environmental conservation in nepal

Environmental degradation is a significant concern in Nepal. Problems such as loss of bio-diversity, deforestation, soil erosion, and environmental pollution threaten human survival. Environmental conservation projects address these issues directly through community education and collaboration and hands-on conservation work. Volunteers participate in programs to develop medicinal plants, support local farmers with crop development and seed distribution, assist in erosion control planting efforts, or maintain local nurseries. These simple village-based nurseries produce seedlings used to support reforestation efforts through the establishment of community and private forests. All products produced in the nurseries go directly to the local people. Volunteers may work with local villagers or other volunteers in activities such as sowing, mulching, watering, weeding, and farming.

Eligibility: All applicants should have: a desire to help the people of Nepal, flexibility, self-motivation, openness to a new culture and a willingness to learn.

Pre-Departure Information: Before participants embark on their trip abroad, they will be provided a pre-departure handbook that includes important details about their experience abroad. In addition, volunteers may contact World Endeavors any time prior to departure with questions.

Food: Food is provided as part of all volunteer placements. Traditional Nepalese food is served to volunteers three times a day.

Before you apply, please consider the following:

• Can you camp?
• Can you live without modern plumbing, hot water and electricity?
• Are you aware that most volunteers experience illness at some point during their stay?
• Are you open enough to accept and respect a culture no matter how different it is from your first culture?
• Are you comfortable with yourself? At times you may feel isolated, particularly when you arrive in a village knowing no one.
• Are you hungry to learn? You'll learn a new language, a new culture, a new way of life.
• Can you handle culture shock? The moment you step off the plane you will be in a world where very little is familiar.
• Are you flexible? Developing countries, and Nepal in particular, are not as obsessed with time as the US or Europe. Often, schedules are ignored or appointments begin later than arranged. You may also encounter corruption in government officials and local administrators.

If you decide to volunteer in Nepal, you are opening the door to the possibility for a personally enriching and life-changing experience.

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