Eco Tourism Development and Wildlife Conservation in Thailand, Nepal and Laos

  Laos

• Rural Areas: 
Rural Areas

  Nepal

Chitwan

  Thailand

Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: On going

Description: Unique chance to volunteer work in community based and sustainable eco tourism and wildlife conservation projects in Thailand, Nepal and Laos.
The projects are mostly in mountainous and forested regions, with some of Thailand's/Laos/Nepal's most treasured protected and important areas for biodiversity conservation. CNN recommends 8 volunteer organizations in their Be the Change Initiative. Open Mind Projects is one.

Create increased understanding and awareness of the importance and long term advantages of protecting the wildlife and preserving the environment is a major mission of the parks and volunteers.

Some projects in Thailand:
- KuiBuri NP
- Kaeng Krachan NP
- Tai Muang Marine National Park
- Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary

In Laos:
- Phou Khao Khouai
- Xe Pian, southern Laos

In Nepal:
- Chitwan, southern Nepal

Highlights:
* Projects focus on preparing the national park staff and local population involved to receive overseas visitors and create awareness of local environmental, nature, wildlife issues.

* Teaching relevant eco and tourism English to park rangers, visitor center staff, villagers, guides is important.

* Volunteers help develop eco tourism activities such as suitable trekking and camping packages and are involved in tour guide training

* What volunteers do depends on their backgrounds and interests too.

* Volunteers can translate or create tourist information, education material for schools and help with web design and other promotion work. They help with visitor service development and training.

* Qualified volunteers participate in wildlife surveying, incl. marine wildlife survey diving at marine national parks. Specialists such as zoologists, marine biologists, botanists, eco tourism experts, web design/database specialists, are sometimes wanted for special tasks.

* Accepted volunteers receive a 3 day free volunteer orientation in Thailand, and normally stay some more days to prepare themselves prior to going to the national park/project. Accommodation is free.

Qualifications: Desired volunteer profile

- Good command of spoken, written English
- An understanding and interest in eco tourism and environmental/wildlife protection
- Initiative and ability to work independently
- Ability to go trekking on field trips
- Capable of living in remote villages and under simple conditions

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Independent, energetic and patient self starter who likes to work with people from other cultures and countries.

Age Range: 20 plus

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Job and Internship Network

Open mind projects's Mission Statement: Open Mind Projects is a bridge to knowledge and cross-cultural understanding, bridging digital and knowledge divides between rich and poor. Open Mind Projects arranges placements for international volunteers to schools, Orphan Homes, other institutions and projects, in Thailand and Laos. Open Mind Projects cooperates with these schools and institutions with learning ideas, technology and international volunteers. Schools and other learning/youth institutions in developing nations are understaffed and under resources. New information technology and international volunteers help offset this advantage. Open Mind Projects wants to facilitate valuable cross-cultural experience, personal development, for volunteers and local childeren and students. An opportunity to learn about other cultures while making local and international friends, within an affordable backpacker budget.

Year Founded: 2001