Volunteer on community-based hawksbill sea turtle projects in Nicaragua

Contact: volunteers@hawksbill.org WWW Link: http://www.hawksbill.org/volunteer.html

Period

The project runs from April 15th to September 15th 2013

Location

The Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Initiative (ICAPO) will be conducting hawksbill sea turtle conservation volunteering programs at two sites on the Pacific coast of Central America: - Estero Padre Ramos Natural Reserve, Nicaragua - Bahia Jiquilisco Biosphere Reserve, El Salvador

Background Information

Volunteer to help us conserve one of the most endangered sea turtle populations on the planet. There truly is not a more rewarding sea turtle conservation program opportunity than this!

This volunteer program is initiated with the aim to extend the unique opportunity of volunteers participating in the protection of hawksbill turtles. The projects objective is to examine the population dynamics of the hawksbill turtle on the most important hawksbill nesting beaches of the eastern Pacific Coast.

This unique volunteer program is one of the best opportunities to participate in a small-scale based conservation project. We strongly believe that communities are fundamental to the long-term conservation of sea turtles. By working closely with local community members who depend economically on the conservation of turtles, we harness their knowledge and maximize conservation efforts.

The sea turtle monitoring program has been running since 2008. ICAPOs staff members have coordinated more than eight international volunteering programs in various Latin American countries, counting for a total of more than 15 years' worth of experience.

Duties

• Beach patrols to encounter measure and tag nesting hawksbill turtles.
• Egg collection for relocation to project hatcheries.
• Monitoring of project hatcheries: nest burial, temperature measurements, hatchling release and post-hatching nest excavations.
• Early morning boat patrols of the estuary to document hawksbill nesting that might have been missed during the previous night's patrol.
• Community Interaction (optional): English lessons, environmental education, Art programs, local tours, etc.
• Station house maintenance (sweeping, tidying, dishes when necessary, etc.).
• Turtle hatchery and patrol structure maintenance.

Other volunteer contributions include: increasing local awareness, demonstrating the importance and benefits of protecting hawksbills and doing marine research in general. Aside from working directly with the turtles, volunteers also have the opportunity to get involved in other local ecological and social projects, providing unique cultural and educational experiences for both volunteers and locals.

Requirements

- Physically in good condition - Minimum age of 18 - Travel & Medical insurance - Being able to work in remote areas under basic conditions - Available to volunteer for at least 1 week - Know some basic Spanish or English

Applicants are not required to have prior experience working with sea turtles. During the first days of your stay, you will receive a full training in biology of sea turtles and field methodology. We are looking for people who are self-motivated, conservation-minded, and who are able to get along well with others. A positive and hard-working attitude and a love for the outdoors are a must. Any health problem must be communicated before making the application.

Benefits/Costs

The participation fee is as follows (US Dollars):

- 1 week $280 - 2 weeks $525 - 3 weeks $750 - 4 weeks $950 - Additional $200 per week

The participation fee includes:

- Pre-departure orientation (information package) - Welcome meeting and arrival orientation at the project office - Three full meals a day - Housing (a safe and comfortable volunteer house) - In-country orientation/Training (turtle biology and conservation) by experienced staff members - In-country team & 24 hour emergency support - Registration fee