Kaya Environmental Volunteering in Belize

  Belize

San Ignacio

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: The first Saturday of every month

Description: If you are an outdoors adventurous type and conscious about the problems facing the earth then an environmental project is for you. Our projects from around the world range from forestry development, ecosystem preservation, national park development to botanical research. Not only will you be involved in education and research but also hands on activities within national park development and maintenance of ecosystems.

Environmental Education in Belize

Work in an exemplary site for environmental education in Belize. This environmental project was founded in 2005 through the joint efforts of several environmental organizations eager to cultivate a first-rate facility for environmental education in Belize. The center includes a 12-acre preserve containing interpretive trails, a gibnut-raising project (gibnut is a local rodent-like animal), a small organic farm, and a tilapia pond.

Environmental and Cultural Preservation in Belize

Join this project in its quest to preserve the environment and culture of Belize. You will participate in programs designed to promote the preservation of biodiversity and local culture in the San Antonio village area. Additionally, you will work with governmental and non-governmental agencies to conserve Belize's remaining natural resources.

Highlights: Nestled between Mexico and Guatemala is the peaceful and ecologically diverse country of Belize. Spanning the length of the coastline is the second largest barrier reef on earth, which is a world heritage site. The ancient Maya ruins in the mountains date back to 500 BC, and the ethically diverse population of Maya, Mestizo, creole, Mennonite and Garifuna make for a unique and culturally rich experience.

Track Jaguars at Cockscomb Basin

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best undisturbed nature centers in the country and easily one of the most beautiful with 600-1000 Jaguars prowling the land. Get involved in mapping and distribution research to help protect Jaguars and their prey.

Glovers Reef Atoll

70 miles southeast of Belize City brings you to Glovers Reef, named after the pirate John Glover. The atoll is a circular necklace of almost continuous coral reef around an 80-square-mile lagoon with depths to 50 feet; the various colors of blue in the water are so intense they seem unreal. Within the lagoon, divers will find 700 shallow coral patches and the remains of at least four sunken ships.

Kayaking the Belizean waterways

Raft a 20-mile stretch of the Macal River. This small, steep, and technical route brings you through drop pools, mazelike channels, and big waterfalls in class IV whitewater. Led by guides who have rafted all over the world, you know it's got to be good when even they get excited about it. Groups are small (six people), and the wildlife abundant -- tapirs, iguanas, and river otters are just a few of the species to be seen.

Belize's fragile ecosystems are under threat from deforestation, improper agricultural practices, irresponsible tourism and development, and forest fires. The people of Belize are very conscious about conserving their natural habitat and have used eco-tourism as a means of preserving their fragile ecosystems. It is very important to the communities that these ecosystems survive as they use them for food, medicine, shelter and water.

These are just a few of the wonderful activities and experiences a volunteer will accomplish in a few weeks of their stay in the majestic Belize.

Qualifications: Experience and passion for working in the community and interacting with the people are needed. Participants must also possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the place's culture.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.

Age Range: Must be more than 18 years old

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

Participants Travel to Belize Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement: Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.

Year Founded: 2008