Volunteer on a Turtle Conservation Project in Panama

  Panama

Panama Canal Area

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Visit our website for upcoming start dates.

Description: Join GVI's leatherback turtle conservation project as a volunteer and live on the beautiful Caribbean coast of Panama while directly helping to conserve one of the world's most endangered species. Located on the Bocas del Toro ("Mouth of the Bull") archipelago, this ambitious conservation program by the Endangered Wildlife Trust is essential to the survival of turtle species in Panama's first National Marine Park.

As a volunteer on this project, you will spend much of your time patrolling the beaches, searching for nesting turtles. When you find them, you will tag and measure them, and monitor their behavior, relocating nests where necessary. You will also have time to go on expeditions and excursions, you can explore the beautiful terrain in this part of Panama and experience the great biodiversity that this part of the world has to offer. This program only runs during the turtle hatching season, from mid-March to mid-June.

How this program makes a difference:

In 2002 new era began for Leatherback turtles in the province of Bocas del Toro, north-eastern Panama. This area had become the worst beach for the killing of Leatherbacks until GVI's project partners converted a small timber hut into accommodations for volunteers to help monitor and protect the turtles. Since that time, only a single leatherback has been killed and another project has been taken on. All volunteer fees contain a donation towards the charity, Rainforest Concern. The money is generally used to purchase land in the area to help safeguard its future - which is of course one of the organization's main ongoing concerns.

Highlights:
- Rare opportunity to see leatherbacks nesting
- Live on a beach in Panama
- Contribute to valuable conservation research
- Go Island hopping
- Fun side activities
- Scuba diving
- Spanish Lessons

Qualifications: No special training or qualifications are required as you will receive training in the field.

Cost in US$: From USD 1,690 for 2 weeks

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Global Vision International's Mission Statement: Global Vision International aims to promote the advancement of sustainable development through the creation of partnerships, promotion of local and global education, opportunities and via direct financial support. GVI remains committed to its local partners by ensuring they receive full credit for any research undertaken or achievements reached.

Year Founded: 1998