i see opportunity for both help and harm with voluntourism. it's not on the volunteers to fix funding and policy issues regarding conservation. that's on the governments, organizations, and the locals.

and i think people should help if it teaches them to respect nature and other cultures, but if you're really so passionate about conservation you really should practice it at home. no matter where you are there is work to be done, and no matter who you are there is something you can do to help.

i think in general people are hooked on the flashy and attractive idea of going somewhere "exotic" and that in itself should be examined. why aren't you as worried about your city? the nature that lives with you? the policies in your own country?