Animal and Ecology Conservation in Honduras

  Honduras

La Ceiba,  Tegucigalpa,  Tela,  Utila

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

Description: These volunteer projects focus on preserving the natural treasures of Honduras. Four-week placements are spent at La Tigra National Park; longer placements rotate between La Tigra, Botanical Gardens and other projects:

* Cloudforest near Tegucigalpa
La Tigra National Park is Honduras' largest national park set up to protect the area wildlife and water supply. Working with park wardens and rangers you'll be trained to prepare seeds and replant saplings, eliminate diseased trees, make flora and fauna inventories, maintain walking trails and restore colonial heritage buildings.

* Botanical Garden near Tela
The second largest tropical botanical garden in the world is a few miles from the beach town of Tela. Hurricane Mitch destroyed 50% of the forest, which means i-to-i-ers are needed to preserve the remainder, and help maintain the 1,200 different plant and bird species. Working with forestry students you will help conduct botanical research, collect samples, take plant inventories, maintain trails and assist with promotional efforts.

* Iguana Research and Breeding Station on Utila
This project was founded in 1994 with the aim of breeding and protecting the Utila iguana. As well as undertaking research at the centre, it also aims to educate the local community about the lizard. Daily activities include feeding the iguanas and talking to school children about them and their environment. You can also help with conducting guided tours as well as general maintenance at the station.

Highlights: Honduras is a land of rich, diverse terrains and culture. It boasts beautiful white coastal and island beaches, warm Caribbean seas, tropical Mosquitian rainforests and luscious mountains.

Hondurans run more than 20 national parks which provide a haven for exploring ancient indigenous ruins, hiking through tropical forests or diving into thrilling water sports. Beyond the stunning scenery there's an intriguing cultural atmosphere with an array of pure indigenous groups living alongside those of mixed indigenous/Spanish decent creating a captivating flair to Honduras.

You can become a part of this fascinating country by volunteering. Your help is greatly needed as Honduras was devastated by Hurricane Mitch in 1998 and there is an ongoing process to rebuild the infrastructure. Worthwhile projects building classrooms and homes, teaching English, conserving national parks, providing health care and reporting news are highly valued in this movement.

To help make the most of whichever project you select, i-to-i also provide Spanish language training on arrival.

Qualifications: Beginner Spanish - Independence, enthusiasm, willingness to work hard.

Cost in US$: $1040 for 1 week ; $273 each additional week

- detailed information on your project and country
- fundraising advice and support
- visa instructions and forms
- vaccination recommendations
- advice on health, safety and culture shock
- 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: Placements are all voluntary and therefore include a fee. The fee includes a well-researched placement, food, insurance, full in-country support and training.

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 American, Australian, Canadian and European Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Honduras Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 5-10

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 300 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