Volunteer on a Human-Wildlife Conflict Resolution Project in Kenya

  Kenya

• Other Cities in Kenya: 
Rural

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Visit the GVI website for upcoming start dates.

Description: Journey to the edge of Kenya's Tsavo West National Park, in the shadow of Kilimanjaro, where Africa's big game meets rural communities, human-wildlife conflict is a daily reality. You will live and work alongside villagers that have given up poaching and charcoal burning to conserve their natural heritage, developing community infrastructure, educating farmers on ways to prevent elephant damage to crops and developing alternative livelihoods including tourism. Assist in the construction of healthcare, school and tourism facilities, protect farmer's crops, support children's wildlife clubs and take bush walks to experience the local scenery, wildlife and history.

How this program makes a difference:

Unreliable rainfall combined with crop-raiding by elephants leads to poor agricultural productivity and dependence on illegal poaching to supplement domestic nutrition and income. The bush-meat trade is more pervasive than simple subsistence hunting, posing the greatest threat to Africa's wildlife. Under this WSPA project, three of the most notorious communities have come together to learn the value of wildlife and potential for socio-economic development through conservation. The challenge is to build their capacity to develop alternative livelihoods, improve infrastructure and relieve their socio-economic dependence on poaching, spreading their message to neighboring communities.

Highlights:
- Journey through Tsavo West national park, camp in the shadow of Kilimanjaro, visit the crater lake at Chala
- Help ex-poachers live with elephants, work on community construction, promote sustainable development
- Experience rural East Africa's culture and history, join traditional songs and dances around the camp fire
- Community-guided bush walks

Qualifications: No special training or qualifications are required as you will receive training in the field.

Cost in US$: From USD 990

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-64

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of Maximum 8

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

Global Vision International's Mission Statement: Global Vision International aims to promote the advancement of sustainable development through the creation of partnerships, promotion of local and global education, opportunities and via direct financial support. GVI remains committed to its local partners by ensuring they receive full credit for any research undertaken or achievements reached.

Year Founded: 1998