Plastic Pollution & Conservation

Agency
·
founded in 1998
Graeme
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Coordinator | Graeme
Coordinator | Graeme
Book with Flex Option! Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.

High­lights

Assist directly with minimising the impact of marine litter in Thailand.
Build the capacity of local people to operate their own long-term sustainable development projects.
Promote environmental awareness by working with local students.
Work on conserving the endangered green turtle and learn about threats to sea turtle populations.
Contribute to biodiversity research to aid in the conservation of formally protected areas.
Live in the small coastal village of Ban Nam Khem and contribute to Coastal Conservation initiatives with a focus on plastic pollution. This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

Six of the seven species of sea turtles are classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, IUCN Red List as threatened or endangered. The green sea turtle, specifically, is classified as endangered. 


Work alongside the Thai government on turtle conservation projects to work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals #14, Life below Water and #15 Life on Land.

You could expect to be involved in sea turtle conservation activities; beach clean ups to reduce plastic pollution; island conservation activities which involves travelling to a remote island to conduct camera trap, bird and butterfly as well as biodiversity surveys; and environmental education for local community members. 

This internship an optional Marine Conservation online courses which must be completed in order to obtain a certificate offered in partnership with the University of Richmond in the United States.

Typical day

Participants are expected to remain flexible as project work changes based on weather as well as needs of our project partners. 

Estimated Schedule:
  • 5 or 6am: Wake up call
  • 6 - 10 am: First Survey/Work at the Turtle Center
  • 12pm: Lunch
  • 1pm - 4pm: Second Survey 
  • 6pm: Dinner 
  • 9pm: Bed Time

Free-time activities

By participating in this program, you are not only offered an opportunity to work toward conserving ecosystems but also the opportunity to see local sites! Our dedicated field staff are the best resource when researching local trips, they have compiled this list of activities. 

These side trips are not included in the program fee but are highly recommended: 
  • Krabi Province
  • Phuket Island & City
  • Island Hopping
  • Explore some of the top beaches
  • Khao Lak 
  • Khao Sok National park 
  • Phang Nga Bay
  • Mu Koh Chang National Park
  • Koh Tao Island
  • Kao Yai National Park
  • Nan Province
  • Ayuthaya
  • Chiang Mai
  • Bangkok
The possibilities are endless! 

We also now include cultural/local experiences. These experiences will take place once every 4 weeks. 

These activities may include: 

  • Learn to make traditional Thai and Burmese food 
  • Visit the Buddhist temples of Ban Nam Khem
  • Practice traditional Thai yoga massage
  • Master Muay Thai self-defence techniques 
  • Raft along the Sok River
  • Hike to hidden waterfalls 
  • Visit an untouched mangrove island
  • Sleep in a floating river bungalow

Water Sports
Swimming
Concert/
Music
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Climbing
Safari/
Zoo
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Sports
Riding
Yoga/
Meditation

Require­ments

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
Required Documents
Medical Form and Passport Copy
Nationality Restrictions
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Other Skills
No specific skills required, all training is provided online 8 weeks prior to program start through self paced training materials.
Time Commitment
Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

What's Included

Services by GVI

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • 24-hour emergency phone
  • 24-hour in-country support
  • Access to Alumni Services and Discounts
  • Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
  • All necessary project equipment and materials
  • All necessary project training by experienced staff provided online 8 weeks prior to program start: 
    • PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION (1 hour)
    • PROGRAM SPECIFIC TRAINING (1 - 5 hours)
    • OPTIONAL: MARINE CONSERVATION COURSE (10 - 15 hours)
  • Location orientation
  • Long term experienced staff
  • Meals while on project (except on work placements for long term internships)
  • Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
  • Welcome meeting

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • Additional drinks and gratuities
  • Extra local excursions
  • Flights
  • International and domestic airport taxes
  • Medical and travel insurance
  • Personal items and toiletries
  • Police or background check
  • Visa costs (where necessary)

Airport Pickup at Phuket International Airport

We will ensure, whenever possible, that one of our dedicated staff will be available to meet you at the airport. We will arrange with you prior to your departure that, should you arrive in the agreed upon pick up window, a member of our staff will be there to welcome you, easily identifiable in a GVI t-shirt or holding a GVI sign and wearing a friendly smile. 

Accommodation
Our GVI base is located in the small fishing village of Ban Nam Khem, about one and half hours from Phuket airport, and about half an hour from the tourism resort town of Khao Lak. The village offers participants the chance to experience living in a real Thai community, tucked away from the usual busy hotspots. 

The base is only a ten minute walk from the beach and a fifteen minute walk from the centre of the village where you can find little markets and street food vendors. Our participants share the home, including a space to learn or relax, with GVI staff and other participants from all around the world. Rooms are shared with a maximum of 6 participants per room. Each room has a bathroom with showers and flushing toilets.


Dorm Room
Food & Beverages
This program gives participants the opportunity to experience authentic Southern Thai cuisine, while still having the chance to share some of their own favourite meals from back home. Breakfasts might include toast, cereal, and, of course, a wide arrange of Thailand’s tropical fruit. On some days participants can prepare eggs and pancakes. From Sunday to Thursday night lunches and dinners are prepared by local chefs,  and on the weekends, participants can prepare their own meals.
Internet Access
Limited access at the project site
What's NOT included?
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
Flight Tickets
The nearest airport is Phuket International Airport (HKT) in Phuket. We assist you to find cheap flights to Thailand.
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 Thailand provides security and is a plus to have.
Vaccines
If you are intending to volunteer in Thailand you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Thailand.

Dates & Fees

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Details on arrival

2022

  • 08 Jan 2022
  • 22 Jan 2022
  • 05 Feb 2022
  • 19 Feb 2022
  • 05 Mar 2022
  • 19 Mar 2022
  • 02 Apr 2022
  • 16 Apr 2022
  • 30 Apr 2022
  • 14 May 2022
  • 28 May 2022
  • 11 Jun 2022
  • 25 Jun 2022
  • 09 Jul 2022
  • 23 Jul 2022
  • 06 Aug 2022
  • 20 Aug 2022
  • 03 Sep 2022
  • 17 Sep 2022
  • 01 Oct 2022
  • 15 Oct 2022
  • 29 Oct 2022
  • 12 Nov 2022
  • 26 Nov 2022
  • 10 Dec 2022
2023
  • 07 Jan 2023
  • 21 Jan 2023
  • 04 Feb 2023
  • 18 Feb 2023
  • 04 Mar 2023
  • 18 Mar 2023
  • 01 Apr 2023
  • 15 Apr 2023
  • 29 Apr 2023
  • 13 May 2023
  • 27 May 2023
  • 10 Jun 2023
  • 24 Jun 2023
  • 08 Jul 2023
  • 22 Jul 2023
  • 05 Aug 2023
  • 19 Aug 2023
  • 02 Sep 2023
  • 16 Sep 2023
  • 30 Sep 2023
  • 14 Oct 2023
  • 28 Oct 2023
  • 11 Nov 2023
  • 25 Nov 2023
  • 09 Dec 2023

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Duration
1 - 12 weeks

Program fees

Costs: Prices in USD
1 week (min. stay)
$2,234
2 weeks
$2,514
4 weeks
$3,129
6 weeks
$3,690
8 weeks
$4,418
10 weeks
$5,090
12 weeks (max. stay)
$5,706
Average fees
$1,355 /week

The organization charges its fees in EUR. The price table in USD is subject to currency fluctuation. GVI will let you know about the final price during your application process.
Deposit (15%)
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 (85%)
Your final payment will be agreed with GVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Why book with Volunteer World

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Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
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Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if GVI cancels your trip
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Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by GVI.

What are people saying about Volunteer World?

Plastic Pollution & Conservation

Live in the small coastal village of Ban Nam Khem and contribute to Coastal Conservation initiatives with a focus on plastic pollution.

$1210/week

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