The award was in the Voluntourism category (which combines volunteer work with tourism) from the "2009 Islands Blue List", compiled by Islands Magazine to highlight the best trips available in sustainable tourism.
Biosphere Expeditions, which offers hands-on conservation work to volunteers was awarded for its work on the Azores expedition, in the Atlantic Ocean.
This expedition is the first long-term concerted study on baleen whales in the Azores, and continues to give enthusiastic volunteers the opportunity to work alongside scientists to study whales, dolphins and turtles.
Dr Matthias Hammer, founder of Biosphere Expeditions said, "We are delighted to have received this award, as sustainable travel and wildlife conservation are exactly what we are all about."
"At least two-thirds of every volunteer holiday contribution goes directly into the conservation project locally, funding it long-term and sustainably."
"Volunteering with us is becoming increasingly popular, as it gives people the chance to explore new parts of the world, have fun and get a real hands-on experience of working on wildlife conservation projects".
The Azores expedition runs in April 2009 and costs £1,090 per person.
For more information please visit www.biosphere-expeditions.org or telephone 0870 4460801.
About:
Biosphere Expeditions was founded in 1999 by Dr Matthias Hammer and is committed to running real wildlife conservation research expeditions to all corners of the Earth.
Its projects are not tours or photographic excursions but genuine research expeditions and voluntourism projects. Biosphere Expeditions promotes sustainable conservation and preservation of the planet's wildlife by forging alliances between scientists and the public. Expeditions start from one week making them accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
