Background: Cat Ba is the largest of the 366 islands spanning 260km2 that comprise the Cat Ba Archipelago, which makes up the southeastern edge of Ha Long Bay in Northern Vietnam.
Cat Ba is the largest island in the Bay and approximately half of its area is covered by a National Park, which is home to the highly endangered Cat Ba Langur. The island has a wide variety of natural ecosystems, both marine and terrestrial, leading to incredibly high rates of biodiversity. Types of natural habitats found on Cat Ba Archipelago include limestone karsts, tropical limestone forests, coral reefs, mangrove and sea grass beds, lagoons, beaches, caves, and willow swamp forests.
For all of its natural beauty, Cat Ba Island faces numerous environmental problems. Increases in tourism and recent developments threaten the ecological integrity and biodiversity of the island, reducing and fragmenting the natural habitat for Cat Ba's numerous species. Illegal hunting and poaching, overfishing, and water pollution in Ha Long Bay continue to threaten the ecological health of the island. The island is a national park of Vietnam and was recognized by UNESCO in December 2004 as a Biosphere reserve of the world.
Work: Organize activities for the children, small renovation at school, activities to raise awareness of youth and local people about environment, climate change, protect white-headed langur at Cat Ba National park...etc
Location: Cat Ba island, Hai Phong city.
Terminal: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
Accommodation and food: Volunteers will stay with the host families. Meals are self-prepared.
Remarks: Flash light, sleeping bag, prove-water clothes, raincoat, gift from your country for host-family, toys and learning materials for the children if you have.
(Participation fee need to be transferred at least 2 weeks for workcamp and 1 month for longterm project before projects start. If volunteers would love to pay on arrival, please add more 500,000VND)