- Ecuador
About Program
Join our conservation team in Ecuador to protect unique ecosystems and endangered wildlife. Volunteers engage in field research, environmental education, and community outreach. Help monitor endangered species populations, restore degraded habitats, work with local schools on sustainability projects, and more. Gain hands-on experience while being immersed in the captivating natural beauty of Ecuador. Make a positive impact on vital conservation efforts to preserve biodiversity. No prior experience required - orientation and training provided. Flexible program dates available. Lodging and meals included.
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Program Highlights
- Gain first-hand work experience and create connections with people from different parts of the world.
- Experience the thrill of wildlife adventure in any of the various national reserves such as Machalilla National Park, and more.
- Play an active role in beach cleanups and promote sustainable tourism.
- Learn about the culture and traditions of Ecuador.
- Try on the authentic Ecuadorian cuisine.
Program Impact
In the sea turtle conservation program, there are no typical days because the sea turtle activity is not typical either, but we do try to standardize the schedules, and one day a week we see what the priorities are for each week and who will support each activity (rotating so that everyone can do everything). However, these are the activities we do:
* Conduct daytime patrols in search of turtle tracks that indicate nesting or nests.
* If we find nests and see the need to relocate them, we do so (in the hatchery or another safer place on the beach).
* Monitor marked nests for signs of hatching.
* Release sea turtle hatchlings into the ocean.
* Conduct night patrols to collect important information from each nesting turtle (this includes taking length and width measurements, biological samples, and tagging the individual, among others).
* Do beach cleanups because we know the impact that marine debris can have on nest-hatching success.
* Collaborate with the marine fauna rescue center near the main beach where we work.
* Depending on the volunteer's arrival, they may help with the development or maintenance of the sea turtle egg hatchery.
* Identify individual sea turtles on reefs from time to time.
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Questions & Answers
Location
Ecuador hugs the equator on the west coast of South America, and holds Amazonian jungle, Andean highlands, and the Galapagos islands off the coast. Needless to say it is one of the most environmentally diverse countries in the world.
