-project/programs/modisa-wildlife-projectbotswana-119226
11 http://www.activityinternational.nl/Botswana/Modisa_Wildlife_project/Prijzen_en_voorwaarden.aspx
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
Location:
Website:
Facebook:
About the
organization:
About the
volunteer program:
Average no. of
volunteers/year:
Accountability
efforts online:
Name
organization:
Location:
Website:
Facebook:
About the
organization:
About the
volunteer program:
Average no. of
volunteers/year:
Volunteer prices:
Near Hoedspruit, South Africa
http://www.moholoholo.co.za/
https://www.facebook.com/moholorehabcentre (4222 likes)
Founded in 1991, Moholoholo gives residence to orphaned, poisoned or
injured wildlife that can’t return to their natural environment and if
possible, reintroduce rehabilitated wildlife to their natural environment.
They’re part of a research forum, they established breeding facilities,
have an educational program and work together with other conservation
groups.
They run a ‘student program’ since 2000, started to raise awareness.
Volunteers help with the daily caretaking of the animals; feeding,
cleaning, hand-raising, treatment and care of sick or injured animals.
Attend call-outs and help with education to local visitors.
250
2 weeks stay range from €98012-€154013.
N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary
Near Windhoek, Namibia
http://www.naankuse.com/
https://www.facebook.com/naankuse (8570 likes)
Started in 2006 but already award winning, their philosophy is
conservation through innovation. They strive for sustainable solutions
for both the local wildlife as the local communities. They run a Wildlife
Sanctuary and Carnivore Conservation Research project to protect and
conserve Namibia's vulnerable wildlife. They focus on rescue and
rehabilitation but do have permanent residents.
Volunteers help with daily care of the animals; food prep and feeding,
cleaning enclosures, digging waterholes or trenches, helping build
enclosures. Volunteers can also join the research program where they
help with tracking, camera trapping & game counts.
500
A 2 week stay can cost € 1.29014
http://www.kameleonadventures.nl/wvp_dr.php
http://www.travelactive.nl/wildlife-and-travel/zuid-afrika/wildlife-rehabilitation-centre.html#costs
14 http://www.travelactive.nl/wildlife-and-travel/namibie/save-our-wildlife.html#costs
12
13
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
Name
organization:
Location:
Website:
Riverside Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (RWRC)
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Riverside-WildlifeRehabilitation-Centre/771507612896990 (597 likes)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/10315717899/ (772 members)
Riverside was established during 1992 and is presently rehabilitating
Vervet monkeys, Samango monkeys en Chacma baboons. These animals
come from various sources having being kept illegally as pets or
orphaned due to whatever reasons. Government departments confiscated
some animals and others came from rehabilitation centers, zoos, safari
parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Riverside has successfully released
several Vervet monkey troops and baboon troops.
Since 2002 volunteers from all over the world have been assisting
with the daily running of RWRC. The main role of volunteers is to look
after the orphaned primates and various other animals who need constant
care. Duties include: cleaning all enclosures and facilities, food
preparation for all RWRC residents, monitoring individuals or groups of
animals, assisting with clinic procedures, collecting incoming animals,
record keeping of infant food/formula intake.
About the
organization:
About the
volunteer
program:
Average no. of
volunteers/year:
Volunteer prices:
15
16
Near Letsitele, South Africa
http://www.riversidewrc.com/
http://monkeyrehabilitation.com/
http://volunteermonkeycentre.yolasite.com/
2 weeks stay range rom €90115 to €109516.
http://www.goeco.org/area/volunteer-in-africa/south-africa/monkey-and-wildlife-rehabilitation-center
http://www.travelactive.nl/wildlife-and-travel/zuid-afrika/monkey-rehabilitation-centre.html#costs
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
Name
organization:
Location:
Website:
Facebook:
About the
organization:
About the
volunteer program:
Average no. of
volunteers/year:
Average price to
volunteer:
17
Transfrontier Africa/ Balule Conservation Project
Near Hoedspruit, South Africa
http://www.transfrontierafrica.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Transfrontier-Africa (2231 likes)
Founded in 2003, the Balule Conservation Project is a genuine
conservation management project. The project contributes to the overall
management of the reserve, by collecting data on wildlife and
vegetation. There is a focus on elephant herds and predators, although
from time to time they undertake other studies such as the effect of
overhead power lines on giraffes.
Volunteers get involved in a variety of conservation activities. There are
daily surveys to monitor the various animal populations within the
reserve. They assist with vegetation surveys (depending on the time of
year), water point surveys, alien vegetation removal and the occasional
trip into town to resupply.
3 weeks minimum stay will cost €118117
http://www.aviva-sa.com/balule-conservation-project-kruger-park.php
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
APPENDIX III – Interview Reports
In cases of questionnaires, the answers of the respondents have been transcribed exactly as
they were given, complete with potential grammar or spelling errors.
Project: Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage
- On average, how many volunteers a year does your organization receive?
2013 – 49, 2014 - 29
- Why do you have a volunteer program?
A need was identified to have a volunteer program at Chimfunshi to assist with additional
manpower resources that the Chimfunshi staff could not afford.
Chimfunshi ran their own volunteer program for many years, prior to African Impact
becoming involved in 2009 as a booking agent/third party. It was not until 2012 that African
Impact took over the entire management of the volunteer program, as Chimfunshi’s priority
was the care of the chimps and the running of the cattle farm and found the time & focus that
volunteers required was taking them away from their priorities.
- What kind of responsibilities do the volunteers have?
Volunteers are responsible for:
- Behavioural enrichment- providing stimulating activities to keep the chimpanzees stimulated
and happy. We ask volunteers to research some challenging and rewarding ideas on
behavior enrichment on the Internet before arriving. Our chimps are quite intelligent and
like to be challenged.
- Enclosure cleaning & maintenance – cleaning consists of removing waste, rubbish and
scraps from the enclosure to weekly bleach scrubbing of the chimp feeding enclosures to
ensure a hygienic and healthy environment for the chimps.
- Food preparation- assisting Keepers with preparing food for the chimps at the enclosures.
- Farming assistance- a portion of land at Chimfunshi is dedicated towards growing food to
feed the chimps. Here the volunteers spend a majority of the time on the fruit orchard –
maintaining the trees, weeding, watering, and planting. To assisting the Farm Manager with
planting & harvesting
- Fruit tree planting- planting fruit trees for the growing chimp population.
- Infrastructure improvements- improving Chimfunshi tourism infrastructure from building or
repairing structure to creating/updating information boards.
- Children’s education and teacher support- interacting with children at the aftershcool club
at the local primary school and educating them on environmental issues, assisting the
teachers with music, art, and additional learning support.
- Adult Literacy education - we are introducing an Adult Literacy program for the Keepers
and adult community at Chimfunshi, you may be assisting an/or teaching lessons
- Research assistance- There are primatologists busy on several chimpanzee research
projects at Chimfunshi and you may assist with data collection for their research
- What do you expect from the volunteers?
We expect volunteers to adhere to a comprehensive Code of Conduct. I have attached this
separately for you.
- What kind of impact do you think the volunteers can have?
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
The volunteers make their impact by providing behavior enrichment to 4 of our chimps,
known for escaping. They are now in an escape proof fence. It is the volunteers
responsibility to come up with challenging and engaging activities for these chimps to keep
them stimulate. We try to make enrichment activities that would mimic their natural instincts
such as forgaging, using tools and thinking about tasks. When volunteers are not around ie
during African Impact’s Christmas closure for one month, enrichment is not carried out.
When volunteers are on site we aim to do enrichment minimum twice a week and to last as
long as we can, averaging 45 – 60 minutes. Our fruit tree nursery at the enclosures won the
GoAbroad.com for the 2013 Innovation NewProgram, this was awarded for a program the
staff and volunteer introduced at Chimfunshi where after cleaning the enclosures the
discarded seeds from fruit are propagated and grown to saplings, once strong enough they
are planted at the farm. This activity uses the natural resources, recycled and will grow into
new fruit trees, in the long run expanding the farm and reducing Chimfunshi’s costs to feed
the chimps. Volunteers’ impact at the farm is concentrated on planting the trees from the fruit
tree nursery (above), then maintaining and nurturing them. Fruit trees being grown through
see propagations include: mangoes, guava, lemons, oranges, avocado. This is on top of the
usual farm crops such as maize, cabbage, chinese cabbage, onions, tomatoes, watermelons,
cucumbers, impwe (local fruit) to name a few – volunteers assist the farm manager and farm
hands with seed planting and harvesting.
Working with the onsite teachers, volunteers’ provide educational support with the children,
assisting with their English & maths skills as well as providing environmental education.
Through the volunteer’s placement fee a proportion is donated to Chimfunshi to assist with
the running costs of the sanctuary, our volunteer numbers are crucial to ensure this donation
can continue.
- Do you keep general data on your volunteer program?
(eg. how many a year, finances, gender, nationality, age, experience etc)
Yes we have a yearly passenger register where we collect this information.
African Impact has volunteer programs throughout Southern & East Africa, our head
office is in Cape Town where statistical data is collated for each program.
- Do you keep track of volunteer performance?
Yes, we have a daily recording sheet where volunteer hours are being attributed. These
figures are used in monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
- Do you evaluate volunteer performances?
Yes, each week a volunteer meeting is held where we discuss the volunteers’ highlight,
lowlights, general comments/suggestions for improvement, any issues arising from the
week and how to fix these. And the end of each volunteers’ placement we ask they
complete a Feedback Form. We encourage complete honestly and openness to ensure
that feedback can help us improve our future volunteer’s experience and enhance the
program.
- Frequency of measurement (if applicable)?
Data is collated daily and summarized monthly & quarterly and annually.
- Is there anyone you need to answer to (share/stakeholders)?
Yes, as African Impact (AI) Program Manager I report to the AI Business Manager located in
Livingstone and the Operations Director located in Cape Town
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
We work in partnership with Chimfunshi and are guided by their guidelines and protocols as
well. Onsite we directly communicate with Innocent, the General Manager. Each quarter or
annually in the case of 2014, a report of volunteer activities and feedback is sent to the
Chimfunshi Board of Trustees.
- Do you have Annual Reports/ Financial statements?
Yes these are produced through the head office in Cape Town
- Do you communicate any of those findings, either inside the organization or outside?
To be honest I’m not 100% sure. I think the annual report/financial statements can be found
on the African Impact webpage????
- Frequency of communication (if applicable)?
I’m not sure if you are referring to additional communication such as social media/
newsletters etc. We are actively posting on the African Impact Chimpanzee &
Community Project facebook page. We currently have 810 likes and we try to post every
couple of days about the goings on at Chimfunshi, Chimp focus, staff focus, volunteer’s
experience, news. African Impact have a website which includes written blogs. They also
have an instagram and pinterest sites and we encourage volunteers to hashtag their photos.
A quarterly newsletter was being distributed last year and we hope to continue this this
year. Our sales and marketing team communicate with our worldwide booking agents and
travel agents to promote bookings.
Project: Kariega Private Game Reserve
After getting a slow start with e-mail contact with Helena Warren, the general manager of the
volunteer program, she expressed the preference for a phone call as she was short on time. I
spoke to her on Friday the 30st of January 2015, where she was very accommodating to the
questions.
Kariega is a for profit organization; it does have a non profit division – the Kariega
Foundation – but the volunteer program does not fall under that. On average, the organization
receives 180 volunteers a year.
They started the volunteer project to help the reserve with every day tasks. The volunteers do
stuff that actually needs to be done on the reserve and assist the conservation department.
The volunteers are not directly responsible for anything as they are under supervision of a
volunteer coordinator. This volunteer coordinator sits down with the manager of the reserve
every two months to discuss what needs to be done by the volunteers; such as getting rid of
alien plant, monitoring for research. The coordinator then reports back to the reserve manager.
They don’t expect the volunteers to have any qualifications or skills, but they do expect them
to work hard and do every task with enthusiasm and to their fullest potential. Kariega doesn’t
have unrealistic expectations on what the volunteers can do – you can’t expect a kid that just
got out of high school to do difficult and strenuous manual labor. With harder tasks like that
(such as digging out fence poles) the volunteers will be given the easier tasks.
They think the impact the volunteers can have is huge. If you look at all the work that has
been done in the last 10 years.. they’ve made massive difference in a short time frame. Most
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
of the work done by volunteers would not get done if it weren’t for them. An example of that
is the alien plant problem the reserve dealt with for a long time before the volunteers came to
work on them. The volunteers also make a big financial impact, 50% of whatever they pay
goes straight back into the organization.
They keep some general data of the volunteers through their booking list. Even though you
can book directly at the organization, most of their bookings are through agencies. These
agencies have the means to market and promote their project in ways they cannot do
themselves.
The volunteer coordinator evaluates the performances as the tasks get done. There are
monthly management catch ups with everyone involved.
They have the reserve manager, conservation manager of Kariega and the shareholders to
answer to. They have year reports that get sent out to the above. The meetings and reports are
important to them to make sure to everybody is on the same page about what’s going on on
the reserve.
Project: Lion Encounter Zimbabwe
Very last minute I had a chance to speak to Alanna Wallace, business manager at Lion
Encounter. She explains that even though she works at Lion Encounter now, she reports back
to African Impact as there is a close partnership between Lion Encounter and African Impact
(AI). She says: “Lion Encounter does not facilitate volunteer placements, it is up to our
partners at African Impact to do so. They have annual reports, have facilitated over 11,000
volunteer placements over the last 10 years and have a website filled with tons of information
about volunteering.”
She can’t give me an exact number of volunteers a year at Lion Encounter, and on the AI
website there are only combined numbers to be found. She can tell me that these lion projects
are some of their most popular and longest running projects.
There is a volunteer program as they see many benefits for it. It empowers the volunteers and
gives them knowledge; it aids in sustainable development and protecting wildlife. They
employ a lot of local people as well – around 70 at Lion Encounter Zimbabwe – and it makes
for an environment where cultural exchange is highlighted. She mentions how in a globalized
world we all have to work together to empower people and protect nature and communities.
Volunteers make an impact by doing just doing jobs such as data collection, alien plant
control, lion walks. Of course there are also monetary gains, which go back into the wildlife
trust that is associated with the project.
About expectations from the volunteers, Ms. Wallace mentions: “I expect them to be
hardworking; to look at it as a job. Everybody comes in with different strengths; we try to use
that to the benefit of the project. Some people are teachers, artist.. how can we use their
unique set of skills? We want to use their personal skills to enhance the project goals.”
They keep a passenger register with basic data on all the volunteers. Volunteer performance is
evaluated on the job. They are never alone, there’s always a local or international employee
with them at the project while doing their jobs. It’s a minute to minute type of evaluation.
There is a code of conduct for the volunteers; would they breach this code, there are penalties
from a written warning to termination of their stay.
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
Other way around, they have a mid stay feedback moment from the volunteers. Half way
through their stay, the volunteers have a meeting with someone from the project on how they
think it’s going, how they’re fitting in, if their expectations are being met.
When asked if they have anyone to answer to, she says “Of course! There is plenty of
evaluation going on and making up checks and balances”. She mentions that she has to report
back to AI on everything related to the volunteers. There are weekly updates from every
project to AI, about volunteer duties, achievements, how to mitigate negative feedback.
There is also a board of directors to answer to. There are year reports from AI, that are
available through the AI website.
Project: Modisa Wildlife Project
- On average, how many volunteers a year does your organization receive?
200 – 300 a year.
- Why do you have a volunteer program?
To get extra help to achieve our conservation goals.
- What kind of responsibilities do the volunteers have?
None – they are accompanied by guides and professionals by every task given.
- What do you expect from the volunteers?
That they are interested, open minded and helpful.
- What kind of impact do you think the volunteers can have?
They help with the work and learn about conservation through lectures to get a broader
perspective on environmental issues, and hopefully from there on they can help spread the
word.
- Do you keep general data on your volunteer program?
(eg. how many a year, finances, gender, nationality, age, experience etc)
Yes we do keep track on volunteer numbers but nothing else.
- Do you keep track of volunteer performance?
No, but people with useful skills can help with their expertise.
- Do you evaluate volunteer performances?
Same as above.
- Frequency of measurement (if applicable)?
Not applicable.
- Is there anyone you need to answer to (share/stakeholders)?
No.
- Do you have Annual Reports/ Financial statements?
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
Yes we do have annual reports, as it is required by law.
- Do you communicate any of those findings, either inside the organization or outside?
Use the data for inside communication but it’s public on business websites.
- If yes, why? If not, why not?
To ensure that the project runs financially.
- Frequency of communication (if applicable)?
Not applicable.
Project: Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
- On average, how many volunteers a year does your organization receive?
Approx 250
- Why do you have a volunteer program?
Raise awareness of declining wildlife and habitat loss and giving them the experience of
working in a rehab centre
- What kind of responsibilities do the volunteers have?
Cleaning of enclosures, feeding at times rearing of babies
- What do you expect from the volunteers?
Enthusiasm, common sense, reliable and a love for what they are doing.
- What kind of impact do you think the volunteers can have?
Their eyes being opened to the plight of our wildlife problem and share it with friends, family
and who ever and possibly find a nitch in life where they can do something for wildlife
worldwide.
- Do you keep general data on your volunteer program?
(eg. how many a year, finances, gender, nationality, age, experience etc)
Yes
- Do you keep track of volunteer performance?
No
- Do you evaluate volunteer performances?
No unless we are asked to by the university
- Frequency of measurement (if applicable)?
- Is there anyone you need to answer to (share/stakeholders)?
No
- Do you have Annual Reports/ Financial statements?
Yes
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
- Do you communicate any of those findings, either inside the organization or outside?
Keep it inside. It wont be on line. This is all held by the head office. We just send monthly
finance sheets of payments, T-Shirt stock (which we issue to students) and petrol.
Project: N/a’an ku sê Wildlife Sanctuary
- On average, how many volunteers a year does your organization receive? Approximately
520
- Why do you have a volunteer program?
It’s fun 
- What kind of responsibilities do the volunteers have?
Preparing food for the animals. Feeding the animals. Cleaning their enclosures. Taking
baboons for walks out into the field. Collecting data with Naankuse researchers.
Taking care of orphaned animals.
- What do you expect from the volunteers?
Volunteers need to show responsibility towards the jobs that we expect of them to do.
- What kind of impact do you think the volunteers can have?
Generating income towards conservation efforts.
Raising awareness towards Namibian bio diversities
- Do you keep general data on your volunteer program?
(eg. how many a year, finances, gender, nationality, age, experience etc)
Yes
- Do you keep track of volunteer performance?
On the job feedback
- Do you evaluate volunteer performances?
They evaluate the project at the end of their stay. Our evaluation of them is ongoing
daily feedback.
- Frequency of measurement (if applicable)?
See above
- Is there anyone you need to answer to (share/stakeholders)?
We report to our large donors, to our auditors and to the directors of the company both
financial and other performance indicators
- Do you have Annual Reports/ Financial statements?
Yes
- Do you communicate any of those findings, either inside the organization or outside?
Yes (see 1ST answer on this section)
- If yes, why? If not, why not?
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
Why? Because we are required as a registered company to have Financial Statements and it
is important for the key stakeholders to know about the performance of the Company
- Frequency of communication (if applicable)?
Weekly mgt mtgs; monthly reports; annual Financials
Project: Transfrontier Africa/ Balule Conservation Project
- On average, how many volunteers a year does your organization receive?
- Why do you have a volunteer program?
We offer the volunteer program for those who want to know more about conservation and
research work and get a hands-on experience in the bush. This may be for personal interest
or for people who want to gain more experience for their future career.
- What kind of responsibilities do the volunteers have?
It depends on what the volunteer’s background is. If people have a background in ecology,
biology and wildlife conservation etc. they usually get more responsibility since they are used
to working with data. Volunteers are responsible for assisting the field technician in the field
and might be asked to enter data.
- What do you expect from the volunteers?
We expect our volunteers to have a honest interest in conservation and research. It is
important to us to have people volunteering with us that have an appreciation and
understanding for the work that we do. We expect them to be able to be open minded and
flexible since we live under basic conditions and the work days are hard and long. We want
our volunteers to be able to participate in all the work that needs to be done on the reserve,
which can result in long days in the field. Therefore they also need to be physically fit.
- What kind of impact do you think the volunteers can have?
The volunteers have great impact on the project. All finances that the reserve has, from
reserve management to wildlife conservation, comes from the payment that the volunteers
make to work on the project. Without the volunteers we would not have the finances to run the
reserve as we do at this moment. The volunteers also contribute by assisting us with our work,
either in the field or processing data. This helps the staff members doing their job more
productively and effective.
- Do you keep general data on your volunteer program?
N/A
- Do you keep track of volunteer performance?
We keep track of the volunteer’s performance if they have been asked to work on a specific
project. We keep track of their progress and results.
- Do you evaluate volunteer performances?
We only evaluate the volunteer’s performance if this will help them with their future
career.
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Bachelor Thesis S Broekarts 2015
- Frequency of measurement (if applicable)?
At the end of their stay volunteers can ask for a letter of reference.
- Is there anyone you need to answer to (share/stakeholders)?
Not as such, however the projects managing director is also the warden of the reserve so all
research conducted by volunteers is shared with reserve management and landowners
- Do you have Annual Reports/ Financial Statements?
Quarterly reports containing a combination of Intern’s scientific papers, and management
reports
- Do you communicate any of those findings, either inside the organization or outside?
Quarterly reports are distributed to all landowners, committee members as well as any other
interested parties.
- If yes, why? If not, why not?
To keep landowners informed in our progress and aid management in making informed
decisions.
- Frequency of communication (if applicable)?
Quarterly - Every 3 months
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