Diving and Marine Conservation in Thailand with Projects Abroad

  Thailand

Krabi

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: All year round

Description: Join our Conservation & Environment project in Ao Nang and the first thing that you'll be doing is learning how to scuba dive. We will train you up to the level of Advanced Scuba Diver, helping you to learn the fundamental theoretical and practical aspects of diving in the beautifully clear warm waters of the Andaman Sea. This allows you to dive to depths of 30m and participate fully in the underwater conservation work. If you have the advanced scuba diving qualification already, you can start on the underwater reef research work straight away and choose to gain the next qualification as a Rescue Diver.

We work in partnership with Ao Nang Scuba Center which employs fully qualified instructors and dive masters. The Chairman of our projects in Thailand, Suwat Hannarong has run Ao Nang Scuba Center since 1990.

By observing and analyzing reef damage and fish populations, you'll be helping to find the best ways to protect marine life from the dangers of increased tourism and human negligence. The diving is some of the best in the world and you'll have the chance to observe a wide variety of marine life - including turtles, rays, harmless reef sharks and hundreds of species of multicolored tropical fish.

We are collecting information on the development, deterioration and overall condition of coral reefs and fish populations in the area. This information forms part of a wider database which will be used across the world by experts in this field.

In addition to our coral reef monitoring and salvage recovery work, our conservation program also involves some very important land-based activities that are vital to conserving the coastal ecosystems of the region.

We undertake beach clean-ups, often in conjunction with local schools, to ensure that these areas - some of the most beautiful beaches in the world - remain pristine.

We also replant mangrove forests. Mangrove forests are among the most productive and bio-diverse wetlands on earth, yet these unique coastal forests are among the most threatened habitats. They may be disappearing more quickly than inland tropical rainforests and, so far, with little public notice. Healthy mangrove forests are key to a healthy marine ecology. Help is needed to monitor the mangrove forests in Krabi province to prevent further destruction and assist with reforestation projects in this beautiful yet fragile area of Thailand.

Also, for high school students between the ages of 16 and 19, we offer a two-week summer specials of our Diving and Marine Conservation placement in Thailand.

Highlights: Thai culture is one of the strongest in the world. As their country was never colonized, Thai people are eager to keep hold of their uniqueness. The generosity of Thai's is sometimes unimaginable and can take some getting used to. People are always willing to help and can go to extraordinary lengths, such as accompanying you on a two hour bus journey to make sure you get there safely!

All accommodation is organized, paid for, and monitored by Projects Abroad. All project placements are regularly visited and checked. We require high standards of supervision and accommodation, which are verified before you arrive in India.

This project offers the opportunity to become fully immersed in the culture in a manner which even the most hardened of backpackers could never hope to do.

Cost in US$: From US$3,145 up

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement: As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded: 1992