Land Tortoise
Lion Cub
Turin City Square
Baby Elephant
Fruit and Vegetable Market in Riobamba
CVA Gallipoli Team 2006
Aussie Crew
CHINA
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Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday modern life and embark on a journey to Muni Township in Songpan country. This program offers volunteers the unique opportunity to engage with Tibetan people of the Township of Muni, help to restore the local environment, learn about local culture, history and the religious practices of the Tibetan people.
The township of Muni is located 30kms west of Songpan in northern China, the township consists of five villages which lie within a very scenic valley. 95% of the population are Tibetan. In the past, the region was subjected to heavy logging, the local environment has suffered considerably, some of the local environmental issues include erosion, loss of wildlife and increased flooding. Recently the Chinese government has put a stop to the logging and established the EU-China Natural Forest Management Project to help introduce new forms of income to the village, such as ecotourism and to revegetate and protect new and old growth forests. Primarily volunteers will be working to establish walking trails, and install interpretive signage. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to partake in dumpling & tea making class, visit several Buddhist temples, and unleash their artistic talents with traditional Thangka painting and Mani stone carving.The locals have been busily preparing for the arrival of new tourist and in particular those who are willing to take time to engage in local practices and help to develop sustainable forms of tourism.
Given the remote location of the project it is important that volunteers are aware that they will have limited access to modern day luxuries! Rooms are dorm share, with four beds per room, showers are solar heated, toilets are bush compost style and the food is very unlike western tastes. Having mentioned that, the accommodation is new and has been built with the purpose of hosting western visitors, there is good mobile phone reception, and volunteers will be able to make regular visits into Songpan for hot showers, laundry, internet, shopping, tibetan massages and western style meals.
The team will travel by bus from Chengdu to Songpan On the round trip volunteers will also have the opportunity to visit the Giant Panda Breeding station, and the beautiful Huanglong National Scenic Reserve. This is a really unique opportunity for cultural immersion as you help preserve the local environment.
Program Dates: Friday 23rd May - Friday 6th June (14 Nights/15 Days)
Program Price: $2,500
Inclusive of all meals, twin share accommodation, project related transport, hotel pick up and drop off in Chengdu (from hotel Samsara or Sims backpackers). Program fee also includes entry to Dujiangyang World Heritage Site, Wolong Giant Panda Breeding Centre, Er Dao Hai Scenic Reserve, Zhaga Scenic Reserve, Huanglong National Scenic Reserve and Baoen Temple; tour and Tanka painting at Zhaga Monastery; Tour and Mani Stone carving demonstration at Xia Bao Monastery, welcome ceremony to Muni Township, dumpling making class. Program fee also include program development fee to for the Muni Township community fund.
The program price does not include, airfares, travel and medical insurance, visas, vaccination related costs, airline and departure taxes, passport related costs, chair lift at Huanlong or other recreational activities which may be available.
It’s easy to book - simply:
- Click on the country that you are interested in then read the program notes
- Carefully read the Booking terms & Conditions
- Complete an Online Application Form
- Download a List of Essential Items
- Any questions? Check out our FAQ, email info@conservationvolunteers.com.au or Freecall 1800 032 501
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