The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program Conservation

The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program

Conservation Volunteers Alliance > The first world organisation established to recognise the value and importance of the rapidly growing conservation volunteer movement Draft Mission statement: > The World Conservation Alliance will represent and promote organisations involved in volunteer based practical conservation work by establishing and monitoring best practice for projects that protect and enhance the environment. The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program

The Alliance will • Act as an advocate to gain recognition for conservation volunteers • Strive to influence global decision makers about volunteers’ contributions to sustainable development • Set benchmarks for practical conservation projects and volunteer experience • Research and promote the social and environmental outcomes of conservation volunteering • Stimulate and support the growth of new groups • Facilitate access to new funds The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program

The Accreditation Program – setting benchmarks • Assist organisations deliver high quality volunteer experience and positive outcomes for the environment • Project level emphasis on: > Safety, satisfaction and welfare • Organisation level emphasis on: > People management > Financial resources The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program

Why an Accreditation program? Potential volunteers Alliance Accreditatio n Program Conservation Volunteer Organisations Other stakeholders Project Funders The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program

Benefits of Accreditation Benefits to Conservation Volunteer Organisations: > standards for self improvement > Incentives for self improvement > increases appeal to the volunteer market > sound basis for exchange of volunteers between organisations The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program

Benefits of Accreditation Appeal to governments and private companies that fund projects: > Assurance that resources are used efficiently and effectively > Assurance that required outcomes will be achieved The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program

Benefits of Accreditation Stakeholders such as host communities and indigenous groups will be assured that: > conservation projects are conducted in ways that are responsible - both environmentally and socially > positive environmental outcomes will be achieved The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program

Benefits of Accreditation Sustainable benefits to the environment through increased: > volunteer numbers > sponsorship > standards underpinning inputs to volunteer programs > indigenous and local community involvement Also provide basis for monitoring long-term outcomes The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program

Accreditation Standards • Organisational management The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program

Accreditation Standards • Organisational management • Human resource management The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program

Accreditation Standards • Organisational management • Human resource management • Promotion and recruitment The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program

Accreditation Standards • Organisational management • Human resource management • Promotion and recruitment • Volunteer experience The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program

Actual accreditation standards Very poor Poor You were given a simple introduction about the rules, rights and responsibilities for volunteers, before starting your project You were given an introduction to the conservation activity, before starting your project You were given an introduction to safety and emergency procedures, before starting your project You were given instructions on how to use equipment safely before you started using the equipment You were provided with an opportunity to learn about the environment and its conservation You were provided with an opportunity to learn about how to get along with other people or unusual situations You were provided with an opportunity to talk with people from another region or country You were provided with an opportunity to socialise and enjoy yourself You were asked how satisfied you were with your experience You were asked how your conservation volunteer experience could be improved The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program No comment Good Very good

Accreditation Standards • Organisational management • Human resource management • Promotion and recruitment • Volunteer experience • Project management The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program

Accreditation Standards • Organisational management • Human resource management • Promotion and recruitment • Volunteer experience • Project management • Risk management The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program

Accreditation Standards • Organisational management • Human resource management • Promotion and recruitment • Volunteer experience • Project management • Risk management • Financial management The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program

Levels of Accreditation • Developing > recognise need for further improvement in identified areas • Benchmark > demonstrate strong systems in all activities > provide assistance to “developing” organisations The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program

Benefits of participation > Assistance to improve standards > Outcomes for the environment > More opportunity to exchange volunteers, staff & ideas > Credibility leading to enhanced potential for funding > Cooperating marketing > Collective lobbying > More volunteers in the field > Insurance The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program

The way ahead Indigenous and local communities: > establish strong links with communities > align volunteer inputs with protected area conservation priorities > involve local communities in volunteer briefing to provide cultural context The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program

The way ahead Monitoring: • Develop appropriate systems to measure outcomes of volunteer projects > include indigenous and local communities in process > incorporate into Accreditation process The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program

The way ahead • Membership > Join the Conservation Volunteers Alliance • Accreditation > Participate in the Accreditation Program > Exchange learning with other Alliance members • Impact on world environment The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program

Acknowledgements Thanks to: • Rio Tinto • Missing Link Consultants The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program

For more information and how to join the Alliance Contact the Alliance through our website: www. conservationvolunteers. org The site includes: > information about member organisations > Accreditation Program documents > How to join the Alliance The International Conservation Volunteers Alliance Accreditation Program