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Why not visit
one of the new Seven Wonders of the World?
Cut adrift in the
Pacific Ocean 1000 miles off the coast of Ecuador, volcanic
forces deep under the sea have thrown up a unique wildlife
paradise that’s so popular the Ecuadorian government are about
to limit the number of visitors dropping anchor on its unique
shores. This makes it the best time to visit this amazing island
for yourself, and remember to take a camera so people believe
your stories! You’ll be based in a fascinating biological
station whose aim is to help preserve the natural habitat of the
island and introduce new organic farming methods to the
islanders. Tasks include planting new crops, assisting in light
building and helping maintain island trails. You can also take
advantage of your colleagues’ expertise on various hikes to the
island’s lagoons, forests and villages and learn about the
ecological and human dynamics of Galapagos.
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Trip Highlights:
• Actually helping preserve these incredible islands - something
to be immensely proud of
• Exploring the islands on your days off
• Living on the islands themselves rather than visiting - lucky
you.
What's Included
• Accommodation:Shared basic hut, depending on the number of
volunteers some rooms could be single sex, some rooms could be
mixed sex.
• Food:All meals
• Airport Pickup:Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if
you're arriving early!
• Training:In-country orientation
• Support:Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr
emergency support
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Project details:
The Jatun Sacha Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental
organisation which has been running since 1985. The Foundation
is dedicated to the research, conservation, and management of
ecologically important habitats, as well as environmental
education and community development.
Consistent with past work, one of the objectives of this Jatun
Sacha station is to develop the technology to reconstruct the
native habitat in the highlands on San Cristobal, and to serve
as a centre for similar projects in the highlands on other
populated islands in the Galapagos chain. In addition the
foundation will be working collaboratively with local landowners
to develop clean agricultural alternatives for the production of
vegetables and fruits to sell to local universities,
restaurants, and hotels.
Why the project
needs volunteers:
The highland forests of the populated Islands in the Galapagos
chain have been greatly altered due to the introduction of
exotic and invasive species of animals and plants. Highland
conservation, development and poverty issues have been almost
completely neglected by conservation, development and government
agencies. As a result of the lack of fruit and vegetable
production on the Galapagos Islands, boats from the Ecuadorian
mainland unload fruits and vegetables to hotels, restaurants,
and markets on a daily basis. Quarantine regulations are
consistently ignored and at least two exotic and/or invasive
plant or faunal species enter the islands each day. Importantly,
the local population, lacking most government services and
suffering high unemployment levels, is almost completely
excluded from working in and benefiting from the tourism
industry: tour operators do nearly all their business from their
boats, ignoring business possibilities with local Galapagueo's.
What kind of
skills you need to go on this type of project:
General fitness and lots of enthusiasm is definitely needed for
this conservation project. Volunteers also need to be ready to
take on any tasks that may be required of them, and to get dirty
in the process!
Your role as a
volunteer:
You will work on both the habitat restoration and agricultural
components while at the reserve. In addition, foundation staff
will lead you on various hikes to a nearby lagoon, native
forests, beaches, and local villages to explain the ecological
and human dynamics of Galapagos. Opportunities to work on group
research and monitoring projects will be developed.
Where the
project is based:
The flight from Quito to San Cristobal is about an hour, this
flight will be booked for you and the cost added to your
statement at the time of booking. The project is then a 30
minute taxi ride from the airport.
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Project Information
• Project Duration: Min 2 weeks - Max 10 weeks
• Project Costs: US$ 1865.00 for 2 weeks, US$ 330.00 for every
week thereafter
• Location of project: San Cristobal, 1,000km west of mainland
Ecuador
• Arrival Airport:Quito (airport code UIO) on arrival date. A
flight on to San Cristobal will be arranged for you and added on
to your statement (budget approximately US$500)
• Activities:Various including planting, surveys and data
collection, path clearance and facilities maintenance
• Working Hours:Flexible; usually 7 hours a day with 8 days off
per month, all other time is free
• Getting to the project:On site
• Requirements:Minimum age 17
• Other:Semana Santa (Latin America Holy week) will be from
April 3rd to 12th 2009 and March 26th to April 4th 2010, you may
have some disruptions to the placement during this time.
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