Nature conservation and Raising environmental awareness in Kao Yai National Park

  Thailand

• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Nakhon Ratchasima

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: September 6 - September 21

Description: Nakhon Ratchasima, generally known as "Khorat", is Thailand's largest province situated on sprawling northeast plateau. Located approximately 260 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, the city itself serves as the gateway to the lower northeastern region. Covering an area of 25,494 square kilometres that is mainly plateaus and mountainous terrain, Khorat has fascinating traditions, charming hospitality, splendid natural scenery and awesome historical sites.

The project will consist of working for two weeks in and around one of Thailand's largest national parks, the Kao Yai National Park. Though located only 250 km from Bangkok, it is still largely pristine and unspoiled. Wild bulls and many other large and smaller species of animals roam free through the forests. The biggest threat to the National Park is humans. The people living in villages surrounding the park are poor and often make their living by going into the forest illegally to cut the plants and kill the animals to sell on the black market.

The international volunteers will work in the frame of the Khao Yai Conservation Project. Activities include:
- teaching the children at local schools about the forest and the effects of poaching
- work with the rangers in the park
- planting trees, possibly together with the local population
- making trails for eco-tourism in the park

The project is recognised as a Patrimonito workcamp as promoted by UNESCO. During the project, the volunteers will design an exhibition on Khao Yai as a World Heritage site in addition to the work above.

During the project, special attention will be given to Khao Yai as a UNESCO world heritage site and to raising awareness of its importance among the local population, living close to the park. A meeting with a UNESCO representative in Thailand will be organised, either close to the park or otherwise in the UNESCO office in Bangkok. Also planned are study parts using UNESCO world heritage material, a visit to the parks visitor's centre and a discussion with a representative of the park on the importance of the preservation of the World heritage in general and of the Khao Yai site in particular.

Leisure time: Leisure time will be organised by the volunteers with the support of the group leader. The closest city is far but accessible, but the extraordinary beauty of the surrounding nature makes up much! It is even possible to spot wild animals in the early morning and early evening.

Location: The Wang Nam Keow district is about 70 km Southwest of Nakhon Ratchasima, in the Isan region, North east of Thailand. Wang Nam Keow is about 3 hours by bus from Bangkok.

There is an extra fee of 6,500 Thai Baht (about $170 US) for participation in this project, intended to support the local host.

Highlights: The volunteers will have plenty of opportunity to learn about the national park and environmental issues in Thailand. They will also be able to learn more about the traditions and culture of rural Thailand in general. Thai language lessons will also be given to the volunteers.

Qualifications: The volunteers need mostly to be motivated to discover Thai culture and nature and to present the one of their country of origin.

Cost in US$: $290

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Motivated to work voluntarily within an international team, tolerant, open-minded and cooperative person with adventurous spirit.

Age Range: 18 and over

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

CADIP - Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects's Mission Statement: CADIP promotes peace, cooperation, tolerance and understanding in international, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural surroundings. The organization also promotes patterns and examples of civil activities focused on serving others, on building social ties and strengthening communities, on supporting civil society development. Aims and general objectives: * To promote volunteering as an expression of civic contribution * To strengthen the international contacts among young people * To build tolerance and understanding in multicultural and multi-ethnic surroundings *To promote multiunderstanding among youth all over the world * To facilitate the individual growth of the volunteers through the acquisition of work, life and learning skills * To work for the recognition and promotion of non-formal learning * To support the community initiatives and assist in community development.