Description

Located in the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean lies the island of Utila, the third largest of Honduras Bay Islands. Forming part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest in the world, the island is growing as a diving and tourist destination. This projected growth highlights the need to protect the island's delicate ecosystem.

You will conduct environmental research with a Honduran NGO based the island, working alongside its resident scientists. The organization's principal aim is to protect aim is to protect the country's endangered fauna and flora through conservation initiatives.

Their strategies are to:
* provide a dynamic environmental education program
* develop sustainability based on scientific assessment
* impulse community engagement and participation
* create and strengthened the links between organizations working for the same aim.

The NGO's principal project is running a reptile research and breeding station in order to protect endemic endangered species. Other projects involve biodiversity studies (insect diversity of the island) and population studies, as well as educating schoolchildren and the local community on environmental issues. The centre runs a visitor centre with information on the unique animal and plants seen on Utila, and organises various activities throughout the year including social workshops, cultural and environmental celebrations.

Highlights

There are many areas of interest for you to focus your research. There are many different aspects you can choose from, biological, diversity and ecological studies; which will depend upon your interests and qualifications. Research on Utila has traditionally focused on the sea, leaving terrestrial research largely ignored.

Possible research questions can include;
* Carrying capacity of the island
* Individual research on specific species such as reptiles, mammals, insects indigenous to the area.
* Insect diversity study
* Swamper (indigenous Reptile) wild population studies
* Genetic studies of the efficiency of our conservation project
* Medicinal plant categorization and research
* Bird identification studies
* Evaluation of risk studies
* Research into the sociological aspect of the organization, i.e. how we can best educate the people of Utila.

Those with specific interests and research questions are welcome to discuss them with the organization.

In your free time you can enjoy the island's beaches, diving sites and other attractions. Those visiting the island in August will not want to miss Sunjam, an internationally-renowned party held on an island just off the coast of Utila.

Qualifications

Special research permits are required to conduct academic research in Honduras. This process can take up to 6 months. Make sure to leave plenty of time before your intended participation date to get all the requirements in order.

You will also be asked to make a presentation of your research to the other staff at the NGO at the end of your trip, so as to diffuse any findings you have made and allow others to learn and build upon your work. You will also be asked to leave a report of your findings to the NGO and submit any published articles to the project HQ library.

* Min age 18
* Minimum 1 month commitment - 25+ hours a week.
* Enthusiasm and interest to work in conservation / strong research skills
* Intermediate Spanish (Lessons available)
* Full travel & medical insurance
* Necessary vaccinations
* Necessary flights & visas

Intern Types

• Animal Sciences
• Development
• Field-Study
• Zoology & Wildlife Sciences

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

220 Euros Project Fee per month + 249 GBP Placement Fee

Program Fees Include:

This includes all accommodation, 24/7 support and program activities. This does not include food, for which you should budget around 10 Euros a day.

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 2+

Application Process Involves

• Written Application
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-3 days

Post Services Include

• Job and Internship Network

Global Nomadic Ltd's Mission Statement

Global Nomadic hosts a variety of projects and internships around the world, specially chosen for their ability to enhance career prospects in unique and diverse areas. We seek to specialise in serious placements, catering for those looking to get a foot in the door to the career they aspire to. We put you directly in touch with the project provider, offering a complete and ethical service.

Year Founded

2009