Galapagos Islands Conservation

  Ecuador

• Galapagos Islands: 
Galapagos Islands

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: multiple dates year round

Description: Located on the island of San Cristobal, 1,000km west of mainland Ecuador, is this fascinating biological station whose aim is to help preserve the natural habitat of the island and introduce new organic farming methods to the islanders.

The highland forests of the populated Islands in the Galapagos chain have been greatly altered due to the introduction of exotic and invasive species of animals and plants. Highland conservation, development and poverty issues have been almost completely neglected by conservation, development and government agencies. As a result of the lack of fruit and vegetable production on the Galapagos Islands, boats from the Ecuadorian mainland unload fruits and vegetables to hotels, restaurants, and markets on a daily basis. Quarantine regulations are consistently ignored and at least two exotic and/or invasive plant or faunal species enter the islands each day. Importantly, the local population, lacking most government services and suffering high unemployment levels, is almost completely excluded from working in and benefiting from the tourism industry.

Consistent with past work, one of the objectives of this Jatun Sacha station is to develop the technology to reconstruct the native habitat in the highlands on San Cristobal, and to serve as a centre for similar projects in the highlands on other populated islands in the Galapagos chain. In addition the foundation will be working collaboratively with local landowners to develop clean agricultural alternatives for the production of vegetables and fruits to sell to local universities, restaurants, and hotels.

Depending on the station's needs, your conservation work on the Galapagos Islands may include helping plant new crops, assisting in light building activities, or helping maintain the trails around the island. Local staff will lead you on various hikes to nearby lagoons, forests, beaches and local villages to explain the ecological and human dynamics of Galapagos.

You will work on both the habitat restoration and agricultural components while at the reserve. In addition, foundation staff will lead you on various hikes to a nearby lagoon, native forests, beaches, and local villages to explain the ecological and human dynamics of Galapagos. Opportunities to work on group research and monitoring projects will be developed.

Highlights: The Galapagos Islands have been voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World by over 3,500 readers of Wanderlust travel magazine! They really do have to be seen to be believed and make a fantastic addition to a sabbatical or year out.

Ecuador packs vibrant Indian cultures, well preserved colonial architecture, otherworldly volcanic landscapes, dense rainforests and tropical beaches into a country no bigger than Ireland.

Qualifications: Independence, enthusiasm, and a willingness to work hard. General fitness and lots of motivation is definitely needed for this conservation project. Volunteers also need to be ready to take on any tasks that may be required of them, and to get dirty in the process!

Cost in US$: $1465 for 1 week; $230 for each additional week

Before you depart we offer:
- detailed information on your project and country
- fundraising advice and support
- visa instructions and forms
- vaccination recommendations
- advice on health, safety and culture shock
- English teacher training course (TEFL) - contact details to pass along to your family

When you arrive we provide:
- pick-up from the airport
- welcome orientation
- accommodation and food
- well-researched, quality placement
- support of in-country i-to-i team

You will always have:
- access to our emergency support team 24/7
- assistance of the global i-to-i staff
- guidance and advice from experienced i-to-i travelers

Salary / Pay: None - Voluntary position.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 4

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: Founded in 1994, i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 15,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 500 projects on 5 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, media, health, conservation, building, marketing or tourism.

Year Founded: 1994