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Environmental Projects
Protecting and educating tourists about native forests in the Sacred Valley, Peru, working in a national park in Belize, conserving much-needed water in the Oaxacan desert of Mexico, exploring wildlife preserves around Mysore, India, and getting your hands dirty in Northern Thai reforestation, ProWorld’s environmental projects come from the communities to protect their valuable natural resources. Below are some of your options for environmental projects.
ProWorld plants enough trees and installs enough clean burning stoves to offset over 4,000 tonnes of CO2. That is enough to offset the entire carbon footprint of ProWorld and the flights of every volunteer!
Cleaner Burning Stove Project
Since 2003, ProWorld Peru has implemented the Cleaner Burning Stoves Project. Volunteers will work in rural communities in the Sacred Valley constructing and installing stoves in the homes of local Peruvians. The goal of these stoves is to reduce the amount of firewood used by the family and to decrease the amount of smoke inhaled by family members in the home while cooking. Interns will work with families to install stoves in homes, developing educational materials to illustrate how our stoves improve health and save natural resources, administer short health surveys to measure lung capacity and current health problems, conduct follow up visits to communities where ProWorld Peru has installed stoves.
Water Filters Installation Project
Volunteers will have the chance to participate in all aspects of our newest public health project, building and installing ceramic water filters with local families in the Sacred Valley. Every year there are 1.7 million deaths, mainly children under the age of five, due to diarrhea caused by unsafe water. The main goal of the ceramic water filters, when used correctly, is to disinfect dirty and/or bacterial contaminated water, and make it safe for human consumption. Interns will build the filters, develop campaigns to promote their use, install them in community homes, educate families on use, and conduct public health workshops on clean drinking water, safe water storage, and hygiene.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Both the Cleaner Burning Stoves project and the Water Filters projects are part of our Public Health and Construction Initiatives, and therefore are combined into a cohesive volunteership at this time. Volunteers will spend half of the week working on the stoves project, spending a great deal of time out in the field installing stoves and leading follow up education campaigns. Because this work can be very tiring to do every day, the other half of the week will be spent on the filters project, where the majority of the work takes place at the ProWorld Peru office.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Both the Cleaner Burning Stoves project and the Water Filters projects are part of our Public Health and Construction Initiatives, and therefore are combined into a cohesive volunteership at this time. Volunteers will spend half of the week working on the stoves project, spending a great deal of time out in the field installing stoves and leading follow up education campaigns. Because this work can be very tiring to do every day, the other half of the week will be spent on the filters project, where the majority of the work takes place at the ProWorld Peru office.
Recycling and Compost Project
Volunteers have the opportunity to work with school children and community members, educating them about the environment and helping them to put into practice conservation measures. This project will focus on raising awareness about local environmental issues with a focus on leading recycling and composting efforts in local schools and communities. Responsibilities could include soliciting recycling and organic refuse pick-up, creating an education plan, creating a recycling program with local hotels, restaurants, and schools, starting a composting program.
Volunteers have the opportunity to work with school children and community members, educating them about the environment and helping them to put into practice conservation measures. This project will focus on raising awareness about local environmental issues with a focus on leading recycling and composting efforts in local schools and communities. Responsibilities could include soliciting recycling and organic refuse pick-up, creating an education plan, creating a recycling program with local hotels, restaurants, and schools, starting a composting program.
While the environmental portfolio has a number of projects listed below, they all operate under the primary umbrella of Environmental Protection. While volunteers can sign up for a particular focus for their environmental project, they will most likely work in some way on most, if not all, of the environmentally related projects operating in Belize at the time of volunteering.
Elijio Panti National Park
Elijio Panti National Park
The Elijio Panti National Park was founded in 2003 by the Itzamna Society, a local Mayan NGO. This 13,000 acre stretch of land is the newest national park in Belize.
This on-going project includes trail building and maintenance, infrastructure development, signage, bridge construction, tree planting, environmental assessments, promotion & marketing, campground creation & maintenance, educational material development, interpretive trail development, among other projects. Presently, the Elijio Panti National Park project is not available between September-December due to the rainy season making it extremely difficult to reach.
This on-going project includes trail building and maintenance, infrastructure development, signage, bridge construction, tree planting, environmental assessments, promotion & marketing, campground creation & maintenance, educational material development, interpretive trail development, among other projects. Presently, the Elijio Panti National Park project is not available between September-December due to the rainy season making it extremely difficult to reach.
Itzamna Society
Environmental Education Center
The Environmental Education Center was founded in 2005 through the joint efforts of several environmentally conscious, educated, and interested stakeholders to promote an exemplary site for environmental education in Belize. The center includes a 12-acre preserve containing interpretive trails, a gibnut-raising project (gibnut is a local rodent like animal), a small organic farm, and a Tilapia pond.
ProBelize volunteers have been invaluable in the development of infrastructure, manual and brochure design, fundraising and environmental education outreach program to schools and communities. You will work alongside community partners in developing and expanding the centers ability to positively impact the environmental conscience of Belize.
Fondo Oaxaqueño para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (FOCN)
Oaxaca has the most biodiversity out of all the states in Mexico. The Fondo main goal is formulate and strengthen strategies that support the ecosystems and biodiversity in Oaxaca through sustainable practices that come from traditional and scientific knowledge.
They have several projects running to support ecotourism on the coast and throughout Oaxaca.
India
Environmental Projects at ProIndia focus on education and conservation. Mysore, with its nearby lakes, parks, zoo, and wildlife preserves, is well-placed for environmental work. ProIndia works with its local partners to deliver internships that get interns out working in nature, exposing them to India’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty.
Clean Water Wells Building Project
This project aims to increase the availability and accessibility of water within rural villages through construction of various water-harvesting structures (wells, dams, rain tanks), soil and water conservation work and plantation activities. Rajasthan is the driest of all Indian states and its search to provide water solutions is at the heart of the city’s very design. Alongside building work, volunteers may also be required to assist in workshops, activities and support groups with the local community where help from the group is requested for income generation programs and advice.
Thailand
Sustainable agriculture and forestry, and environmental conservation are the major issues addressed by ProThailand's partner environmental organizations. Grassroots efforts require cooperation between Thai and Ethnic communities, government & local municipalities, University faculty and researchers, and, quite often, international stakeholders.
ProThailand Environmental Interns can join local NGOs in grassroots efforts to protect the environment, participating in such initiatives as forest conservation and environmental education. Please be advised environmental projects and conservation efforts are restricted to certain seasons of the year.
Selected Interns will have opportunities to engage in various environmental projects, as well as provide insight into developing small-scale eco-projects.
Environmental projects in Chiang Mai, Thailand include:
WORK WITH RESCUED ELEPHANTS AND RURAL COMMUNITIES
Description of the project:
Based in a rural region outside Chiang Mai, this project works with three elements of the local community to build this fascinating project. The elephant camp is an ecotourism project supporting sick and old elephants who are not able to work as well as unemployed Mahouts (elephant trainers) to provide both with better opportunities, homes and food. A reforestation project works to restore and maintain the local jungle damaged by local practices, and work with the community to change their behavior to make better use of their resources. And work in the local schools provide this rural community an opportunity to develop English, environmental and leadership skills to build a future works with local children - training them how to work as environmental guides and educate them for a future in eco- tourism
Role of the Intern:
Interns bring an international perspective to the work of conservation and ecotourism, passing along their knowledge and enthusiasm to local residents who will benefit the most from this work. Within the elephant camp help is needed with marketing, developing materials and learning English. In the community jungle, tree planting and building water system for the replanting of trees and firebreaks is important and within the schools there is both the need for people to help with building and water sanitation work as well as the schools education program - teaching English, environmental and leadership skills.
Skills Required:
No specific skills are required for this project, but any background or training in forestry, environmental sciences, tourism or similar fields is a bonus. Experience in teaching can be an advantage and any experience in marketing would also help.
TREE PLANTING AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
Description of the Project:
Rebuilding a lost forest and other eco-projects are the focus of this placement, where ProWorld’s environmental volunteers join local NGOs in their grassroots efforts to protect and preserve natural resources. Volunteers mainly participate in forest conservation and environmental education programs designed to teach locals sustainable practices, habits and pursuits. The projects take place within Doi Suthep National Park and the surrounding area to rebuild deforested lands. Volunteers have opportunities to engage in various environmental projects, as well as provide insight into developing small-scale eco-projects.
Role of the Intern:
Interns bring an international perspective to the work of reforestation and conservation, passing along their knowledge and enthusiasm to local residents who will benefit the most from this work. Interns help staff with tree planting, research, and training sessions. Interns can also join the international schools education program, where they work with education staff to coordinate and implement project modules at school events at the project nurseries. Interns help staff to organize project workshops, help create presentations, and report on workshop outcomes.
Skills Required:
No specific skills are required for this project, but any background or training in forestry, environmental sciences or similar fields is a requirement. Experience in teaching school-aged children would be an advantage and basic computing skills, including email and Microsoft Excel, would also help.
Ghana
While Ghana is a country endowed with an abundance of natural resources, lack of past and present management of those resources has led to vast environmental degradation. Problems such as deforestation, overgrazing, and periodic drought have led to desertification, and soil erosion. Ghana's wildlife populations, depleted by habitat loss, have been further threatened by poaching. Economic reform policies put into place in the 1980s, led to rapid industrialization and economic growth in Ghana but at a high expense to the environment. Unsustainable agriculture practices, increased timber exports, and uncontrolled mining have taken their toll. Communities that previously dealt with almost entirely organic trash, now struggle with proper sanitation and waste management strategies.
Work to promote awareness of how health, hygiene, sanitation, pollution and the environment are interrelated and how they affect Ghanaians in local schools and communities. Communities are taught to carry out sustainable practices with the surrounding environment to improve the health and environment of local citizens. Tasks may include teaching/lecturing, planning and implementing workshops, helping to put presentations together, and working with other activities such as tree planting, delivering medical supplies, providing care to victims of disease, research and training. Also interns can be involved in clean up exercises, both organizing and implementing them. There is also the opportunity to be involved in recycling campaigns and exercises.
Brazil
All of Brazil's major ecosystems are threatened, not just the well-known Amazonia. In Bahia, depletion fo the forest, desertification, and beach pollution are major issues. Many species of animals are threatened, including the well-known sea turtle. In Salvador, basic environmental problems related to the lack of sanitation and clean water still persist. Brazil has many advanced laws for the protection of the environment, but implementation is lax.
ProBrazil Environmental Interns work in partnership with local NGOs, including beach clean-up and protection, animal protection, community education, and sustainable tourism.
They have several projects running to support ecotourism on the coast and throughout Oaxaca.
India
Environmental Projects at ProIndia focus on education and conservation. Mysore, with its nearby lakes, parks, zoo, and wildlife preserves, is well-placed for environmental work. ProIndia works with its local partners to deliver internships that get interns out working in nature, exposing them to India’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty.
Clean Water Wells Building Project
This project aims to increase the availability and accessibility of water within rural villages through construction of various water-harvesting structures (wells, dams, rain tanks), soil and water conservation work and plantation activities. Rajasthan is the driest of all Indian states and its search to provide water solutions is at the heart of the city’s very design. Alongside building work, volunteers may also be required to assist in workshops, activities and support groups with the local community where help from the group is requested for income generation programs and advice.
Thailand
Sustainable agriculture and forestry, and environmental conservation are the major issues addressed by ProThailand's partner environmental organizations. Grassroots efforts require cooperation between Thai and Ethnic communities, government & local municipalities, University faculty and researchers, and, quite often, international stakeholders.
ProThailand Environmental Interns can join local NGOs in grassroots efforts to protect the environment, participating in such initiatives as forest conservation and environmental education. Please be advised environmental projects and conservation efforts are restricted to certain seasons of the year.
Selected Interns will have opportunities to engage in various environmental projects, as well as provide insight into developing small-scale eco-projects.
Environmental projects in Chiang Mai, Thailand include:
WORK WITH RESCUED ELEPHANTS AND RURAL COMMUNITIES
Description of the project:
Based in a rural region outside Chiang Mai, this project works with three elements of the local community to build this fascinating project. The elephant camp is an ecotourism project supporting sick and old elephants who are not able to work as well as unemployed Mahouts (elephant trainers) to provide both with better opportunities, homes and food. A reforestation project works to restore and maintain the local jungle damaged by local practices, and work with the community to change their behavior to make better use of their resources. And work in the local schools provide this rural community an opportunity to develop English, environmental and leadership skills to build a future works with local children - training them how to work as environmental guides and educate them for a future in eco- tourism
Role of the Intern:
Interns bring an international perspective to the work of conservation and ecotourism, passing along their knowledge and enthusiasm to local residents who will benefit the most from this work. Within the elephant camp help is needed with marketing, developing materials and learning English. In the community jungle, tree planting and building water system for the replanting of trees and firebreaks is important and within the schools there is both the need for people to help with building and water sanitation work as well as the schools education program - teaching English, environmental and leadership skills.
Skills Required:
No specific skills are required for this project, but any background or training in forestry, environmental sciences, tourism or similar fields is a bonus. Experience in teaching can be an advantage and any experience in marketing would also help.
TREE PLANTING AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
Description of the Project:
Rebuilding a lost forest and other eco-projects are the focus of this placement, where ProWorld’s environmental volunteers join local NGOs in their grassroots efforts to protect and preserve natural resources. Volunteers mainly participate in forest conservation and environmental education programs designed to teach locals sustainable practices, habits and pursuits. The projects take place within Doi Suthep National Park and the surrounding area to rebuild deforested lands. Volunteers have opportunities to engage in various environmental projects, as well as provide insight into developing small-scale eco-projects.
Role of the Intern:
Interns bring an international perspective to the work of reforestation and conservation, passing along their knowledge and enthusiasm to local residents who will benefit the most from this work. Interns help staff with tree planting, research, and training sessions. Interns can also join the international schools education program, where they work with education staff to coordinate and implement project modules at school events at the project nurseries. Interns help staff to organize project workshops, help create presentations, and report on workshop outcomes.
Skills Required:
No specific skills are required for this project, but any background or training in forestry, environmental sciences or similar fields is a requirement. Experience in teaching school-aged children would be an advantage and basic computing skills, including email and Microsoft Excel, would also help.
Ghana
While Ghana is a country endowed with an abundance of natural resources, lack of past and present management of those resources has led to vast environmental degradation. Problems such as deforestation, overgrazing, and periodic drought have led to desertification, and soil erosion. Ghana's wildlife populations, depleted by habitat loss, have been further threatened by poaching. Economic reform policies put into place in the 1980s, led to rapid industrialization and economic growth in Ghana but at a high expense to the environment. Unsustainable agriculture practices, increased timber exports, and uncontrolled mining have taken their toll. Communities that previously dealt with almost entirely organic trash, now struggle with proper sanitation and waste management strategies.
ProWorld Ghana Environmental volunteers work to promote environmental awareness in local schools and communities. They also support local community eco-tourism projects which provide an economic incentive to local community members to protect their natural resources and help to promote environmental awareness.
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND SANITATION PROJECTWork to promote awareness of how health, hygiene, sanitation, pollution and the environment are interrelated and how they affect Ghanaians in local schools and communities. Communities are taught to carry out sustainable practices with the surrounding environment to improve the health and environment of local citizens. Tasks may include teaching/lecturing, planning and implementing workshops, helping to put presentations together, and working with other activities such as tree planting, delivering medical supplies, providing care to victims of disease, research and training. Also interns can be involved in clean up exercises, both organizing and implementing them. There is also the opportunity to be involved in recycling campaigns and exercises.
Brazil
All of Brazil's major ecosystems are threatened, not just the well-known Amazonia. In Bahia, depletion fo the forest, desertification, and beach pollution are major issues. Many species of animals are threatened, including the well-known sea turtle. In Salvador, basic environmental problems related to the lack of sanitation and clean water still persist. Brazil has many advanced laws for the protection of the environment, but implementation is lax.
ProBrazil Environmental Interns work in partnership with local NGOs, including beach clean-up and protection, animal protection, community education, and sustainable tourism.
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