info@rcdpnepal.org
1-2543048951
VOLUNTEER IN ECUADOR
' I LOVE this experience in chitwan for though short period! '
Xue Ying Fiona Wang
Galapagos Conservation Program
- Location: San Cristobal Island
- Start Point: Quito
- End Point: Quito International Airport
- Duration: 1-12 Weeks
- Hours: 20-30 Hours per week
- Meal: Local meals 3 times a day
- Accommodation: Hostel
- Date: Second and Fourth Monday of each month
Travel to travel to Galapagos Archipelago, made famous by Charles Darwin, and work in a conservation program to save the indigenous flora and fauna. While volunteering, you will stay in stunning San Cristobal Island and learn the local conservation work to help the local staff.
The Galapagos Archipelago is a chain of islands that never had native population and were never connected to other mainlands. Because of this, the islands have a unique ecosystem and local plant and animal life. San Cristobal Island is the gateway to the Galapagos Archipelago. The Island has a port and an airport and because of this, it always sees aggressive alien species that try to destroy the indigenous flora and fauna. The black fly, for instance, was introduced in 1990 and was known to kill animals and suck blood out of local human populations. There is a constant fight to preserve the local species. As a volunteer, you will not only experience unique island and the ecosystem, you will also work in the local environmental campaign and grow emotionally and professional after completing the project.
Skill/Qualification
Volunteers do not need any skills to work in the project. But you must be prepared to work in a humid condition. You may also have to deal with flies and other insects. You will also have to do quite a lot of walking and lift heavy things so you will need to be in good physical condition. Volunteers must also be open-minded and resourceful during the project.
Volunteer's Responsibilities
Volunteers will work Monday to Friday. You may have to work Saturday for half a day occasionally. There are two main work projects volunteers will help with. They are habitat restoration and agricultural activities. The project also encourages volunteers to develop their own project. Volunteers can also go on hikes to a nearby lagoon, inside the forest, beaches and local villages. Your work can include:
- Reforestation – work can include collecting and classifying seeds, planting them in the reserve and working in the nursery.
- Developing your own project – you can be inspired to save particular plant or animal or work in certain areas. You can do that while helping the overall conservation effort.
- Maintenance work – maintain trails, sings, do construction work, help in kitchen and help clean fresh water supply.
- Agricultural work – work in organic food production.
- Learn and do guided hike tour of the reserve and tell them about local ecosystem, biodiversity, the history, and marine and plant life.
Project Location
Volunteers will be station in the Island of San Cristobal. It is the easternmost island and geologically the oldest. The Island is 215 square miles and has an airport and a sea port. It is the gateway to the Galapagos Archipelago. The Island is known for frigate birds, Galapagos sea lions and Galapagos turtles. You will also see large numbers of other birds and marine life. The local vegetation is also unique from the other part of the world. There is large fresh water lake in the Island, a breeding station and sanctuary for giant tortoises. The town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno has slightly over 5 thousand inhabitants. During your free time, volunteers can rest, read, wash clothes or visit different places on the Island to see birds and animals, or go to Playa Punta Carola for good surfing, or Playa Mann for swimming.