Faroe Islands Image by: Marc Zimmer
In recent years, a new trend has emerged in the world of travel: voluntourism. This unique form of tourism combines the joy of exploring new destinations with the opportunity to make a positive difference in local communities. Voluntourism provides a platform for traveler’s to engage in meaningful volunteer work while immersing themselves in the culture and traditions of a foreign land. You could also describe it as a working holiday!
The Closed for Maintenance (CFM) scheme has been running in the Faroe Islands since 2019, and continues to run each year thanks to the success of previous years. Only a lucky 100 people can be chosen, and the lucky few that are can expect to do work in allocated teams which may include digging, raking, moving rocks and hoeing, dependant on the given project.
Thanks to the contributions of volunteers, it is possible to preserve the natural beauty of the surroundings and prevent erosion. As of now, 46 projects have been completed and The Faroe Islands continues to be able to develop tourism responsibly. They are currently one of the least polluted destinations.
Look out for other projects and initiatives by choosing projects wisely and understanding the reasons behind the projects.
In summary, voluntourism can be a powerful way to combine travel and social impact. When approached responsibly and with careful consideration, voluntourism has the potential to create positive change while providing enriching experiences for travelers. Voluntourism can contribute to a more equitable and interconnected world.