Requirements and Training
Patagonia Conservation and Wilderness Training - PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PROGRAM IS NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

Skills Required

Whilst no previous experience is necessary, volunteers must be physically fit and in good health; capable of walking for up to several hours daily, carrying packs weighing up to 25 kg over rough terrain. Being adventurous, open minded and enthusiastic about living and working in a group in the outdoors is also essential.

Training and Qualifications

This Patagonian expedition contains a multitude of skill development opportunities combined with exciting adventures and important environmental and conservation projects. In small groups volunteers conduct rugged surveys in a remote part of the world that few people ever get to see. Participants must be prepared for a challenge as the expedition contains some arduous trekking through the variety of extreme climates and landscapes found in the heart of dramatic Patagonia.

You will develop life long skills during the expedition, skills that you will also find useful when you return back home. You will learn how to live comfortably in the outdoors, using not more than you can carry on your own back. The skill of travelling light and living in the elements while collecting scientific data will become part of your daily routine here on the expedition.

The intensive training at the start of the expedition introduces everybody to most of the skills that will be used on a daily basis throughout the entire expedition. The training will continue after this initial training period and with daily practice, you will gain more knowledge and become proficient at these skills.

The expedition training includes the following:

• conservation principles
• research / survey techniques for the expedition projects
• geography of the research areas
• target species identification and research projects backgrounds
• health and safety in wilderness settings, lost and search principles
• navigation with compass, map and GPS
• leadership principles in wilderness settings
• group interaction, problem solving and working efficiently as a team
• First aid / CPR, internationally recognized training course (EFR). Optional certification
• wilderness related medical topics and medical emergency training scenarios
• backcountry stretcher improvisation and casualty evacuation organization
• camp craft, campsite selection and useful knots and lashings
• Leave No Trace principles
• correct use and care of tents, multi fuel stoves and other expedition kit
• use of expedition communication devices (satellite phones, VHF radios, EPIRB)
• expedition food organization and planning
• basic Spanish introduction
• history & culture, local myths and legends of the greater research area
• Optional BTEC certificate in Biological Survey Techniques

BTEC in Biological Survey Techniques

GVI gives you the chance to complete Level 3 BTEC Advanced Certificate whilst on a five or ten week expedition in Patagonia. The BTEC teaches you to supervise biological surveys, and during the course you will complete five core units: Target Species Identification, Survey Techniques, Managing Risk, Expedition Logistics and Community Relations. Living and working together in the wilderness of Patagonia requires everyone to be a solid part of the expedition team. Days are long and the work is hard, but with the expedition training you will develop the skills needed to thoroughly enjoy your time on the expedition and in the great Patagonian outdoors!