Project summary

Join a conservation project on the tropical island of Koh Tao, taking part in a variety of local initiatives.

This project focuses on land based conservation, linked together with our marine conservation project on Koh Tao. It's also a good alternative if you like the idea of marine conservation but prefer not to scuba dive!

By increasing awareness and involvement, this project hopes to decrease our impacts on the environment and provide solutions to help preserve Koh Tao. 

A typical day

Each day varies considerably, but you will generally work from around 09:30 to 16:30 from Monday-Friday. 

You will get to take part in a variety of conservation actvities, such as:

• Soil erosion control
• Water Testing
• Plant Surveys
• Photo documentation
• Beach clean-ups
• Compost and garden maintenance
• Snorkel surveys (Green Fins)
• Recycling projects - waste, paper
• Education and awareness campaigns
  

There is also the potential to create individual projects if you are there for more than 2 weeks and there is an area you would like to get particularly involved with.

The location

Koh Tao is a dramatic mix of dense jungle and hilly terrain in its interior and granite outcrops and beaches along its coast.  However, it has become best known for the abundance of excellent dive sites within a short distance of the island.  It is a simple, friendly and fun island with an atmosphere that means people usually stay a lot longer than intended!

You will be based in the relaxed and friendly village of Chalok Ban Khao on the south side of the island.

How you can make a difference

By taking part in this project you will be making a major contribution to conservation on Koh Tao. As the island has become more popular the environment has come under increasing pressure, so there is a real need for action in order to protect the environment and maintain a balance between nature and the demands on it from diving and tourism, the fishing industry and the Thai community. This is a small project that is having a quick and direct impact on the island's environment. 

What's included

• A comprehensive information booklet and pre-departure support
• Travel advice and assistance
• Being met on arrival at Koh Tao
  
• Conservation guidance and support 
  
• Accommodation for 14-28 nights (your own room)
• Ongoing support, help and advice from our local team

What else to budget for

The following items are not included and estimates are given as a guide for your budgeting: flights (£450-£600), travel insurance, visa (no cost if staying less than 30 days), food and general living costs (£50-£75 per week).

Other projects you might also be interested in....

* Marine conservation on Koh Tao (same project but diving based)

* Reef conservation in Belize

* Amazon jungle conservation in Peru

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More details

Background information about the project

The project is lead by a small, friendly and family-owned dive school (run by a British diver) that is dedicated to the protection of the local environment of Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand. It is active on two fronts, surveying the reefs and collecting data, and implementing a range of local environmental initiatives. Since opening 15 years ago, they have made marine/land conservation and management one of their main priorities.

The programme encompasses both research and restoration. Research is the only way to get a true idea of what the problems are and what needs to be done to alleviate them. After the problem has been identified it can be stopped and restoration activities can take place. In the programme we give people from all over the world an opportunity to learn techniques that support local efforts and can be brought to other areas of the world.

Volunteer accommodation and food

You will have your own room in a very attractive and friendly resort just a few minutes walk from the dive school.

Meals are not included in the placement but there are plenty of restaurants nearby, giving you a good choice for eating.  

Freetime and travel opportunities

You will participate in the project from Monday-Friday, with weekends off to relax and explore.  When you are not working you can explore the local area or just relax by the beach.

There are plenty of bars and restaurants on the island, giving you a good choice for eating and going out, as well as a few beachside nightclubs. There are also many activities you can get involved in such as yoga, kick-boxing, Thai cooking.

Challenges

You will need to be reasonably fit and healthy, able to tolerate high temperatures and humidity, and work well within a team.

Where does your money go

PoD is run as a non-profit organisation and does not receive any external funding. We charge a fee for all our placements to cover the overseas costs of volunteering and the costs of running our organisation in the UK. 

For this project approximately 60% of the fee you pay is passed to directly to the centre.

Volunteer reviews

Click here to read volunteer reviews for our Thailand conservation volunteer project.