from 817€

Excellent 4.8rating (151)

Mangrove Environmental Conservation Supporter

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Create positive and meaningful change to the local ecosystems
  • Challenge your skills and knowledge in a new and demanding environment
  • Meet likeminded individuals and lifelong friends in fun and challenging scenarios
  • Experience the historically complex and diverse Cambodian culture
  • Explore incredible landscapes and tourist locations such as Angkor Wat and Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary in your free time

Especially suitable

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

Help reverse the trend of severe deforestation through conservation activities in the beautiful coastal regions of Kampot.

Kampot is often viewed as a place which truly reflects rural Cambodia. With its slow paced, relaxed and vibrant environment intertwined with its beautiful landscape, it offers a truly unforgettable experience. Of the town’s 2,500 inhabitants, over 80% are directly dependent on the region’s ...

About the program

Kampot is often viewed as a place which truly reflects rural Cambodia. With its slow paced, relaxed and vibrant environment intertwined with its beautiful landscape, it offers a truly unforgettable experience. Of the town’s 2,500 inhabitants, over 80% are directly dependent on the region’s long-standing fishing industry. A vital necessity for this is the management of mangrove plantation. Unfortunately, in recent years, numerous mangrove sites have been removed from the river banks. Instead, many locals favour salt plantations, as these offer a greater short-term profit. This has contributed to a severe increase in illegal fishing within the province.

The aim of this project is to conserve mangrove plantations. The objective is to reverse the trend of removing mangrove sites, which has seen a rapid increase during recent years as local salt farms have taken precedence. This can realistically only be achieved through the education of younger generations, combined with the continual physical work of planting new mangroves.

*Do consider this job requires physical strength and endurance in hot weather conditions. In addition, your work will vary from day to day.  

As a participant in this project, you will be part of a supportive and inclusive team environment, engaging in various tasks. These may include planting mangrove trees, monitoring water quality, conducting surveys, and assisting with community outreach programs. No prior experience is necessary, as the subject matter expert will provide comprehensive training and guidance throughout the project. Being open-minded and adaptable to different cultural settings is essential.

Your  tasks may involve:

  • Planting young mangrove seedlings, removing invasive species, and monitoring the health of existing mangroves.
  • Assisting with maintenance work in the plant nursery and planting terrestrial trees around the site.
  • Collecting data on the terrain, tree health, and environmental changes.
  • Conducting fish catch surveys and identifying species present in the mangrove channels.
  • Contributing to the development of outreach and educational materials, such as posters, presentations, and videos. You will also engage with the local community and participate in community outreach activities, including visits to the local community centre. This will provide you with insights into the local culture and traditions while raising awareness about the significance of mangroves.

Throughout the project, the subject matter expert will be available to provide necessary training and support. Daily activities will be planned on-site by the subject matter expert, considering project requirements and needs.

Location

Located 7 kilometers away from Kampot, the project takes place in a very rural area of Cambodia where you will be able to enjoy nature at its fullest, either by jumping into the river, taking a boat ride to the delta or simply staring at the myriad of stars that light up the sky at night. Kampot, situated in south western region of Cambodia is becoming very popular due to it’s abundance of natural beauty and french cultural heritage. This area is often viewed as the place which reflects the true Cambodia. Slow paced, relaxed yet vibrant with a beautiful environment and landscape. The French architectural legacy still remains in many parts of this town.



Typical day

Monday
  • Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents.
  • Khmer Do's and Don'ts, Khmer Culture Lessons and Khmer Language Lessons.
  • Tour around the compound and local area; where to find local shops, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
  • Lunch
  • Introd

Typical day

Monday
  • Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents.
  • Khmer Do's and Don'ts, Khmer Culture Lessons and Khmer Language Lessons.
  • Tour around the compound and local area; where to find local shops, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
  • Lunch
  • Introduction to the Project, Project site and start participating on the project.

Tuesday to Friday
Your tasks and activities will vary depending on the current needs of the plantation site. There is much more involved to planting than simply placing a seed into the ground, and you will be taken through the step by step process of every activity by local fishermen.

We may work on plantations around the accommodation by repairing young mangroves or head to the nearby delta by boat (20 minutes) to collect seedlings for planting at the nursery. Depending on local conditions.

Moreover, we also aim to educate the youngsters of the village by teaching them English at the accommodation. This, however, is entirely optional.

Saturday to Sunday
You are free to choose what to do during your weekends - it is your free time after all! Many of our participants choose to explore what Cambodia has to offer.

However, we do offer an optional itinerary, at no extra cost, where we focus on the poorest members of the Kampot community. We are very proud of our work here, distributing second-hand clothes to the local community. We do provide these clothes, but if you have clothes you would otherwise throw away, feel free to bring them along.

***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***


Free-time activities

Weekend participants are always free to relax at the accommodation, take a bicycle into town, expand your sightseeing or visit the many sites and beaches in and around Kampot. The option is provided to volunteers to continue aiding the community by distributing second hand clothes to the poorest in ...

Free-time activities

Weekend participants are always free to relax at the accommodation, take a bicycle into town, expand your sightseeing or visit the many sites and beaches in and around Kampot. The option is provided to volunteers to continue aiding the community by distributing second hand clothes to the poorest in the village, clothes provided. However, if you have some that you wish to donate they are always welcome.There is also the possibility to take a taxi to Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville for the weekend. Friendly staff are always there to make your choice easier with their advice.

More things to do...

Angkor Wat

You can't make a trip to Cambodia without visiting Angkor Wat. This is a stunning temple. Head there for sunrise to get the reflection over the water. Angkor Wat can easily be reached from the friendly backpacker town of Siem Reap. 

Rabbit Island

Koh Tonsay or 'rabbit island' is situated a 30 boat ride from the town of Kep. This small paradise island has no wifi, only a handful of cafes and that’s about it! All the accommodation are simple wooden beach bungalows, which just adds to the simple way of living. This is a great chance to get away from the crowds, enjoy the sunset over the ocean and to really and truly relax. 

S21 Prison & Killing Fields

The Khmer Rouge era was a tragic and horrific few years in Cambodia's past, where millions of people were killed or sent away to work at various camps. Visit the S21 prison, where people were held as prisoners. This is quite a saddening visit but one that allows a better insight and understanding into exactly what happened during this time. The killing fields are situated just out from the capital. Again, a sad but very humbling visit. 

Sihanoukville

This beachside town is popular with backpackers, for its lovely beaches and great nightlife. The best beaches are found off from the mainland, where there are plenty of island-hopping tours. 

Siem Reap

The main town closest to Angkor Wat, this is very backpacker friendly, with plenty of cheap places to stay of you want to visit on a weekend. There are many bars, clubs and entertainment in the evenings. During the day you can visit the nearby temples, floating markets, get a fish pedicure in town or a relaxing massage. 

Jungle Trekking

There are plenty of hiking and trekking trails available in Cambodia. There’s lush jungle, gorgeous waterfalls and plenty of wildlife. You can head into the Cardamon mountains, Mondulkiri province or head to natural waterfalls on the outskirts of Siem Reap or Phnom Penh.

Battambang

This countryside town is known for it's colonial buildings and artsy vibes. While still quite rural, the town has lots of cafes and western places to eat, as well as markets of all kinds. Head out into the country and check out the bamboo train. This used to be a very basic wooden panel which you sat on to ride through the countryside. It has now been updated with proper seats but still a fun and unique thing to do!


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Criminal Background Check

required

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Involvement Volunteers IVI

Program fee includes:
  • Accommodation
  • 3 meals p/day 
  • Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
  • Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
  • 1 day orientation
  • Daily transportation to project
  • In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
  • Fundraising support
  • University course credits (where applicable)
  • Certificate of Completion

Airport Pickup at Phnom Penh International Airport

Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH). You must arrive between 06:00 – 14:00 Sunday.

If arriving outside the pickup times you can book a private transfer and any extra nights for an additional fee. Or you can arrange your own accommodation and transport.

From the airport to the Kampot accommodation, it takes around 3 hours by taxi. 

Accommodation

Volunteers stay in traditional riverside community bungalow. Bedrooms will be shared between 1 to 2 people per room on a single-gender basis. The bathrooms are shared, with cold showers and authentic toilets (bucket style!).  Fans and mosquito nets are provided but you may want to bring your own net for extra protection! 

Numerous ATMs and internet cafes can be found in the town (ANZ Royal Bank and Canadia Bank) which is 7km by tuk-tuk. There is no WiFi on site. We are based in quite a secluded location. However, you can find two traditional Cambodian restaurants within walking distance of the accommodation. This location is right in front of a river, where you can swim, kayak or ride a boat. It is a beautiful area surrounded by nature.

Food & Beverages

All food is included during your volunteer stay. You will be provided with three delicious and nutritious meals per day, with traditional local flavorings. The meals will be typical Cambodian, including plenty of vegetarian rice and fish dishes with some western style meals also included.


What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Internet Access

Sorry, no access at the project site

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) in Phnom Penh. We assist you to find cheap flights to Cambodia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Cambodia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Cambodia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Cambodia. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

This program runs on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, with arrivals on Sunday. 
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 817€
2 weeks 1,053€
3 weeks 1,410€
4 weeks 1,763€
8 weeks 3,160€
12 weeks (max. stay) 4,576€
Average fees 599€/week

Program fees

599€ per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

1 - 12 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Involvement Volunteers IVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Involvement Volunteers IVI

Excellent 4.8 rating (151 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 1989

Verified by Volunteer World

  Excellent response rate

Coordinated by

Lauren

Spoken languages: English

About the project

IVI are a non profit org with 28 years experience providing responsible volunteer placements in 15 countries worldwide. We help you connect with inspiring opportunities

Meet your organization

Involvement Volunteers International delivers positive social change to developing communities and vulnerable populations through local, national & international volunteering.  Our projects empower the skilled & un-skilled to catalyse the efforts of local partners in creating a better world.


WHO WE ARE

Founded in 1989, IVI is a pioneer of overseas volunteering.  Back when there was no internet and phones were a luxury in many parts of the world, we traveled to developing countries in search of credible NGO's in need of manpower and global volunteer resources.  Some of the many relationships we forged are utilized to this day. 

We are passionate about volunteering and giving back to society and in particular developing communities which are less fortunate than us.  In this way, we combine travelling with volunteering to help people make a positive impact overseas.

SOCIAL EXPERIENCES
All of IVI’s projects have a strong social element at the core.  With more manpower (& womanpower!) we can truly catalyse the efforts of our local partners.  This means you're sure to meet loads of like-minded people from all parts of the world.   This type of experience truly broadens your understanding of the world and yourself, opening your heart to new enlightened ways of thinking .   With your new found travel companions, you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore and have fun!  

Our projects create a unique platform to experience the true heart and soul of a destination rather than simply the tourist areas.   We'll involve you in meaningful & responsible volunteer work that really benefits the local communities.

AFFORDABLE VOLUNTEER TRAVEL
As a non profit org, we are not motivated by shareholder profits.  Our fee structure is fully transparent to ensure volunteers hard earned money is going directly to the areas where it is most needed.  It is vitally important to us that the presence of volunteers has a positive and sustainable impact on the local communities we work with.   

We charge a one off US$275 application fee per volunteer to cover the running of IVI including administration overheads, project inspection costs, marketing, and salaries.

The program fee starts at $150 p/week and goes straight to the in country management to cover arrival airport transfers, on the ground coordination, orientation, accommodation, meals, in country 24/7 project support, project development, donations and related administration costs.   

In comparison to many of our competitors, our programs are incredible value.

SAFETY & RESPONSIBLE PROGRAMS
With approx 80-90% of our volunteers being single young female travelers, volunteer safety is of the utmost importance.  All of our projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management support contact as well as a dedicated placement manager pre/post journey.  This ensures you will be cared for every step of the way.    The local teams are highly experienced and qualified to manage emergency situations.

All IVI projects have been personally inspected to ensure the standards meet necessary guidelines for quality and safety.  In addition, we monitor and maintain communication with local embassies to oversee potential issues in order to notify volunteers and their families accordingly.   

Our Australian team are available 24/7 and only a phone call away.

Our responsibility also extends to the local people which is why volunteers working in childcare related fields must provide a criminal background check before they travel.   Our ultimate goal is the long term development of the communities we work with, hence we work closely with our local partners to ensure that projects are needs driven and sustainable. 

SUPPORT

From your very first inquiry, right through to your welcome home, you'll have the same dedicated volunteer manager at every stage.  We are experts in the field and will provide you in depth insights about what to expect and how to prepare to ensure you have an amazing experience overseas.  Every project includes a detailed welcome pack which provides all aspects needed such as in country contacts, what to pack, cultural values, basic language guides and much much more.   

On arrival at your destination, you'll be greeted by one of our in-country team and in many cases 1 week orientation is provided to help ease you into the way of life and ensure you're equipped with the right customs to ensure a successful volunteer abroad experience.  

FUN!
Volunteering abroad is quite possibly the most rewarding experience you will have in your life!   We know this not only through our own experiences, but through the testimonies from thousands of volunteers we have successfully placed worldwide over 27+ years in operation.  Volunteering overseas is not only rewarding.   It's fun!   You're meeting new people, you're seeing new sights, and you're expanding your understanding of yourself and the world.  You're experiencing something real and life changing in many ways...  

GET INVOLVED WITH IVI TODAY!

151 reviews · rating4.8

Jennifer Steinborm rating4.4

2024 at Support Woman & Children Commune

From the first day in Fiji I felt incredibly welcome there! Mere and Masi were very helpful from the start and showed me everything. I enjoyed working with the women at the Lovu HART Village at the office and when kindergarten started I loved seeing the kids every day and helping them where I could. ..
ANNA RATTERO rating4.2

2024 at Kindergarten Teaching Assistant

È stata una bellissima esperienza, stare con i bambini è stato magnifico! Loro non parlano bene inglese quindi ho comunicato con loro usando soprattutto sguardi e gesti. Si ha la possibilità di conoscere persone del posto, conoscere una nuova cultura e offrire il proprio contributo nel fare ...
I can’t express enough how much Meki, Tima and Paulina took care of me. They would even fan me when I was eating and if I was lying on the front deck (anywhere I was actually if they thought it was needed😆) I’ve never been fanned before😆 Sitting up the head of the table being fanned and ...
Gabriele Heumann rating4.8

2024 at Nutrition & Public Health Outreach Assistant

Vielen Dank für die tolle Erfahrung. Ein besonderes Lob für Carrun, ich würde es gerne immer wieder machen. Dankeschön auch am Marie und Masi tolle Gastfamilie. Ich kann sie nur weiterempfehlen ...
Errol S rating5

2024 at Turtle Conservation Assistance

It was an amazing week working with a diverse group of volunteers from around the world. We got to experience working with turtles from nearly hatched to around 8 months old. They were extremely cute and you could really see the impact of the volunteering when we released them into the wild. It ...
I went for four weeks in Bali to teach English in a kindergarten to children. I made it throug games and exercises. They were very friendly and respectful. They have immediately considered me as their teacher. They knew very little English but all that I had to do was smile and use gestures. For any ...

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