Description

Protection and control: the program aims to strengthen through the incorporation of volunteers and regional security the protection of natural resources, improve customer services and upgrade the facilities located within the park boundary. To effectively work towards this goal the volunteers should have some training that includes adequate knowledge to provide such support.
The volunteers will contribute some of their time to the different activities of construction and reconstruction of the infrastructure used in the ecotourism program.

Customer Service: the volunteers will aim to provide the best customer service, to meet the different needs for information about the park that tourists require: access, attractions, rates, services, infrastructure and flora and fauna of the park. (English speaking visitors)

Highlights

Costa Rica is a country that has in its small territory, about 5% of the planet's biodiversity, with the advantage of this natural treasure comes protection by the National System of Conservation Areas, covering 25% of the national geography. There are 160 protected areas, of which 27 have been designated as national parks. Other areas are designated under different management categories such as wildlife refuges, biological reserves, national monuments, forest reserves, wetlands and protected areas. The Costa Rican progressive environmental policies and eco-tourism in the National Park System have been taken as a model of development in other countries.

According to the digital magazine, Eroski Consumer, Costa Rica ranks third as one of the most ecological countries in the world. This release is based on the results of the Environmental Performance Index 2010 from the Colombia and Yale Universities in the United States. Costa Rica, was ranked third for its natural wealth, which allows it to survive, in large part, off of eco-tourism. It has also avoided deforestation, which has devastated other Latin American countries and, therefore, scored well in foresting agriculture and fishing categories. However, despite the fact that Costa Rica has strong natural resources and conservation policies, in support of the protected areas, they are sadly lacking, because government can not afford to keep each place actively operating and supplied with adequate staff.

Volunteers are required to help maintain the park facilities and conduct research about the various flora and fauna that can be found throughout the park. Barra Honda contains an amazing system of caverns, 19 of which have been explored and 1 of which is open for tourists. Help is needed for upkeep of this park, as well as for protection of this park's diverse dry forests and to help maintain and improve its infrastructure.

Qualifications

Volunteers who are interested in this placement should have the desire to work with animals, improve the environment and enjoy physical work. You must also enjoy collecting data and be interested in recording the various types of flora and fauna that are located throughout the national parks.

Minimum Education

High School

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 2.595 for 4 weeks; USD 250 each additional wk.

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Upon arrival in country our staff will pick you up at the airport and return you to our Orientation Center for a safety briefing and general country orientation. For this program you are required to complete one - 4 weeks of language training and orientation which is included in the cost of the program. At the end of that week you will transfer to your placement to begin volunteering. Our staff are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week should you require help of any kind.

Experience Required

yes

Volunteers who are interested in working at this type of placement need to like the outdoors and like to do physical labour. Motivation is a key trait for a volunteer at this placement because at times you will working on extensive projects with other volunteers and park rangers that will require patience, dedication and the ability to work effectively within a group setting.

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

We believe everyone can contribute by volunteering. Recent graduates from high school, college or university, professionals taking a career break, recent retirees, individuals or groups who are interested in a change and the chance to enrich their own life and the lives of others. If you are 18 years or older you can apply for any of the placements available. If you are from 16-18 years old you may apply for placements near our Volunteer Abroad Office and Residence, so that we are able to give you more support. Both students and professionals are needed for placements in all our countries.

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of Depends on the placement

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

24-48 hrs

Basecamp International Centers's Mission Statement

We believe international volunteering promotes cross-cultural learning that helps create global awareness, understanding between cultures and provides the platform for positive change. Our volunteers have taught in schools, provided disaster relief support for the International Red Cross, conducted essential research to improve the management strategies of threatened environments, built homes for impoverished people, provided vocational training and programs for street kids and have worked in co-operation with hundreds of local organizations to distribute aid and improve the quality of life for people throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Year Founded

1998