Iguana Conservation

  Honduras

• Other Cities in Honduras: 
Utila

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks

Description: Volunteers are needed to assist with the conservation and research of the endangered lizard - Utila Spiny-tailed Iguana on the beautiful island of Utila.

The Utila-iguana is a big, tree living black iguana. This rare endemic reptile lives in the mangroves and nests on the beaches of Utila, an island in front of the Caribbean north coast of Honduras. The Utila Iguana has become the symbolic species for the conservation of the important mangrove habitat. The ecological significance and endangered status of mangroves are often underestimated compared to rainforest and coral reefs.

In addition to the preservation of the Utila Iguana and its critical mangrove habitat, other core goals of this project include sustainable development of the island of Utila (a popular destination for divers); as well as the creation of environmental awareness among the local inhabitants by providing information and environmental education. As a volunteer on this project, you will assist with the practical conservation of an endemic species and learn scientific or ecological working methods under professional guidance. You will also live and work with people from around the world in a unique natural environment.

Highlights: Utila is a laid back, beautiful island situated in the Caribbean Sea and has near legendary status among back packers in Central America. During your stay, you can accompany tours conducted by the research station to other parts of the Island. A walk to Island's beautiful beaches for swimming and snorkeling is particularly inviting. After work, you can enjoy the local bars and restaurants on the Island or just chill out at the research station with the other volunteers and staff.

Qualifications:
    * Minimum age: 18
    * Basic English or Spanish
    * Good physical fitness
    * Motivation to work with reptiles
    * Full travel & medical insurance
    * Immunizations (please consult your doctor)

Cost in US$: USD 620 for 4 weeks

Experience Required: no

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.