Forest for Food Volunteer Program in Nepal

Program Objectives

1. Wildlife Management: By providing a reliable alternative food source, these food forests reduce wildlife incursions into farmlands, ensuring that local farmers can cultivate their crops with less disruption.
2. Community Empowerment: ViN educates local communities on forest management and the benefits of sustainable agricultural practices. This includes workshops and practical training aimed at fostering long-term environmental stewardship.
3. Sustainable Food Production: Planting and cultivating various fruits, nuts, and supplementary trees contributes to local food security and economic stability and promotes the concept of forests as sustainable resources.

Forest Composition and Biodiversity

The Forest for Food Volunteer Program prioritizes trees and crops that align with local climate conditions and promote carbon sequestration. The selection includes:

• Primary Fruit Trees: Mango, jackfruit, papaya, banana, avocado, chiuri (butter tree), guava, lychee, and pomegranate are chosen for their high resilience, nutritional value, and economic benefits.
• Nut Trees and Special Plants: Incorporating chestnut, walnut, and bamboo, these species play a role in soil enrichment and provide valuable resources that support local economies.
• Supplementary Crops: Lemon, orange, pear, peach, and plum not only diversify the yield but contribute to a self-sustaining ecosystem.
• Creepers and Supportive Vegetation: Yellowberry (Yeselu), Passion fruit, kiwi, and blackberries create vertical layers of foliage, adding complexity to the ecosystem and fostering a haven for diverse wildlife.

Each plant variety is selected to contribute to the forest’s resilience, facilitate biodiversity protection, and reduce the rate of forest degradation. The multi-functional nature of these forests showcases how afforestation helps combat climate change by enhancing carbon capture and restoring ecological balance.

Activities and Your Role

Tree Planting and Maintenance

Volunteers are instrumental in planting and nurturing trees, ensuring each sapling has the best chance to thrive. This process involves preparing the soil, selecting optimal planting sites, and applying eco-friendly growth methods that mirror sustainable afforestation practices.

Community Education

Participate in educational sessions where you share and gain knowledge about forest ecosystems’ role in reducing CO2 and sustainable farming techniques. Through these collaborative efforts, you help local communities understand the value of combining forest conservation with agriculture, thus maximizing land utility while preserving the environment.

Workshops and Training

Workshops cover permaculture, composting, water management, and techniques to mitigate crop damage from wildlife. These sessions highlight the significance of balanced ecosystems and reinforce the community’s capacity to implement long-term, eco-friendly solutions.

Wildlife Monitoring

Track and record the interactions between wildlife and newly established food forests. This activity helps measure the project’s effectiveness in managing wildlife behavior and minimizing agricultural losses. Volunteers help document sightings, analyze behavior patterns, and make observations that support ongoing biodiversity protection efforts.

What to Expect

Location

The project operates in Okhaldhunga, a picturesque region of Nepal’s Everest, renowned for its breathtaking views and warm, welcoming communities. This setting gives volunteers unique insights into the interconnectedness of culture, environment, and agriculture practices.

Daily Schedule

• Morning: Join field activities, including tree planting and caring for young saplings.
• Midday: Participate in workshops and practical training sessions on sustainable afforestation methods.
• Afternoon: Work with farmers to monitor crop protection strategies and assess the effectiveness of the food forests.
• In the evening, Participate in cultural exchanges, local festivities, or community-building activities that foster a deeper understanding of Nepali traditions.

Commitment

• Duration: A minimum of 2 weeks is recommended, with options to extend for more impactful involvement.
• Hours: Approximately 5-6 hours per day, 5 days a week.
• Leisure Time: Explore local temples, trek the renowned Himalayan trails, and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural landscape.

Support and Mentorship

Comprehensive Orientation

Upon arrival, you will receive an orientation covering the project’s goals, specific tasks, and cultural and essential safety information. ViN’s team will provide a thorough overview to prepare you for your work in the field.

On-Site Guidance

Dedicated project coordinators and agricultural experts offer continuous support throughout your stay. They will guide you in best practices for tree care, wildlife monitoring, and community engagement.

Emergency Assistance

ViN prioritizes volunteer safety with 24/7 emergency support, ensuring you always feel secure and well-assisted.

Program Costs

Included

• Comfortable, shared accommodations either in a hostel or homestay.
• Nepali standard, locally sourced meals that highlight Nepali cuisine.
• Training sessions, learn more here

Not Included

• Personal travel expenses, including flights, visa fees, and insurance.

All volunteer contributions are transparently managed, and the funds are used to pay staff, ensure the program’s sustainability, and support community projects.

Application Process

1. Fill in the application form online using our Apply Now
2. Please attach your resume (CV) with two referees’ contact details on the application form or send it separately to support@volunteeringnepal.org ;
3. Await confirmation email from VIN for acceptance on the volunteer/internship program;
4. Once accepted, pay 120€ program booking fee;
5. VIN will confirm your payment and send a pre-departure info pack by email;
6. You will be guided to pay the program fee once you have received the pre-departure info pack.

On Your Arrival: Join your volunteer team and participate in an introductory session to familiarize yourself with project goals and community dynamics.

Who Should Join?

This project is perfect for volunteers (Single, Couples, 18+, 50+) who are passionate about:

• Environment conservation and climate resilience.
• Forest conservation and sustainable agriculture.
• Wildlife management and cultural exchange.

Free-Time Activities

Nepal offers various activities for volunteers to explore during their downtime, such as visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites, trekking scenic mountain paths, and engaging in local cultural festivals. The opportunity to learn traditional crafts and sample local delicacies adds richness to your volunteering experience.

Your Experience/ Setting

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you will receive a warm welcome and be transported to your hotel or hostel. If you are already in Nepal before the start of your placement, we can make alternative arrangements for you. You will undergo a comprehensive two- to three-day induction program after arrival. This induction will provide valuable information about your project and general information about the Nepalese language, culture, health, safety, and security. It is also an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers and interns who can become your companions for sightseeing and a source of support throughout your volunteer placement.

During the induction period, you will be accommodated in a budget hotel or hostel arranged by VIN. However, most of the VIN experience involves living with a Nepalese host family. While this immersion is essential for a complete experience, we understand that it can be challenging as you adapt to a new culture and adjust to facilities that may be more basic than you are accustomed to. Don’t worry; all our host families have experience accommodating volunteers, although their English-speaking abilities may vary. Also, you will have 24-hour access to our staff members for support and assistance throughout your placement.

Volunteers will be assigned to one of VIN’s working areas, which include Tarakeshor Municipality in Kathmandu, Taluwa, Thulachhap, and Bhadaure in Okhaldhunga, and Okharpouwa and Kaule in the Nuwakot district. While at the working site, volunteers are requested to bring their lunch box, water bottle, safety gear, face mask, and any other essential belongings. We advise volunteers to dress comfortably and modestly, preferably with long sleeves. Please get in touch with us for guidance and support if you want to raise project funds or collect project-specific resources. This will help the community a lot.

Schedule and Commitment

You will work five to six days a week, up to six hours per day. You may propose your preferred time and hours; however, the working time period will be dependent on the institution you have been placed. A minimum of 2 weeks’ time commitment is expected of a volunteer. The longer you commit; the better impact you can make. You should be willing to commit a certain amount of your free time and energy, show a lot of commitment and be a good listener. You are expected to work constructively and co-operatively maintaining good reputation and standards at all times. Volunteer should abide by relevant security concerns and access procedures. Moreover, you should be receptive and positive to performance appraisal, advice and feedback. Throughout your placement, you will have the full support of VIN. Your safety is our highest priority.

You will receive a clear and concise on-the-job instructions, course of action, context of work and policies/strategies before your placement begins. You will be provided with ample of guidance and support throughout the placement with trainings / onboarding sessions incase necessary. You will be in a constant communication and regular check-in with the VIN volunteer coordinator. VIN aims to maintain a culture of continuous feedback between the volunteer supervisor at the placement to monitor the performance of the volunteer and ensure the project delivers desired outcomes.

In case of an emergency, you may contact one of our Volunteer Coordinators who will be available anytime for your assistance and support.
Click here to Learn more on how volunteering works

Mid and Long Term Volunteers:
2 weeks minimum stay- € 350
3 weeks – 450€
4 weeks – 550€ (after 4th week, for each additional week €85)

University Internships:
4 weeks minimum stay- € 650 (for each additional week – €95
Click here  to Learn what’s included and excluded in our Fees Section

Click here to Learn recruitment process on how volunteering works

​Our projects are open year-round, and our inductions begin on the first and third Mondays of each month. We would like to ask that volunteers arrive one day before the start of the induction. You can choose the duration of your participation based on your available time. However, so that you know, our volunteering placements are limited. We highly recommend booking your placement in advance to secure your placement. Click here to apply.