Vietnam Environmental Conservation

Natural beauty abounds in Vietnam and the government is starting to take action to preserve it. Most conservation programs are still young but growing. Spend time on the Internet researching, and you’re bound to find some kind of project.

Ba B€ National Park (☎281 894 027; thedien@hn.vnn.vn). As a student or a scientist, it is possible to obtain a permit for the Biodiversity Research Station in Ba B€ National Park. Visitors will receive a home stay, office, and equipment. For more information, contact N®ng Th\ Diˆn, Vice Director of Ba B€ National Park.
Butterflies of Vietnam (AUS ☎613 9682 6828, JPN 813 3511 3360, UK 186 531 8831, US 800-776-1088; www.earthwatch.org/expeditions/vu.html). Work for 9 days with entomologists to compile information regarding butterfly diversity in Tam =o National Park. From US$2000.
Frontier, 50-52 Rivington St., London EC2A 3QP, UK (☎207 613 2422; www.frontierprojects.ac.uk/). 10-week research and conservation programs carried out across Southeast Asia aim to provide scientific documentation on natural resources. Most of the actual conservation takes place in Cambodia. Expedition training included in payment for 4-week program. Around US$5000.
Restoring Vietnam’s Forests, run by the same organization as Butterflies of Vietnam. Help Dr. Nguyen Van Sinh research the optimal life cycles of almost 2000 plant species in his effort to restore natural forests. 9-day trips in Cúc Ph™£ng National Park go for around US$2100. Guesthouse accommodations included.
The Tam D=o Project (office.tdmp@gtz-vietnam.com.vnpark) is an organization that is struggling to address the issues of uncontrolled hunting and deforestation. Local resident farmers and the logging industry pose serious threats to the park and to the country’s wildlife in general. Email the group if you’re interested in helping out.