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: Cut adrift in the Pacific Ocean 1000 miles off the coast of Ecuador, volcanic forces deep under the sea have thrown up a unique wildlife paradise that's so popular the Ecuadorian government are about to limit the number of visitors dropping anchor on its unique shores. This makes it the best time to visit this amazing island for yourself, and remember to take a camera so people believe your stories! You'll be based in a fascinating biological station whose aim is to help preserve the natural habitat of the island and introduce new organic farming methods to the islanders. Tasks include planting new crops, assisting in light building and helping maintain island trails. You can also take advantage of your colleague's expertise on various hikes to the island's lagoons, forests and villages and learn about the ecological and human dynamics of Galapagos.

*Project details:
The Jatun Sacha Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organization which has been running since 1985. The Foundation is dedicated to the research, conservation, and management of ecologically important habitats, as well as environmental education and community development.

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.

*Why the project needs volunteers:
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: tour operators do nearly all their business from their boats, ignoring business possibilities with local Galapagueo's.

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights:
* Actually helping preserve these incredible islands - something to be immensely proud of
* Exploring the islands on your days off
* Living on the islands themselves rather than visiting - lucky you

Qualifications: What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
General fitness and lots of enthusiasm 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!

Your role as a volunteer:
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.

Cost in US$: USD 1865.00 for 2 weeks, USD 330.00 for every week thereafter

    * Accommodation:Shared basic hut, depending on the number of volunteers some rooms could be single sex, some rooms could be mixed sex.
    * Food:All meals
    * Airport Pickup:Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
    * Training:In-country orientation
    * Support:Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

When you go on an i-Venture we want you to have the best possible time abroad, so we include these important services.

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

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: 17-80

This Program is open to Worldwide 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-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: 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 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994