Natucate’s primary concern is to offer projects and programmes which fully comply with our corporate philosophy, in particular regarding high sustainability standards. Unfortunately, words like "sustainability" as well as "charitable" or "meaningful" are occasionally misused for exploitative purposes. This particularly applies to projects involving children's aid as well as animal breeding projects – therefore, Natucate’s programme portfolio does not include respective projects.
We are glad that Natucate, as the first German operator, has been recommended as an ethical agency for voluntary work by Campaign Against Canned Hunting (CACH). According to our philosophy we consider it our responsibility to carefully select our project partners. Signing the strict code of conduct is a clear signal against misusing the help of volunteers for the canned hunting industries’ interests.
Being in strong demand, lion breeding projects only serve to produce lion cubs to entice tourists and to use them for canned hunting later on. In this light, Natucate also speaks out against projects which allow direct contact with wild animals. We believe that direct wildlife interaction does not benefit the welfare of the animals and implies a risk to the volunteers’ safety.
Reports have also started emerging of humanitarian projects which are ostensibly devoted to helping orphans. This leads to infants and young children being bought off their needy families to rouse the sympathy of international volunteers in “orphanages”. This is a particular problem in Southeast Asia. Because it is difficult to get solid facts and background checks about humanitarian projects, we are unable to provide proper quality assurance. That’s why we don’t offer them.
We believe that the combination of meaningful activity, nature experience and outdoor adventure is the most effective form of further education in the sense of our guiding principle; furthermore, it is an equally appropriate means for personal development and individual qualification.
Natucate will offer you various possibilities on how to arrange your stay abroad – no matter if you prefer just a short time out or are planning a long-term break from the hectic of daily life. Together we will help you plan your perfect nature experience. Our range of services is aimed at all adventure seekers who are interested in the conservation and protection of our resources. If you are interested in joining one of our projects, please contact us and we will provide any further information you may require. Your request is of course without any obligation.
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Verge believes in travel for change. International experience creates global citizens, who can change our planet for the better. This belief is at the core of everything we do.