Kenya - Wildlife Conservation

  Kenya

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks

Description: This project is run by a private charity since 1997 that aims to conserve primates in the region of Kwale, in particular the colobus monkey, which only thousands of its kind have survived in Kenya. Kwale is considered one of the top 25 global 'biodiversity hotspots' (area containing a large variety of plants and animals), therefore its conservation value is extremely important. However due to rapid and uncontrolled economic growth, the natural resources of this region are under pressure. As a volunteer in this project you can take an active part in the conservation and study of primates and their natural habitat, while enjoying the natural treasures and amazing beaches of this area. You will live with other volunteers and staff from around the world, meet local people and experience new cultures.

There is a variety of projects underway at any one time. As a volunteer in this project, you will be allocated specific duties depending upon your relative experience and current openings, however all volunteers should be willing to assist with any aspect of the work when required and to change focus if the need arises. These are some of the activities you will be expected to carry out:

    * Participate in animal welfare, husbandry, rescues and releases;
    * Work with local communities in education, wildlife conflict and habitat restoration;
    * Work alongside Kenyans fixing monkey bridges, de-snaring, maintaining monkey cages;
    * Carry out valued primate consensus and forest health surveys;

Your normal working week will be Monday to Friday 0800 to 1700, and some help on Sunday with care of monkeys in rehabilitation. Saturdays and evenings are your own, and you are free to take time out during working days, as long as all your assigned work is completed.

Highlights:
A hotel near by offers free access to the swimming pool, sun lounger beds, restaurants and bars. Snorkeling, scuba diving, kite surfing, walks in sacred forests, bird walks, are also locally available at own cost. Trips to the nearby national parks can be arranged from Diani.

Qualifications:
* Min age 18
* Good level of English
* Previous travel and/or volunteer experience
* High level of independence and emotional strength
* Motivation to work with children
* Full travel & medical insurance
* Immunizations (please consult your doctor)

Cost in US$: USD800 for 2 weeks

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18 - 70 (Families welcome with children +13)

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

GoEco's Mission Statement: (1) Encourage ecological and volunteer tourism that promotes sustainable development (2) Enable travelers to experience different and more rewarding kinds of tourism. (3) Encourage travelers to volunteer for the benefit of others and thus to serve as a good-will ambassador to other countries in the world. (4) Encourage travelers from all over the world to come to Israel for ecological and community-based projects, in both the Arab and Jewish sectors, and experience firsthand the unique cultural and natural diversity in this region. (5) Support environmental and humanitarian projects that promote understanding and good will between ethnic societies in Israel. (6) Conduct further research in the field of ecological tourism, such as the 'Ecological Footprint' as a tool for sustainable tourism development. (7) Establish an in-depth and up-to-date data base of the relevant projects worldwide. (8) Create a platform from which to explore the various organizations that support the environment and actively encourage volunteering.