Volunteering Abroad Shouldn't Cost the Earth

Punta Mala-Playa Hermosa Sea Turtle Conservation Program Costa Rica

 

Description

The Marine Turtle Conservation Program originally began in 2006 to protect sea turtles and their nesting beaches in Drake Bay on the Osa Peninsula. The program's strategy was developed around creating a viable socio-economic alternative for the consumption of sea turtles for local communities, as well as encouraging environmental conservation activities at the same time. The purpose of the Corcovado Foundation is to raise awareness among local communities about the importance of protecting and conserving marine turtles, coupling this protection with the opportunity to increase their income directly from the work contracted in the conservation project, and the development of conservation initiatives and community ecotourism. In this way, it is intended to achieve a reduction in the consumption of marine turtles in the region through the preservation of this natural resource. Our successful strategy works to combine education and environmental conservation activities to give local communities a viable socioeconomic alternative to poaching. The main objective of the program is to promote the conservation and sustainable recovery of marine turtle populations that nest on the beaches, while at the same time assisting the needs of the local communities with which they interact.


Details

Organisation:
Corcovado Foundation

Location:
Punta Mala-Playa Hermosa Coast Pacific

Qualifications/Skills:
In good physical condition, with a basic knowledge of either Spanish or English. Volunteers need to be friendly, communicative and able to work in extreme weather conditions for 4-6 hours per day, six days per week. Volunteers must have their own travel medical insurance policy for the duration of their stay at the program.

Dates of program:
Between 1 July and 31 December 2024

Duration of program:
2 weeks minimum

Age requirement:
Adults of both sexes 18+

Cost:
The volunteer program costs US$45 per night per person or US$35 per night for volunteers staying 28 nights or more. This cost covers accommodation, three meals per day, and training. It does not cover snack food or transportation to and from the program upon your arrival or departure.

Other information:
As a volunteer, you will be allocated one free day every week, during which you may decide to take advantage of the tours offered in the area, explore the local nature on foot, or simply use the day to relax. At all other times, it is expected that each volunteer will be fully engaged with the work schedule. It is important to note that, in addition to the pre-arranged schedule, other tasks will emerge on a daily basis as we respond to changing conditions, construction projects or activities with the community, and the availability of materials or labour. Typically, each volunteer will be allocated around five-six work shifts per week, the workload will equate to around 4-6 hours of work per day, six days per week. There is, of course, always more work available, so if you are ever bored, just ask a Coordinator or Research Assistant how you can help.


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