Responsible Travel

Starfish Ventures has a genuine long term commitment to each of our projects, not only providing volunteers but also financial support to achieve particular goals. We are also proud to have a responsible travel policy to ensure our efforts are a positive contribution to the economy, community and environment.

Starfish Ventures has been accepted as part of the Responsible Travel Network. This organisation only accepts members that can provide evidence of their commitment to responsible and ethical travel.

To read more about how our volunteers fees have supported worthwhile projects please read ‘Our Achievements’ page of this section.

Economic Responsibility

The majority of our staff are based in Thailand. We source local suppliers such as printers and designers. Moreover we employ local Thai people as our volunteer coordinators, drivers and translators thus supporting Thai people and contributing to the local community.

Environmental Responsibility

We limit the amount of printed material we produce. We try to provide and send information electronically whenever possible.

Some of the projects we assist are directly linked to environmental sustainability. We work with a number of Thai organisations including a turtle conservation body and a gibbon rescue and rehabilitation organisation. Volunteers assist Thai members of staff in both the practical element of the work as well as educating the local community about the responsibility they have to protect their local environment.

Volunteers also learn about the impact they can have and may be encouraged to carry on campaigning and volunteering for a similar cause back in the UK.

Social Responsibility

All volunteers are provided with a briefing pack before they arrive in Thailand. Our pack encourages volunteers to read about the local and national political situation, economy, culture and environment. Volunteers are in regular contact with their in-country coordinators, who are local to the area and can assist our volunteers in respecting and practicing local customs.

We advise all volunteers about appropriate clothing, particularly when on their project. All volunteers are given an orientation briefing when they arrive in Thailand including advice on local customs, dos and don’ts and general behaviour.