Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Cape Verde, Africa

  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 and October

Description: Volunteers are needed to help our local team in all activities developed by the project.

Possible duties for volunteers will:
- Conduct nocturnal beach patrols (beach walks together with soldiers from Cape Verde) in search of nesting female sea turtles.
- Conduct morning surveys in nesting beaches and other remote areas
- Support the project staff in collecting data (by day or by night)
- Help assist nature tour guides and tourists who may be visiting the nesting beaches
- Help to develop and organize public events and PR- arrangements
- Participate in day activities, such as beach and underwater clean-up campaigns
- Assist in daily house and general project logistics including cooking, cleaning, shopping, and driving.

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:
- Physically in good condition and good health
- Being able to work in remote areas under basic conditions
- Able to converse in English and at least basic knowledge in Portuguese (or Spanish)
- Available for a minimum of 2 weeks (Minimum age of 18)
- Travel insurance

Cost in US$: 15

Experience Required: no

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:

• Letters of Reference
• 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