Conserve and help protect the Galapagos Islands, an amazing bio diversity hotspot
Program Overview
Travel to the Galapagos Islands, an extraordinary and diverse archipelago in the Pacific Ocean and join forces with local communities to conserve ecologically important forest habitats.
You will work on a biological reserve within this archipelago full of fascinating wildlife, some of which is endemic to the Galapagos. Your main focus will be on forestry conservation and reserve maintenance, protecting this amazing environment through the control of invasive species.
The reserve you will be based on is operated by the Jatun Sacaha Foundation, one of many biological stations placed all over Ecuador in critical and diverse forest ecosystems.
Life on the Program
In the Galapagos, you will live and work on the biological reserve on San Cristobal Island, actively participating in native plant conservation, reserve maintenance and nurturing and planting endemic species.
Your work takes place Monday to Thursday starting early and continuing through to late afternoon. The work can be physical and you should be prepared for an exhausting but rewarding experience. On your spare time you are free to relax on the base to get to know your fellow volunteers.
All accommodation is basic, but comfortable. You will spend your first week in Quito, the fascinating and vibrant capital, to immerse yourself in Spanish lessons and the Ecuadorian culture by living with a host family. On project, you will be in shared dormitory-style accommodation.
Project Details
For almost the last 10 years, this project has been focused on reforestation work, replacing exotic invasive plants with native species.
You will contribute to plans that look to construct a native plant corridor with the aim to develop organic processes for plants that are on the approved growing list for the islands.
The impact of invasive species is leading to the degradation of the natural ecosystem that is unique to the Galapagos and so the overall goal at the station is the reforestation of native plants to balance this fragile environment.
How this project makes a difference:
The Galapagos is one of the natural wonders of our world and your efforts and the efforts of this project will help to ensure that the relevant people have the information required to make the correct decisions to secure the long-term survival of the islands.
Volunteer Testimonials
Latest from the Base...
Wherever you travel, our bases are places of profound discovery, awe-inspiring observations, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Find yourself at home in some of the most remote and pristine environments in the world.
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Program Details
Build Your Program
What's Included
- Pre-departure support and discounted services
- 24-hour emergency phone
- Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
- Arrival orientation
- Long term experienced staff
- Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
- All meals (unless otherwise stated in field manuals)
- Welcome meeting
- Location orientation
- All necessary project training by experienced staff
- All necessary project equipment and materials
- 24-hour in-country support
- Eight nights home-stay accommodation and food in Quito
- Studying and conserving a biodiversity hotspot
- - One week of Spanish lessons to help you develop or expand you Spanish language skills
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Medical and travel insurance
- Visa costs
- Personal kit
- Additional drinks and gratuities
- Extra local excursions
- International and domestic airport taxes
