The Biosphere Expeditions effect: Why people keep coming back

7. The organization of Biosphere Expeditions projects

The repeat participants also pointed out the quality of the organization itself. Biosphere makes it very clear that it is not a tour company and will not organize travel for the participants. We were simply told a starting point and time and had to take responsibility for arranging travel to get there.

Once the expedition starts, though, at the given location and time, Biosphere Expeditions takes over. It arranges housing – which can range from the most basic tents to quite comfortable guest houses – and meals, which are strictly vegetarian. All of it is very well-organized, and the expedition leader sets the expectations and routine for the participants. They may be expected to share a room or to take turns in various chores.

The first day or two are for training. Participants learn safety procedures as well as getting introduced to the tasks they’ll be doing. For example, participants may have to enter data in an app or fill it in on a paper form. They learn how to use equipment like walkie-talkies or GPS devices and what to do with them on return to base. They learn how to take samples, if that is part of the project, and they might also learn how to enter the data they’ve collected into a database.

The scientist on the expedition also takes part in the training, particularly to share information on the species to be studied.

Before the trip, each participant receives a very detailed brief to read, so they’ll already understand the purpose of the expedition. This training, then, helps link theory to practice.

Participants receive other information ahead of time as well. I found, on both trips, that the packing list I received was very well thought out. You also receive the contact emails of other participants, which could be useful for things like sharing a taxi on arrival at the nearest airport, and the phone number of the expedition leader, just in case there’s a problem.