This is a call for you to join the Environmental Delegation to China 2016, which is supported by the New Zealand China Friendship Society [Simon Deng Li Fund] and Beijing Youxie.
About the Tour:
Objectives: The objectives of this tour* are for New Zealand environmental professionals to:
- Build relationships with their Chinese counterparts and better understand Chinese culture and worldviews
- Learn about China’s natural environment and the pressures it faces
- Exchange knowledge about environmental challenges and successes in terms of policy, management, innovation, community action
- Identify further opportunities for ongoing relationships, knowledge exchange, consulting, technology, trade, etc.
- Share the knowledge and experience gained on return to NZ.
* Youxie considers such tours where there is interplay and exchange of information between ‘tour’ members and Chinese Nationals to be ‘delegations’
Important Details:
Dates: October 8th to 24th, 2016 (tentative)
Itinerary: Beijing (5 days), Sichuan Province (5 days), Yunnan Province (4 days).
We have prepared a draft itinerary that is open to discussion and change, as we wish to cater to the interests of the selected delegates. However, the tour will include:
- Visiting significant cultural sites (e.g. Great Wall, Forbidden City) and natural areas (e.g. Jiuzhai Valley National Park)
- Discussions with government departments, businesses, NGOs, university departments
- Touring innovative or successful projects e.g. Baoding High-Tech Industry Development Zone, Daping Mountain eco-village, Dujiangyan irrigation system, Giant Panda research base, ‘eco-women’ project sites.
- Visiting villages and rural areas as well as Beijing and Kunming cities.
- Opportunities to take part in cultural activities (e.g. tea ceremony, kung fu lesson, tai chi).
Cost: Estimated maximum contribution of $1500 per person (we are seeking additional funding so this cost may reduce between now and October)
Includes:
- Airfares (economy class) from NZ to China return
- All internal travel
- Twin-share 3 star hotel accommodation
- Three meals per day
- Entry fees for sites and attractions
- Gifts and tips
Excludes:
- Single entry visa (required)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Personal expenses (e.g. snacks, alcohol, laundry, internet, spending money)
Tour size: Six people. Four spaces are available.
Important notes:
- This is not a fully guided tour (i.e. you will not be traveling with a guide from NZ). However, there will be professional guides on occasion, and support/guidance from Beijing Youxie and the NZCFS.
- You will need to be comfortable traveling in a foreign country, taking responsibility for yourself, and working as part of a group to make the trip successful and enjoyable.
- This is not a luxury tour – you should expect good-quality 3 star hotels, good food, comfortable taxis/buses/shuttles, economy flights.
- You will need to share a room with one other and we will do our best to accommodate preferences.
Eligibility criteria :
- Be a NZ Citizen
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree
- Have at least two year’s experience working in an environment-related field (e.g. Mātauranga Māori, urban planning, environmental science, conservation, climate change, sustainable transport, sustainable agriculture, ecotourism).
- Have a relaxed and positive ‘go with the flow’ attitude.
- Be willing to make the following commitments:
- Prior to the trip:
- Partake in NZ China Friendship Society promotional activities e.g. photos, articles for website
- Undertake post-tour activities to disseminate knowledge gained e.g. tour video, presentations, articles etc.
Application:
To apply to be a delegate, please submit the following to [email protected] by 5:00 pm Sunday 21st February 2016.
- A CV that includes your contact details, qualifications and professional history. Your CV can also include any involvement in your community / professional societies, relevant achievements, scholarships, publications, leadership roles etc.
- A one-page letter that outlines the following:
- What you can contribute to the delegation (knowledge, skills and experience);
- Why you would like to be part of the delegation, and
- How you propose to share the knowledge and experience gained through this opportunity.
- Contact details for two referees who can speak to your character, qualities and experience (referees should not be family members or friends).
Selection process:
Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application by the end of February 2016. Short-listed applicants will be contacted for an informal phone interview.
Please note that we are seeking a diverse delegation in terms of people and areas of expertise.
Questions?
If you’d like to discuss this opportunity or have any questions, please contact Deborah Robertson: ph 022 010 0361 or [email protected].
To download a pdf of this article, click here.