Volunteer Conservation Program in the Galapagos Islands
Joining our conservation program in the Galapagos Islands means that you will have the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of conservation activities to restore the earth's ecosystem along San Cristobal Island, which was affected by a large number of introduced species. During your time in Galapagos, you will always have the support of our local coordinators with whom you will develop a reforestation plan, which focus in native plants that are in our nursery.
Volunteer Programs
Purpose
Our volunteers work closely with local people in the urban and rural areas of San Cristobal Islands. Eradicating invasive plant species and creating plans for control over the introduced plants are some of the activities that you will do. Moreover, creating awareness among habitants and visitors about the importance of preserving the flora of the archipelago in order to avoid impacts on the life cycle of the different species that inhabit this natural laboratory is the principal aim of the project.
Change
Actually, the impact that tourism leaves in the Galapagos Islands has become one of the determinants thats putting the natural habitat of these islands in danger. Most of the visitors of Galapagos want to observe some of the most unique animal species in the world and for that reason, every day the quantity of tourists that arrive to Galapagos grows. However, the volunteer program of Ecuador Volunteer Foundation - EVF reaches more people who can promote the importance of keeping the endemic flora of the Galapagos islands intact because it is the source of feeding for many animal species that migrate between the islands.
Action
Volunteers are essential to the success of this project, daily activities will depend on the planning of our coordinators, it usually includes eradication tasks, control of invasive species, reforestation work with endemic plants, undergrowth control, planting seeds in the nursery, implementation of environmental education, maintaining organic gardens and support local farmers.
Location
San Cristobal , Galapagos
San Cristobal is the fifth largest island of the Galapagos and it is home to the oldest permanent settlement of the islands and is where Darwin first went ashore in 1835. There are approximately 5,400 residents, making it home to the second largest human population in Galapagos.
The charm of these volcanic islands led the UNESCO to designate it as a Natural Patrimony of the Humanity and currently the Galapagos Islands have become a living laboratory of exotic species in danger of extinction that do not exist anywhere else in the world. Therefore, the preservation of its flora and fauna, as well as, its fragile ecosystem, is today one of the main priorities for Ecuador Volunteer within the Galapagos Islands.
Quick Facts
Official Language:
Spanish
Population:
25,124
Capital:
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Land Area:
Religion:
Roman Catholic
Currency:
US Dollar
Literacy Rate:
98,8%
Program Details
Program Details
Highlights
The Galapagos Islands are one of the most amazing places on the planet, it is the home of unique flora and fauna species. Volunteering in this natural paradise allows you to surround yourself with amazing animals and help the conservation of its ecosystem, especially in handling the preservation of endemic plants. Here you will have the opportunity to explore the different islands and learn from a different perspective the effort to conserve Galapagos. We are waiting for you to be part of a team of volunteers committed to the environment!
A Day as a Volunteer
- 06:00 – 06:30 Delicious breakfast
- 07:00 - 12:30 Volunteer work on eradication of invasive species
- 13:00 - 14:00 Lunch
- 14:00 - 16:00 Work in agriculture or reforestation Support
- 16:00 - 18:00 Walk around the island
- 19:00 - 20:00 Dinner
Volunteer Activities
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Eradication of invasive species
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Reforestation
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Support on agriculture
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Maintaining organic gardens
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Support for schools and colleges in environmental practices
Accomodation
The housing system takes place in a volunteer house managed by a local family, which gives you an excellent opportunity to learn more about the lifestyle in the islands. This kind of experience allows you to observe the Ecuadorian culture in a profound way, from the relationships established in daily living with a family. We are sure that this experience will be exciting and that it will make you grow as a person. Volunteers stay in shared rooms, with shared bathrooms that are located on the second and third floors of housing. The construction of the house was made by cement, which has all the facilities for volunteers all of this together with the hospitality of the family, will create the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed environment. The volunteer house has capacity for 19 people, beds and bunk beds have pillows, sheets, blankets and towels. Cleaning is done every two days and is in charge of a family member and volunteers, for that reason, we ask your help to keep everything in perfect condition. Electrical energy is a precious resource in the islands and it is important that you can understand how significant energy is. Laundry area is outside of the house where, volunteers can wash their clothes by hand otherwise, there is a laundry service close to the house.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included during the participation of volunteers; diet is based on traditional dishes from the coast like seafood, fish, bananas and rice. The food is delicious and you can experience very closely the gastronomy of the Ecuadorian coast, which is characterized by typical dishes such as ceviche, shrimp scampi, seafood soups, fried fish, rice, bananas, natural juices and more. Eating time is a good opportunity to share a good time with the host family while you learn new recipes and local dishes. Vegetarians can apply to the project, but we recommend buying your own products and preparing your own meals as much is based on seafood. In the house, you can always find fresh drinkable water; however, if you want to prepare your meals, we suggest boiling water; it will be safe and do not forget to carry water bottles for personal consumption.
What's Included
- Pre-arrival information and support
- Coordination of Airport pick-up service from the Quito airport
- Workshop to highlight aspects of the project
- Workshop orientation about safety, location and culture
- 24-hour emergency phone
- Long term experienced staff
- 24/7 in-country support
- Safe accommodations
- Accommodation and food
- Safe Projects
- Monitoring and regular check-ins during the volunteer program
- International phone call in EVF’s office
- Local phone calls from our office in Quito.
- Certificate of Participation
What's Not Included
- Cost realted with pick up service form the airport
- International Airline tickets or fees related passport, taxes or tips
- Airline tickets from Quito – San Cristobal – Quito
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee
- Visa costs and expenses related to the necessary paper work
- Travel and health insurance
- Costs associated with vaccinations and personal medications
- Land transportation within the country
- Expenses related with cultural and/or tourist activities
- Personal expenses / Items for personal use
