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Introduction: The Community Watershed Management and Agricultural Development Program is offered in collaboration with The Life Development Center (LDC) of Chiang Dao, Thailand. LDC was established in order to help underprivileged and marginalized tribal people. As they are not official Thai citizens, tribal people (such as ethnic hill tribe groups including Lahu, Lisu and Karen) do not have access to government resources. As such they suffer from poverty and experience serious problems related to highly restricted farming areas, limited education, drug use, potential for human trafficking, and discrimination. Tribal people live mostly in remote mountainous areas where they practice subsistence farming and produce crops such as rice, potatoes and bok choy for market using unsustainable agricultural practices. Crop loss is common due to top soil erosion and improper use of chemical pesticides. According to the United Nations Development Program, the average income of one family living in this manner is estimated at less than $1 US per person per day. These figures are well below the poverty line, as defined by the local Thai government. LDC is working within a mountainous watershed area to support local communities and to reverse the negative effects of unsustainable agriculture, slash and burn farming and waste management. More than 5,000 people live within this watershed area and millions are affected downstream as it is a major tributary for the Ping River which flows south to the northern capitol of Chiang Mai. Soil erosion and pesticides have severe long term consequences in terms of clean water supply, fishing, sustainable agriculture and community well-being. A healthy environment contributes to improved livelihoods of people and helps to reduce other social and economic boundaries. This project is specifically designed to give participants a deep understanding of LDC and its mission while gaining practical experience in natural resource management. Volunteers will interact with local tribal people and contribute to developing a functioning organic farm and community forest model. In this example, some forest resource extraction for local economic development is permitted but the overall integrity of the forest ecosystem is maintained. Project Goals and Tasks: Volunteer activities may include: establishing self-sufficient economic project models such as a working organic farm and a learning center. By creating these models of sustainable agriculture and forest management practices, volunteers will be showcasing the benefits of protecting the watershed area. In the short term, tasks such as planting fruit trees and crops that need little or no chemical pesticides, building a learning center and teaching English aim to empower local people to make changes to their practices that will benefit themselves and their community. In the long term these tasks will contribute directly to improved top soil retention, cleaner water and a healthier environment for people and wildlife. Essentially, volunteer tasks are designed to help LDCs goals in improving the livelihoods and environment by enhancing villagers knowledge, expertise and social accountability through maintaining sustainable, income-generating projects.
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Testimonials: Volunteering with ISV has given me a greater appreciation for the local culture and has allowed me to grow as a person. Travelling with ISV is more than being a tourist- it is about discovering your place as a global citizen. Sasha-Ann Chadsey, Bishops University It is an amazing opportunity with amazing staff and amazing work. ISV Thailand was the best travel experience of my life. Volunteering makes leaning about the culture easy and meaningful. Samantha Stewart, University of Michigan Ann Arbor It was a wonderful eye-opening experience and I am fortunate to be a part of a company doing such a wonderful job helping local people to improve their standard of living. Devin Grindrod, San Diego State University IMPORTANT! The full details of your project, including the packing list, banks, internet and other important information will be included in the ISV Project Overview, which will be sent to you approximately 30 days prior to your departure.
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