Ecovolunteers play an important role in Hustai National Park's research program, and much research could not be done, or not done as intensively, without their help.

Before applying to become an ecovolunteer you should be aware of a few things. Although you will spend most of your days outside, you are participating in an ecovolunteer project, not an outdoor sports holiday. Daily schedules may change without notice due to weather or alternative staff commitments. For instance, one day you might not go out to observe the Takhi but instead be invited to watch a local Naadam or to aid in the capture and treatment of a sick foal.

During working hours you will be supervised by the Mongolian park management. Although the spoken language of the project is English, communication difficulties may arise. Be patient and tolerant if the things you say are not immediately understood. You will be living in a different culture where customs, behaviour and language patterns are different from your own, thus what may seem obvious to you may be perceived differently by others and vice versa.

Mongolia is a unique country that is still in the process of making the transition to a market-led economy following 70 years of communism. Life in Mongolia can be challenging, but you will be rewarded for your efforts. Your stay at the park will feature less luxuries than life at home, but facilities are clean and comfortable.

Upon arrival at the park a staff member will discuss your interests with you and research methods and objectives will be explained. A timetable for your stay will be created that incorporates your ecovoluteer duties along with leisure activities such as horse-riding and camping. Prior to commencing your research, information will be provided about your project, the park and current research. A tour of the park and bufferzone will be given, and your accommodations and the research centre will be introduced. Prior to starting fieldwork, research methods will be thoroughly explained and demonstrated.

Horses are generally not ridden within the core area of the park where the majority of the research is conducted. Use of four-wheel-drive vehicles is also limited to avoid damage to vegetation and erosion of the landscape. If you are in good physical health and bring strong wind-and-waterproof clothing and walking shoes, distances covered during an average period of observation should not present a problem.

If this sounds like the sort of experience you are looking for then we encourage you to download and complete the booking form or contact MACNE to discuss further details. Remember that Friends of Hustai receive a 10% discount off the cost of their ecovolunteer adventure.

There is an online message board for past and future ecovolunteers at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hustai_ecovolunteers.

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