Can Gio Mangrove Reserve is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the most important wetland conservation sites in Vietnam.
It covers 75,740 hectares and is dominated by mangroves, including both salt water and brackish water species. Can Gio has a high biodiversity with more than 200 species of fauna and 52 species of flora. The site is an important wildlife sanctuary in Vietnam as it is characterized by a wetland biosystem dominated by mangrove and many rare species.
Today, it has become one of the most extensive sites of rehabilitated mangroves in the world. One of the main advantages of the biosphere reserve is that it provides the opportunity to work on environmental protection on a continuum of habitats, ranging from the sea to the boundary of Ho Chi Minh City, the biggest industrial city in Vietnam. The mangrove forest is regarded as the “green lungs” of the city.
The aim of this project is to reforest unproductive land within Can Gio Biosphere Reserve that has little remaining original vegetation on it. Existing trees will remain but new native trees will be planted. Volunteers will join the efforts to regenerate the area, bring back a forest, and restore its biodiversity.
Language: English
Duration of the project: 2 – 3 weeks. Please select the dates that work best for you and submit them with your application.
Arrival and orientation: The project starts on Tuesday, except on holidays. Volunteers arrive in Ho Chi Minh City on Monday or Tuesday of every week.
A one- to three-day orientation and training is provided at the beginning of the project. It covers topics such as aims and structure of the program, introduction to Vietnam and tourist destinations recommendation, practical information and arrangements, basic Vietnamese and local travel guide and visits to host placement(s).
Accommodation: Volunteers will stay in a dormitory in shared rooms. The house has TV, PC, free Wi-Fi, fridge, washing machine, air conditioner, cooking facilities and common room. There is a cook who prepares a wide variety of delicious and authentic Vietnamese dishes with locally sourced fresh produce daily during the week. On weekends, meals will be served at a restaurant nearby.
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 280 Euro for the first 2 weeks plus 80 Euro per extra week. The extra fee is intended to support the local host of the project who does not have sufficient funds. It is due upon arrival.
Photo credit: Storm Cunningham