Voluntourism type project in Lao PDR initiated by Wildlife Conservation Society

We are supporting a travel philanthropy  voluntourism type project in Lao PDR initiated by Wildlife Conservation Society  - see attached pdf

The greatest conservation challenges in Lao PDR are the domestic and international wildlife trade and unsustainable hunting for subsistence consumption. Some of the country’s most charismatic species, such as tigers, are heavily targeted by poachers.

*The concept*

The NKNPA is managed by the Government of Lao with technical input from the Wildlife Conservation Society.  As part of sustainable financing for the NKNPA, WCS and the GoL have built the Nam Kading Research and Training Centre (NKRTC) on the edge of the protected area.  With the aims of:

* Educating Lao and Foreign visitors about the NKNPA
* Provide locations for Foreign and Local scientists to research the biodiversity of the NKNPA

 The centre is in the stages of being set up and will be run by local villages and the protected area to benefit both local populations and support funding for management of the biodiversity in the NKNPA.

*The Intern*

The NKNPA is looking for motivated, self reliant, recent graduates with a background and interest in conservation and tourism, to assist in setting up this exciting new centre.  The intern will work with local
guides to set up educational treks into the NKNPA, set up trainings for villagers in management the NKRTC.  Three hikes are being developed into the heart of the NKNPA.

The person we are looking for needs

-  Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, with an ability to listen and respond appropriately
-  Ability to work in a team and contribute effectively
-  Friendly, approachable and helpful nature
-  Desire to help others learn new skills
-  Ability to be flexible and adaptable
-  Interest andor experience in wildlife conservation

Interested individuals should send CV to challam@wcs.org

INTERNSHIP SAVE LAO PDR final 20090805.pdf

Steve Noakes
Director, Pacific Asia Tourism Pty Ltd
P.O. Box 7855, Gold Coast 9726, Australia
steve@pacificasiatourism.org
http://www.pacificasiatourism.org/

Director: http://www.ecolodgesindonesia.com/
Founding Partner: http://www.oceaniatourismalliance.net/
Adjunct Professor, Griffith University, Australia