Mid-term (1 to 6 months) "environmental" projects in Vietnam

20 +

Xuan Thuy National Marine Park is 150 kms south-east of Ha Noi. The core zone of the park has a total area of 7,100 hectares. In 2003 Xuan Thuy Natural Reserve was approved as a national park. The park is considered to be a typical wetland ecosystem of national and international importance. In addition to a high bio-diversity, Xuan Thuy National Park is also known as an important platform for migratory birds including the black-faced spoonbill (on the most endangered list), and other important marine species and mangrove ecosystem. Many local projects are already implemented, such as planting mushrooms, raising bees to have honey, collecting and recycling rubbish.

Volunteers duties will include planting trees and building rubbish disposal units, with the local community. They will support the park staff in their daily work, such as researching and compiling reports, taking part in current projects and participating in social activities within the local community. They will also help organize workshops or campaigns to raise awareness about environmental protection and the parks ecological systems. Another duty is to assist in updating the website of the national park. Volunteers will also organise english classes for the local young people and the park staff. This is very important, because the park is a famous ecotourism destination, so there are many foreign visitors every year.

The volunteers are expected to raise awareness about environmental protection within the local community. They can try to find solutions about how to protect the ecosystem during their voluntary work. This is a chance for volunteers to practice what they have learnt from universities/ collages, and also an opportunity to explore the diversity of the mangrove forest. The park and SJ Vietnam hope that volunteers will have a valuable experience, and will campaign to raise awareness on environmen issues.

Volunteers can either stay with the local people or at the National Park guesthouse. It is recommended that they stay with the local communities, gaining a deeper understanding of the culture, and making friends with members of traditional Vietnamese families. Its worth noting that traditional values are still obvious in their daily rural lifes. The district is also very famous for seafood and tourism, so volunteers can discover in their free time.

Volunteers can enjoy the rich nature of the park and the region. There is also biking, sailing and bird watching. There are other famous tourist locations surrounding the area which also make good choices for volunteers at the weekend or in free time.

Giao Xuan District, Nam Dinh province (150 km from Ha Noi).

Volunteers will benefit from having a keen interest and knowledge of nature, birds, mangrove forests and agriculture. They will also need to be enthusiastic, patient, optimistic, and full of energy They will be expected to work hard and to be able to do manual work i.e. rice harvesting. They are expected to be proactive in making activities with the park staff, as well as local people. They should understand that sometimes there are a lot of duties, but they will also have lots of free time.

200 EUR per month

The Research Institute of Environment and Social Problems (RIESP), forms a major part of the governmental Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Association (also called the Vietnam Union Association). The RIESP Institute brings together engineers, scientists and specialists, to conduct scientific research, development, and training activities, on the subject of new technology and science. especially in environment and social problems. Volunteers are expected to teach communication/language skills to young people at the institution, and also support the daily tasks on environmental projects. Volunteers main tasks will be to teach english and communication skills, especially to the younger people. They will also support the institution staff in researching and then implementing projects. These will cover the impact and relationships evident in the field of environmental and social problems. They will then apply these, hoping to build on the achievements of past environmental protection projects and social development schemes. It is also hoped that they can implement technological and scientific services such as consultancy and organizing training events for human resources. Specifically consulting to build protection licenses on exploratory drilling, exploitation, underground water use, environmental impact assessments, and treatments. This will be through the mediums of conferences, discussions, news, propaganda of on the mentioned fields. The volunteer may also be asked to liase and co-operate with domestic and international organizations, representing the institute under Vietnam Union Association.

SJ Vietnam wants to bring chances to young people who have a lack of communication skills in modern life. Learning with international volunteers will be an effective way to understand more about other cultures, as well as gaining a better understanding about the youth in different countries. Nowadays, environment is becoming a major global issue and many people are concerned about it, and want to make it better for the next generations. The institution has interesting & practical projects, and they want to have support from volunteers who have experiences and knowledge in this field, with the hope of contributing to a greener world.

Simple accommodation in SJ Vietnam’s LTV House. Volunteers will stay in dormitory beds with up to 5-6 volunteers sharing a bedroom and 18 volunteers sharing 2 bathrooms/showers. Volunteers will prepare meals in the kitchen of LTV House. Vegetarian catering is possible.

Ha Noi has many historical and cultural places and it is also a famous destination for tourists. Visiting the old quarters or traditional trade villages are good travelling experiences for volunteers at weekends or in free time. Many cultural festivals are also held in Ha Noi annually so this is a great chance for volunteers to explore the Capital which is 1000 years old.

Ha Noi, Vietnam.

Volunteers really need to have experience in teaching, education and related fields so that they can deal with this challenging work. They will also need to be adaptable to the new lifestyle in Vietnam both in the new environment and the working style.

200 EURO per month.