At Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers, our ethical standards are not just ideals—they are embedded into the core governance framework of our organisation. As a registered Australian charity, we are committed to delivering wildlife and environmental volunteering programs that are transparent, responsible, and grounded in real impact. These principles guide every decision we make—from project selection and partner agreements to volunteer safety, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.
This page outlines the criteria and commitments that ensure our programs are 100% ethical, non-exploitative, and aligned with international best practices in conservation and responsible travel. Whether you’re a volunteer, partner, donor, or school group, you can trust that our governance systems are built to uphold the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and care.
For a detailed look at how these principles are applied in the field when working with animals, please see our Wildlife Code
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O2E encourages relationships with animal welfare organisations that actively seek to rehabilitate and release wherever possible wildlife into its natural habitat. We do not support formalised breeding programs that currently do not induct and release wildlife into its natural habitat for the purpose of maintaining and/or improving the region’s biodiversity.
O2E or its project partners do not support the exploitation of animals in tourism or as a form of entertainment. For example animals as photo props, elephant rides, elephant painting, walking with big cats.
O2E does not support or endorse the use of animals as beasts of burden.
O2E does not support commercial animal ventures.
O2E is committed to protecting and restoring the health, diversity and productivity of the environment.
O2E supports projects that seek to engage and educate local communities in skills, knowledge and values that promote behaviour in support of a sustainable environment.
O2E supports the successful implementation of environmental protection, revegetation and restoration programs.
O2E respects and obeys the laws, rules and regulations of the cities, states and countries in which O2E and its partners operate.
O2E or its partners do not replace local jobs with the presence of volunteers.
O2E supports the conservation of biodiversity and the respect for local culture that aligns with O2E ethical standards.
O2E and its project partners shall contribute to the protection of areas that are of local importance.
O2E and its project partners encourage volunteers to visit local sites of historical, social and cultural significance.
O2E ensures that activities of projects, staff and volunteers do not harm the provision of services and resources to local communities including water, energy, sanitation, fuel and food.
O2E ensures the projects trade with local businesses providing positive relationships for sustainable economic trade.
O2E and its partners support local community development by assisting with local initiatives.
O2E ensures the projects encourage volunteers and other visitors to support local business and purchase local products and services.
O2E and its partners will provide information to volunteers about health and safety matters.
O2E and its partners protect the privacy of their customers and secure their information appropriately. O2E also expects that commercial and other sensitive information will be not shared without the consent of the owner of that information.
