Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Cape Verde, Africa

  Cape Verde

• Other Cities in Cape Verde: 
Praia

Term: Fall, Summer 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: June 15th to October 15th

Description: Volunteers are required to help in several duties related to sea turtle conservation in Boavista Island, Cape Verde.

Duties include:

* Beach Patrols

Patrols are undertaken each night at varying hours and in the early morning. Our beaches range from 3km-5km. The patrols serve several functions and may last between 4-6 hours:

- Search for nesting activity and nesting turtles;
- Helping with tagging post-nesting turtles, carapace measuring and other data collection;
- Search for any evidence of nests hatching;
- Nest excavations and relocations;
- Collect data on nesting turtles and nesting events;
- Maintenance and preparation of equipment.

* Beach Clean Ups

These are done regularly and involve schools, communities, local businesses and the hotels on Boavista

* Education & Awareness

- Producing and distributing conservation related signs in the beaches (ongoing activity);
- Assisting with organized turtle watches and other events for school/community groups & tourists.

Highlights: The Cape Verde nesting population of Loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), which is the third largest population in the world after the nesting populations of Oman and Southeast Florida, is particularly threatened. Boavista, with roughly 50 kilometers of sandy beaches, is probably the largest remaining nesting area of Caretta caretta in Cape Verde.

However the females are currently being killed by poachers for their meat when they come ashore to nest. During the 2007 nesting season (June to October) approximately 12,000-15,000 nests were built and about 1,000 female sea turtles were killed. It's our plan to expand our protection work to other highly threatened beaches at the northern shores.

Urgent action is needed to ensure the survival of this sea turtle population, and volunteers will have the opportunity to actively participate in the conservation efforts developed by Turtle Foundation, in an island of exotic beauty and remote beaches.

Qualifications: No qualifications necessary, but the following are appreciated:

- Available for a minimum of 2 weeks
- Able to converse, receive and understand instructions in English (our working language) or Portuguese or Spanish
- Be able to withstand extremely difficult and sometimes adverse living and working conditions
- Minimum age of 18
- Physically in good condition and good health and enjoy working outdoors
- Being able to work in remote areas under extremely basic conditions (no sanitation in beach camps)

Cost in US$: 17 per day

Salary / Pay: voluntary position

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Volunteer must be physically fit. Applicants must understand that this is mostly an overnight position, resulting in lack of sleep. Applicants should be physically fit and must be able to sit, stand and kneel for long periods of time. Work conditions are extreme with temperatures ranges from 17 degrees C at night to 40 degrees C during the day. Work is sometimes required in rainy conditions and at times bugs and flies are not only common, but abundant.

Age Range: 18-55

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Cape Verde Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 10-20

Application Process Involves:

• Resume
• Written Application

Turtle Foundation's Mission Statement: is the worldwide protection and conservation of sea turtles. The Turtle Foundation is particularly committed to keep administration costs to a minimum. To concentrate on clearly outlined, realistic and sustainable projects only. The Turtle Foundation focuses on * promoting the worldwide prohibition of commercial exploitation of turtles and their eggs. * on site aid to stop the current looting of turtle nests and to prevent it from occurring in the future. * constant lobbying at governments and other authorities. * promoting the prohibition of turtle slaughtering and trade. * supporting reasonable and convincing projects for the protection of sea turtles.

Year Founded: 2000