Environmental Conservation & Temple-Stay in Sado, Japan

Participate in this amazing program from World Unite! Immerse yourself in rural Japanese culture on scenic Sado Island while helping protect the endangered Crested Ibis—Japan's iconic bird—and conserve the agricultural heritage of terraced rice fields set up during the Edo Period. You'll join other international volunteers at the Mother Nature Conservation Camp on Sado Island, Japan, and live in the middle of traditional terraced rice fields overlooking the ocean. You'll encounter various conservation activities, guided by a professional biologist, an experienced community guide, and a rice farmer. If you enjoy nature and are interested in the traditions of Japan, this is your program! The traditional rice paddies are feeding and breeding grounds of the Crested Ibis, which became completely extinct in Japan but was later reintroduced. You will optimize rice fields and biotopes as feeding and breeding grounds for the Crested Ibis while being part of a traditional rice farming community. You'll learn how to cultivate organic rice traditionally, how to grow Shiitake mushrooms, and learn many traditional skills of the Iwakuni community members.