Volunteer Abroad: Cambodia Forest Steward

Globalteer

http://www.globalteer.org/

54 Woodchester Yate Bristol, BS37 8TX England

Description

The Forest Steward Programme is based in Mondulkiri Province, Cambodia and works in conjunction with the Cambodia Elephant Forest Conservation Project.

The project intends to promote the development of a new legal classification of forest that is primarily for the use of a village's domestic elephants. These managed forests will be of a suitable area, contain enough foodstuffs, forest cover and sufficient water to cope with the needs of a village's domestic elephant population and give the elephants daily time away from human activity.

Volunteers support the projects efforts to protect the forest in which the elephants live. The forest is also essential for the local people who depend upon it to create an income. The project works with local Bunong villagers to support them in forestry protection activities such as mapping, footpath maintenance and boundary demarcation.

The majority of these activities are carried out to protect the forest in which rehabilitated domestic elephants occupy and to aid the local Bunong Villagers in protecting their resources and their rights to use the same forest.

Volunteer duties:

* Learning about the project, the elephants and the environment.
* Walking in the forest to document illegal activities such as hunting, logging and land grabbing.
* Walking in the forest to map wildlife signs, footpaths, rivers and streams, key geographic locations and valuable and rare trees.
* Walking with the elephants into the forest to forage and ensure that nobody encroaches on the protected land to illegally log the trees.
* Documenting the elephant's use of the forest.
* Collecting rare orchids from recently logged areas before the land is burnt and the orchids are lost.
* Working with the local Bunong staff to improve the living conditions of the elephants through seed planting and the development of a tree nursery.

For those staying at the project, Saturday and Sunday are free time which can be used to further explore the forest and its amazing variety of creatures. Visits to the town can be made to explore the local markets in the town of Sen Monoron. Many waterfalls are close by, some being amongst the largest in Cambodia.

Highlights

Bathing the elephants in the rivers and walking through the forest with these magnificent animals is an unforgettable experience. Meeting and interacting with the tribal Bunong people of Cambodia is a unique opportunity of this project.

Travel Types

Birdwatching
Camping
Eco Tours
Ecology
Environmental Studies
Hiking
Native Culture Studies
Nature Tours
RainForest Tours
Safari
Tours
Trekking
Volunteering

Qualifications

Volunteers must be 18 or older, able to speak English and physically fit.

Intern Types

Animal Sciences
Ecology
Environmental Studies

Forestry
National Park Employment
State Park Employment

Zoology & Wildlife Sciences

Languages

English

Cost in US$:

From USD 1,200 / GBP 750 including accomodation

Cost Include Description:

Airport pick up from Phnom Penh international airport; First night accommodation in Phnom Penh; Sunday transfer to the remote province of Mondulkiri; Accommodation for the duration of your placement; Full in country support from the project staff; Comprehensive information brochure; Assistance and advice for traveling to Cambodia; Saturday transfer back to Phnom Penh.

Credit Available

no

Volunteer Types

Animal Welfare
Biological Research
Community Development
Conservation
Environment

Indigenous Issues
Minority Groups
Natural Resources
Planting
Reforestation

Trail Building
Tree Planting
Volunteering
Wildlife Surveying

Typical Volunteer

Volunteering is an amazing way to gain an insight into the culture of a country. Once you volunteer you are no longer just another tourist, you will work intimately with the local staff and more importantly give a special gift to the project and community you visit. Volunteering is for those who have an interest in other cultures and want to help those less fortunate than themselves. You also get to meet like minded people, adventurous, open minded and with a willingness to make a difference.

Age Range

Over 18; if younger, need to be accompanied by an adult.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participant. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

Other

Participants Travel to Cambodia

in Groups

Application Process Involves

Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Globalteer's Mission Statement

Globalteer is a UK registered charity that serves to help those in need. We aim to provide support to communities and projects in need, to raise awareness in developed countries of the plight faced by poverty stricken countries, and to educate locals and volunteers about environmental issues and the need to protect wildlife. We promote sustainable development for the benefit of the public through the relief of poverty and the improvement of the conditions of life in socially and disadvantaged communities. We also promote humane behavior towards animals by providing appropriate care, protection, treatment and security for animals which are in need of care and attention by reason of sickness, maltreatment, poor circumstances or ill usage; and to educate the public in matters pertaining to animal welfare in general and the prevention of cruelty and suffering among animals.

Year Founded

2006

Boomers Abroad

Program Photos

Cambodia Forest Steward