Description

The project in the ecological park is an integrated project that, while attempting to conserve the flora and fauna of the area also tries to offer local residents economic alternatives to improve the quality of their lives. In addition to its educational activities, it has carried out health projects (construction of latrines and wells) and offered training in the preservation and processing of fish products and eco-tourism. Volunteers have assisted in these activities.

Volunteers are hosted at the Sea Turtle, Crocodile and Mangrove Conservation Project near the town of Hawaii (Guatemala, not US) 5 miles east of the main Pacific resort town of Monterrico.

* Turtle Conservation (Egg Collection and Hatchery Management)

During the egg-laying season (June-October) volunteers are formed into patrols and spend nights walking the beach in search of nesting turtles. Once the turtle is sighted and "claimed", volunteers wait until it has finished laying, collect the eggs, transfer and then bury them in the hatchery. Volunteers also receive voluntary donations from local egg collectors and carry them to the hatchery. Once the eggs have been buried in the hatchery, the nest is marked and recorded in a log. Once the eggs begin hatching (mid-July to December), volunteers assist in releasing the hatchlings and excavating the nests to determine the hatchling success rate, usually over 90%. Hatchlings should be released at night or early or late in the day. They should never be released during the heat of the day as there are more predators and the midday sun will dehydrate them. Basic research in turtle biology is also conducted including measuring nest and sand temperatures, conducting nightly crawl counts and monitoring and recording hatchling success rates. Volunteers take part in these research activities. We are also open to any other research ideas you may have.

Highlights

The sea turtle project is a unique and very demanded project in Guatemala. Working close to these amazing animals will be an unforgettable experience!

Qualifications

Our programs are addressed to people - whether students, professionals or retirees - who do not want to explore Latin America as a mere tourist rather than living a real life experience that goes beyond the ordinary!

More important than technical skills and work experience is your attitude and will to help local wildlife.
You should be open-minded and be interested in foreign cultures and life styles.

Hopefully you speak a little bit Spanish. If not, functional Spanish skills can be acquired through our Spanish courses.

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

please contact us

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Animal Welfare
• Conservation
• Marine Conservation

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Other
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

Flexible

South America Inside's Mission Statement

Our programs are addressed to the humanitarian traveler, whether you are a student, professional or retiree. Anyone who wants to explore Latin America not as a mere tourist, but rather as an insider through an experience that goes beyond the ordinary, we invite you into our community! We organize Spanish and Portuguese courses as well as internship and volunteer work positions in nearly all countries of Central and South America. We help in organizing language courses, internships, volunteer work projects as well as in choosing the right country for you. We aim to select partners who are just off the beaten path and/or entail unique and special features to make your experience unforgettable!

Year Founded

2003