Marine Turtle Protection Project on the west coast of Karnataka

  India

Mangalore

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: January 12 - January 25, 2009

Description: Kundapur is a town situated on the west coast of Karnataka near the beach, and very close to the Western Ghats (a mountain ridge). The Western Ghats is India's prime zone for bio-diversity, known for its number of animal and plant species in this region. A Marine Turtle protection project has been started here in co-operation with the Forest Department of the State of Karnataka. Over a 60-kilometer stretch of beach, surveys have been conducted and protection of the turtle nests is taking place until the hatching of the eggs. In 2005, more than 500 baby turtles reached the ocean safely thanks to the efforts of international volunteers. The projects will also focus on spreading awareness to the general public and in the schools about the importance of turtles in the bio-diversity.

Project sessions:
January 12 - January 25, 2009

There is an extra fee of $260 US for participation in this project, intended to support the hosting organization.

Highlights: Kundapur is situated 100 km north of the city of Mangalore, 300 km from Panjim (Goa), and 450 km from Bangalore. Kundapur is accessible by bus/train from Mangalore, Bangalore, Panjim (Goa), and Mumbai. There are international and domestic airports in Bangalore, Goa, and Mumbai.

Cost in US$: $290 US

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: motivated to work voluntarily within an international team, tolerant, open-minded and cooperative person with adventurous spirit

Age Range: 18 and over

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Participants Travel to India Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

CADIP - Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects's Mission Statement: CADIP promotes peace, cooperation, tolerance and understanding in international, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural surroundings. The organization also promotes patterns and examples of civil activities focused on serving others, on building social ties and strengthening communities, on supporting civil society development. Aims and general objectives: * To promote volunteering as an expression of civic contribution * To strengthen the international contacts among young people * To build tolerance and understanding in multicultural and multi-ethnic surroundings *To promote multiunderstanding among youth all over the world * To facilitate the individual growth of the volunteers through the acquisition of work, life and learning skills * To work for the recognition and promotion of non-formal learning * To support the community initiatives and assist in community development.