Voluntours worldwide are growing holiday options for green travelers.

Recently, global voluntourism specialist Planeterra announced 11 new 2010 projects and volunteer holidays in The Americas, Asia and Africa.

Founded in 2003 by Gap Adventures, Planeterra is a global non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable community development through travel.

Says Richard G. Edwards, Planeterra’s Director:

“More than ever, community development, environmental and wildlife conservation projects around the world need the support of active travelers who are willing to take the time to understand what is needed and how they can help. Our programs are designed with great care so that everyone genuinely benefits while having fun learning about each other’s cultures.”

Here are Planeterra’s 11 new projects and volunteer holidays:

• Project Argentina “Work with Argentinean youth learning life skills in a subsistence farm environment. Well-known chefs from Buenos Aires connect and teach menu planning, food preparation and cooking skills.”

• Project Cuzco Kids “Meet youth at a drop-in centre with homework, teach English, help with the cooking, and participate in various workshops such as leather working and jewelery making.”

• Project Ecuador Family Adventure “Volunteer on an organic farm and at the environmental primary school in the coastal community of Rio Muchacho; enjoy a visit to the local market, canoeing and horse riding too.”

• Project Ecuador Highlands “Help at a school or on the communal organic farm while living with an indigenous family.  Activities include a guided tour to the Equator, Otavalo market, waterfalls and sacred lakes.”

• Project El Salvador “The hottest new eco-tourism destination!  Work on a highland coffee farm and tour Mayan pyramids and colonial villages, surf pristine beaches and explore the jungle.”

• Project Galapagos “Help build an eco-playground out of recycled materials on the island of Santa Cruz.”

• Project Peru Amazon “Volunteer at a rehabilitation and conservation centre for wild animals after traveling by motorized canoe up the Tambopata River to a remote jungle lodge.”

• Project China “The destination is Sichuan and volunteering at the largest panda reserve in the world between visits to Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, Beijing and the Great Wall.”

• Project Nepal “In the heart of the Kathmandu Valley, work on a reforestation project, plant vegetable and herb gardens and help construct a community centre while immersing yourself in local culture.”

• Project Cambodia and Laos “Explore the historical, sacred and scenic highlights of Cambodia and Laos helping construct a water well, plant trees and getting involved with child literacy initiatives.”

• Project South Africa and Overland Adventure “Get involved in various community projects around Cape Peninsula near Cape Town followed by bush walking in the Kalahari, canoeing in the Okavango Delta and visiting Victoria Falls.”

For info on voluntours and other green travel options, check out Gap Adventures.

Images courtesy of Planeterra

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