Turtle Conservation on the Greek Island of Zakynthos

  Greece

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Start dates throughout the year, contact us for more information.

Description: Zakynthos, is a beautiful, mountainous Ionian island with 110 km of rocky coastline and turquoise seas. One of the sunniest yet most verdant of the Greek islands, home to 6,000 species of flowers (as opposed to 2,300 in the British Isles), it acts as a stopping off place for migratory birds and harbors 80% of the Mediterranean's Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtle nests. This idyllic island has also attracted numerous package tourists and is battling to cope with a huge summer influx of bodies, waste, traffic, noise, litter and pollution. Our NGO partners work alongside the National Marine Park on the protection of a small corner of this island from over-development.

Volunteers help by patrolling beaches, providing tourists with information on turtles and other environmental issues, saving any injured animals, and conducting beach and forest cleans. Our aim is to show how conservation and sustainable tourism can work together benefiting visitors, locals and wildlife alike. A new project raising money to build a Sea Life rehabilitation center on the island has recently started so volunteers will also be involved in fund raising and promoting this incredibly important work across Europe.

Turtle monitoring occurs from May to October but there are different projects throughout the year. Volunteers can take advantage of the beautiful spring and autumn wildflowers and migrating birds, the presence of Monk Seals (Monachus monachus), olive and grape picking, Greek cooking, music and dancing. All food and accommodation is included in your fee, which will support local families. No formal training is required - you'll be supervised and trained by the local staff. Knowledge of German and Italian would be useful to communicate with tourists. A driving license is extremely useful. Also included is travel within the project, a weekend trip away, access to the internet and, most importantly, donations to the local NGOs to help support their valuable work.

Highlights: The thrill of seeing turtles lay their eggs and watching the babies hatch and head for the sea; having the opportunity to gain experience combining tourism and conservation issues, whilst working closely with the Marine Park and other NGOs; seeing other beautiful species such as many migrating rare birds and the extremely endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal; experiencing Greek culture first hand on a beautifully verdant, picturesque island, which you can explore in your free time; taking a great first step towards your career in practical conservation or simply making a lasting one-off contribution to the preservation of endangered turtles.

Qualifications: No formal training is required - you'll be supervised and trained by the local staff. Knowledge of German and Italian would be useful to communicate with tourists. A driving license is extremely useful.

Be prepared for long hot hours of beach patrolling both day and night. You must be relatively fit, be prepared to work as a team or under individual initiative, happy to promote turtle conservation and talk to tourists as well as get involved in other ad hoc projects.

You will be trained to recognize and monitor loggerheads and their nests, providing tourists with information on their habitat and what's needed to help with their conservation. You will also be taught about local flora and fauna. In addition you will have the chance to learn to sail, experience Greek culture, and learn to cook Greek cuisine (during the quieter out-of-season periods.) You will undoubtedly speak a bit of Greek by the end of your trip.

Cost in US$: From $1590 for 2 weeks

Salary / Pay: Voluntary

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical volunteer! All expedition members must be enthusiastic, interested in conservation and prepared to work in a team.

Age Range: 18 to 65

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Greece Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 6 - 10

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Job and Internship Network

Global Vision International's Mission Statement: 2008 marks a decade of commitment from GVI to all volunteers and partners. 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