Operation Wallacea Conservation Research Expeditions for Schools

The trip to the middle of the rainforest and then being able to enjoy the wonders of the under water world was an amazing and unforgettable experience. Initially, I believed it would be a science heavy trip, working in the heat. However, I was mistaken. Although I did learn a lot about how to collect data efficiently and effectively and about to the habitat we had entered, I actually gained more transferable skills such as team work, perseverance and independence. Arriving from a busy city with a few parks dotted here and there, my friends and I were unsure of what to expect. We arrived to the camp where we greeted by friendly people, fed, shown around the camp and then escorted to our tents, where we had time to unpack and relax before heading out again for some afternoon activities. The rest of the week was just as exciting as the first day and even more so when we causiously entered the forest for the first time and saw the beautiful habitat and habitants! The second week our excitement grew as we bused to Akumal, near Cancun, for a week of diving. Although not all of us were qualified we had the opertunity to become certified divers. Staying in dorms, we got to meet new people and make new friends. The dives were spectacular and we were garinteed to see a turtle which we did! At least 10 in just one dive!
Each day was a new experience for us all. With some of us taking science A Levels and others studying the arts, we were a varied group, nevertheless we all enjoyed it and have wonderful memories from the trip. I would strongly recommend going if you have the opertunity.

After a long day in the Calakmul Forest, studying birds, reptiles, butterflies, mammals and autotrophs - we were back in camp, finishing an amazing dinner made by three women that live in the nearby village. There were a few of my students at computers, inputting data - being mentored by our amazing staff. Another group was pulling out a Twister game pad and playing twister. Pretty soon, a crowd was gathered around the game, and my high school students were laughing, playing, wrestling with some of the smartest PhDs and researchers I have met. In that moment, I realized how lucky my high school students really were. They were gaining great field experience, but just as importantly, they were treated like equals, sharing in the research and sharing in the camaraderie that develops when a group of people treat each other with respect and work hard together toward a common goal. This was just as valuable a life lesson as the research and can only happen when everyone on staff shares this value of inclusiveness and respect.

A really amazing program, run by really amazing people, in a really amazing place, doing really amazing work! This was a world perception altering experience for all of our students in so many ways. From the realities of "roughing it" in tents in a foreign country for a week, to learning about how biodiversity surveys of this type have a real and meaningful impact on the world around them. A truly excellent experience that I would heartily recommend to anyone!

This summer I participated in the conservation research expedition organized by Operation Wallacea in Samos and Lipsi (Greece). Overall I had an incredible experience. Not only did we help in monitoring vital species in the area such as the golden jackel or the chameleon (On our night survey I was lucky enough to catch, measure and tag four chameleons!) but we also had loads of fun. One of the most memorable parts about the trip was the opportunity to obtain my scuba diving license. The staff were all very friendly and supportive and helped in transitioning from the pool to the sea, reaching a depth of 15 meter. My favorite part of the trip was in Lipsi, which was not only gorgeous (especially the beaches which we helped clean up with the major of the island) but also the locals were friendly and appreciated our efforts. We also had the amazing opportunity to meet and talk to dolphin activist Richard O'Barry. We had watched his documentation "the cove" and had a great conversation about dolphins in captivity. His passion was truly inspirational and left its mark on me and my peers.

All in one was this two-week program not only a unique experience but it had many benefits in terms of learning new material, which included getting to know the environment and people. In these two weeks, I didn't just learn how to cooperate with people from around the world but also to conserve certain areas. As a group, we were stationed on Samos for the first week and during the second week on Lipsi. Personally, the second week on Lipsi was more enjoyable, with great evenings and adventures tasks during the day. Also, the boat tour from Samos to Lipsi was a moment in which I started to realize how beautiful the Aegean. In general, this experience helped me to understand how important our ecosystem is and how difficult it is to maintain a stable environment. Furthermore, would I definitely repeat this trip because it was fun and also very productive.

Most amazing Story of the trip:
This was by far the moment when our group arrived on Samos. The weather, the first impression and of course the beautiful and fun people around us. Even though this might not be a complete story but it was definitely something that I won't ever forget. I am very honored that I was able to take part in this two-week program. Shoutout to all the marvelous people and staff members that helped contribute to this amazing trip.

My trip to Peru was absolutely amazing. There is truly no place like the Amazon. The scenery of the calm river and the huge forest was breathtaking, and all of the daily surveys are fun and educational. I loved hiking through the forest and catching birds and frogs, but I also learned a lot about the ongoing problems of conservation of the forest and how the local communities are trying to help. I also learned a lot about the different animals that live in the Amazon and how they behave and interact with other species. A highlight of my trip was during the fishing survey. My group stayed on the main boat, to fish with rods, while I went in a small, metal canoe with a guide to set up the net. We paddled along the river. It was so serene and beautiful, but then we entered a dark forest with spiky trees that we had to dodge. We set up the net, caught a couple of wolf fish a headed back to the main boat. On the way back, the guide spotted a sloth in a tree and told me to wave to it. He said if it waved back its good luck. Slowly, but surely, the sloth waved back! It was truly amazing. Back on the boat, we talked about everything we saw that day and played lots of games. From then on, my friends called me 'perezoso'. I became good friends with other kids from my own school, the other school, and the local biologists and guides. We had a big salsa dancing night at the end of the trip that was very fun, and I still talk to all of my new friends today! Overall, this trip only made me more interested in biology and ecology, and if I could, I would do go on this trip again in a heartbeat!

My second favorite animal is the chameleon so I as incredibly exited when I got to that expedition. After 1 hour of walking is the dark and seeing absolutely nothing we found one. We were all exited, we got to learn how to keep track of them, how to measure them and weight them. It was an amazing experiment and helped me understand how field work should be carried out avoiding to cause distress to animal.

Great time away in Greece: I learnt to dive and did it with some of my (now) closest friends. It was an opportunity to bond with peers, over everything from the antics of our Opwall representative " 'elen " to the (very) dodgy dill infused cuisine of "Manolis' Tastes" (exactly how you'd expect him to taste!!!). The volunteers and the expert scientists present were all so lovely! Overall I would do all over again!