Plastic Pollution & Conservation
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.
Waste Reduction
Sea Turtle Conservation
Marine Conservation
Plastic Reduction
Flatback Turtle
Coral Reef
Green Sea Turtle
Hawksbill Turtle
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 include local/cultural activities once a week for up to 8 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
Music
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Climbing
Safari/
Zoo
Zoo
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Opera
Sports
Riding
Yoga/
Meditation
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.
You need to speak English (basic level)
required
Medical Form and Passport Copy
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
No specific skills required, all training is provided online 8 weeks prior to program start through self paced training materials.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
What's Included
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)
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.
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.
Dorm Room
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.
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.
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Phuket International Airport (HKT) in Phuket. We assist you to find cheap flights to Thailand.
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.
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
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 - 12 weeks
Program fees
1 week
(min. stay)
$2,175
2 weeks
$2,447
4 weeks
$3,045
6 weeks
$3,592
8 weeks
$4,300
10 weeks
$4,954
12 weeks
(max. stay)
$5,554
Average fees
$1,319
/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.
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.
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.
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- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
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All program fees are charged directly by GVI.
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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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