GVI US would be more appropriate.

Take me there!

Volunteering

The Earth is in Your Hands

Plastic Pollution and Conservation in Thailand

Protect marine life and fight plastic pollution in Thailand's stunning coastal region.

Durations: 2 - 12 weeks
Fieldwork hours35 hrs of fieldwork per week
Participant ratio1:6 staff to participant ratio
GVI experiencesIncludes GVI Experiences
Book with confidence
Travel flexibility, because life happens! Modify your booking, even up to 48 hours before departure. T&Cs apply.

Program information

Join us in Trang, Thailand, as we tackle plastic pollution and promote environmental awareness. Participate in coastal conservation projects – from beach cleanups and seagrass surveys to plastic waste management workshops. Contribute to plastic pollution research while embracing sustainable living in one of southern Thailand’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems, home to mangroves, coral reefs and dugong feeding trails.

Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
What's included
Life on Base
Experiences
New
Free time & Cultural Immersion
Speak to Alumni
Meet the team
Parent Info
Arrivals & Flights
Your Impact
Our Ethics
Program Ethics
Qualifications & Training Options
Support & Safety

Program overview

Plastic pollution is one of the biggest threats to our oceans – but here in Trang, Thailand, you’ll be part of the solution.

This hands-on coastal conservation program is designed for changemakers who want to take meaningful action while learning real-world skills. You’ll contribute to a variety of community-led initiatives, from beach cleanups and education campaigns to creative upcycling workshops using marine debris. You’ll also assist with coastal habitat surveys, monitoring the health of seagrass beds and mangrove ecosystems that support endangered species, such as green sea turtles and dugongs.

You’ll live just a few steps from the beach, surrounded by limestone cliffs, coral-rich shallows, and biodiverse wetlands. During your time in Trang, you’ll gain experience in species identification, sustainable waste management, and coastal mapping using drone and GPS tech – all while working alongside conservation experts and the local community.

When the workday ends, unwind with your teammates at hot springs, snorkel around nearby islands, or take a Muay Thai class under the palms.

Your contribution supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals by addressing climate change through community-based adaptation (UN SDG #13, Climate Action), protecting underwater ecosystems (UN SDG #14, Life Below Water), and restoring coastal habitats essential to life on land and sea (UN SDG #15, Life on Land).

Highlights

 

 

Tackle plastic waste hands-on
Tackle plastic waste hands-on
Help reduce marine litter through cleanups, education campaigns, and community-led waste management efforts along Thailand’s coastline.
Wake up by the water
Wake up by the water
Live steps from the beach in Trang Province, surrounded by limestone cliffs, mangroves, and coral-rich waters – a living classroom for conservation.
Be part of the real deal
Be part of the real deal
Contribute to ongoing environmental projects that address critical challenges aligned to the global UN SDGs.
Join ethical initiatives
Join ethical initiatives
Join local conservation partners and qualified professionals to ensure your efforts are highly ethical, meaningful and sustainable.
Experience unreal adventures
Experience unreal adventures
Venture outside typical travel itineraries to get exclusive access to extraordinary remote habitats, rare species and unique ecosystems.
Make friends for life
Make friends for life
Share epic experiences with like-minded, passionate changemakers from all over the globe.
Enjoy a hassle-free, safe trip
Enjoy a hassle-free, safe trip
With expert local staff and 24/7 support at every step –  you can relax and enjoy the experience stress-free.
Take a break
Take a break
Disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature, yourself and your purpose.

Activities

Some of the example typical activities you could participate in on this program.

 

Fieldwork training
Fieldwork training
Learn how to identify species and conduct surveys to contribute to biodiversity monitoring and marine conservation research.
Biodiversity surveys
Biodiversity surveys
Assist with bird counts and monitor species in coastal forests to understand ecosystem health and behavioural patterns.
Mangrove restoration
Mangrove restoration
Take part in community-based mangrove restoration using ecological techniques and participatory education practices.
Mangrove management plans
Mangrove management plans
Support communities in sustainably managing natural resources through adaptive, locally-led conservation planning.
Mangrove ecosystem surveys
Mangrove ecosystem surveys
Collect data on the types, distribution, and abundance of mangrove trees to inform coastal protection efforts.
Seagrass surveys
Seagrass surveys
Snorkel or walk through seagrass meadows to document their health – key habitats for endangered dugongs and other marine life.
Habitat mapping
Habitat mapping
Use drones and GPS tech to track changes in coastal habitats and assess the effects of climate change over time.
Community outreach
Community outreach
Run awareness campaigns, support environmental education and organise cleanups to promote sustainable living.

Skills

  • Data collection
  • Data entry
  • Environmental education
  • Marine conservation
  • Population ecology
  • Public awareness

Partners

Some of the partners we work with on base.

Rajamangala University
Bo Hin Farmstay
Rajamangala Aquarium Trang

Program details

 
Included in your program, at no extra cost.

Make the most of our unique programs with these exclusively curated local adventure and wellness experiences.

Offered once a month, expand your adventure with GVI Experiences. These are just some of the activities offered on your program!
Learn to make traditional Thai food
Learn to make traditional Thai food
Visit a Buddhist temple
Visit a Buddhist temple
Swim in a healing hot spring
Swim in a healing hot spring
Master Muay Thai self-defence techniques
Master Muay Thai self-defence techniques
Explore offshore islands
Explore offshore islands
Hike to waterfall
Hike to waterfall
Support sustainability through recycled art
Support sustainability through recycled art
Enjoy a Meditation and Hatha/Yin Yoga class
Enjoy a Meditation and Hatha/Yin Yoga class
Connect with our alumni
Want to connect with some of our past participants about their adventures? Get in touch with hundreds of friendly ambassadors all over the world who would be more than happy to answer any questions.
Connect with us
Open Day Image
Join our Virtual Open Day!

Zoom webinar : Tuesday 15 July 2025 18:00 BST | 13:00 EDT

Join our open days to also get the chance to chat with our alumni. Sign up to book your spot now. We have limited availability.
Sign up for free
Testimonial bg
Testimonial bg

Want to live a wilder life? Talk to us!

During office hours, we'll get back to you within a few minutes.

By submitting this form, I consent to contact via phone and email, as per GVI’s Privacy Policy.

You might also be interested in these programs