Conserve Natural Forests (CNF) is a non-profit NGO based in the Pai District of Mae Hong Son in Northern Thailand. The creation of the CNF organization stems from a desire to focus on environmental conservation. Indeed, we believe that the biggest problems on the planet are carbon emissions, global warming and climate change. In Thailand, massive deforestation due to agriculture has had a direct impact on global warming, by releasing carbon into the atmosphere. To counter this, there is only one possibility: Planting trees!
Our mission is to restore natural forest landscapes throughout Thailand by planting trees. Through this we can protect and enhance biodiversity, self-regulate landscape ecological functions, and improve the livelihoods of local communities in the long term. To do this we conduct reforestation on active plantation in nine provinces across Thailand and one in Malaysia.
To achieve this, we have a tree nursery on our project site in Pai, with over 50 different species, and we produce an average of 250,000 seedlings each year. Thanks to this, we started planting trees across Thailand in 2015, then we began new projects such as mangrove restoration in 2021 and sea grass planting in 2023.
Depending on the site, we plant a mixture of pioneer and late-successional species that capture a sufficient fraction of target biodiversity to stratify the forest structure, provide multiple ecological niches for seed dispersers from nearby forests and promote species recruitment.
Our International Volunteer Program provides an opportunity for both undergraduate and graduate students from a variety of backgrounds to join our project and gain valuable experience working in the nonprofit NGO sector. This program will challenge its participants to further their professional development in their area of expertise, while also learning new skills in a dynamic environment.
Currently, CNF has volunteers specializing in Photography, Forest Management, Website Development, Social Media Marketing, Sustainability Management, Sustainable Materials Architect, Digital Marketing, Veterinary, Biology, Engineering, Animal Science, Earth Science, Landscape Architecture, Wildlife Sciences and International Relations.
CNF is also home to endangered wildlife such as elongated tortoises (Indotestudo elongata) and one Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). We have the potential to start new projects, possibly focusing on local snakes or birds, with the help of knowledgeable volunteers.
If you think your background or experience can contribute to our work, we would love to hear how! Our only criteria are passion, dedication, and respect.
*Please note that to stay in Thailand you will need to apply for a visa. You will be applying for a Non-Immigrant “O” Volunteer Visa at your local Thai Embassy or Consulate before you leave for Thailand.*
Possible tasks
- Care and maintenance of the tree nursery
- Daily feedings and care for the animals on the project site.
- Conduct behavioral observations and provide reports to staff.
- Research opportunities for growing and developing the project with more animals, including necessary housing conditions, husbandry best practices, etc.
- Setting up and establishing camera traps to record the nocturnal wildlife inhabiting our project site.
If you want to work on a project related to your studies, you’re free to choose and to propose it to us
The location
Our organization operates primarily in two locations: Pai, a small town in the Mae Hong Son province of northern Thailand, and Tarutao National Park, a southern island chain in the Satun Province.
What do we expect from our volunteers?
When volunteering with Conserve Natural Forests you are expected to follow the Code of Conduct and be respectful to the humans and nature you come in contact with here. You will be expected to work at least 20 hours per week on-site and perhaps more off-site depending on our goals and objectives. It is important that we feel as though you are learning from your experience so please feel free to bring up any concerns you have along the way.
Ability to live and work in a communal environment, communicate effectively, and approach issues with a problem-solver attitude.
A driven, self-starter work ethic and motivation to tackle independent projects.
Must be positive and professional.
Packing list
For work:
Sturdy work boots for hiking and the farm, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeve shirt – this will protect you from the sun as well as the bugs. Sunscreen can be expensive in South East Asia, try and bring some from elsewhere if possible.
Outside of work:
When not on the project site, the dress is casual – feel free to be your unique self! Keep in mind that Thai culture is traditionally conservative, please be aware of this by trying to dress as respectfully as possible when in more formal situations. When visiting temples knees and shoulders should be covered.
Don’t forget your laptop!
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