Panda Conservation in China
Overview of the Project
Unfortunately, Pandas are the second most threatened species in the world and there are only about 1000 pandas estimated living in the wild. The major threat to the survival of the species is currently destruction of the panda's natural habitat. Panda’s habitats shrunk by 50% over just 11 years (1973 to 1984) in the six isolated areas where pandas live. Human-based activities, logging, animal grazing and agriculture, are the major sources of habitat destruction. Panda conservation in china is an environmental-friendly organization that focuses on attracting more people around the world to pay more attention to the giant panda and cherish the environmental resources. Its slogan “Caring Giant Panda, Caring Ourselves” is becoming more popular in China.
Initial efforts at panda conservation in China were restricted to field research during the 1940s. In 1963, National Nature Reserve was created as a forest reserve by the Chinese government.
- Program: Volunteer in China
- Project: Panda Conservation in China
- Start dates: 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month
- Location: near Xian, China
- Departure and End Point: Xi’an, China (Xi’an Xianyang International Airport)
- Accommodation and meals: Hostel and Chinese meals three times daily
- Activities: Support of conservation center activities and operations
- Working hours: 25-35 hours per week
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has been cooperatively working with the Chinese government on panda protection efforts since 1980. There are many new panda conservation management plans in place as an attempt to increase the pandas' chance for survival including: reducing human activities impacting panda habitats, rehabilitation of panda habitats, adding additional panda reserves, and strengthening conservation education and public awareness.
Role of Volunteer
As a panda conservation volunteer in China, there will be activities you can participate at the conservation center. Following careful direction and supervision of professional staff members, volunteers will assist in caring for and feeding of the center's panda population, cleaning their habitats, observing various panda behavior and assisting with physical examinations. Other activities are seasonally dependent: cub-training, ultrasounds, cub births, breeding activities, etc. Vital research is also conducted by volunteers while studying these fascinating creatures that face extinction.
Skills/Qualification Needed
There are no specific qualifications required to volunteer in Panda Conservation in China project, as conservation center staff members will provide all necessary orientation and training to perform duties. However, volunteers should be environmentally aware individuals and love pandas. Note: an agreement will be signed prior to your arrival and these terms and conditions must be strictly observed for the duration of the project period.
Volunteer in China: Project Locations and Free Time Options
Global Crossroad’s volunteer in China program is based in Xi’an, an extraordinary city and one of China’s most popular tourist destinations. The city possesses a strong tourism infrastructure and many activities that require only a few hours to experience or explore. There are caves, temples, palaces, markets, Chinese dragon boat racing, Mongolian wrestling, festivals, architecture, temples, art, restaurants, beaches, hotels and many more options!
The famed Terra Cotta Army is located in Xi’an and people travel great distances to see these warriors and horses arranged to protect the Mausoleum of Liu Bang — the first emperor of the dynasty that followed the Qin.
Xi’an offers an incredible assortment of sightseeing from exploring the Bell Tower or numerous pagodas and temples. There are the City Walls, six Chinese National Parks and Mount Hua, one of the Five Sacred Taoist Mountains, are all in and around Xi’an. The city is also awash with culinary delights and colorful markets. There are incredible experiences to be had all over the city. In fact, many travelers set about exploring on foot, wandering the streets until they find something interesting to see or do.
