Description

* Working at important sites within the park to reduce the risk of erosion, and/or creating barriers to help limit the amount of erosion that may occur.
* Working in sections of the park to improve the safety status for tourists, building barriers to improve access to the different areas of the park.
* General repairs to the park's trails.
* Environmental education for local communities.

Highlights

Costa Rica is a country that has in its small territory, about 5% of the planet's biodiversity. This natural treasure is protected by the National System of Conservation, 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; there is a strong lack of available assistance because the government can not afford to keep each place actively operating and filled with adequate staff.

This placement needs volunteers to help protect one of the most diverse tropical forests in the country, and to improve and maintain the park's infrastructure. This park has so much to offer visitors, including the chance to see firsthand the effects of an active volcano, but much work needs to be done in order to ensure that this park is protected from erosion and to ensure its safety for visitors.

Qualifications

Volunteers should have the desire to work in a national park and enjoy strenuous physical work.

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

Enthusiastic, motivated, dedicated with lots of stamina to do manual labour.

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
• Guest House
• 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