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Galapagos Conservation project, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands are unique: 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador, out in the Pacific Ocean, sea-bed volcanoes break the surface of the water to form an archipelago of 16 main islands and 43 smaller ones. The islands are home to an incredible range of endemic wildlife and 97% of the land area is designated a National Park. There are 27 species on the islands that are found only in the Galapagos and it’s here that Charles Darwin carried out his research and observations that culminated in “On the Origin of Species”. The islands are eloquently described as “A living museum and showcase of evolution”.

Why the project needs you.

Introduced plant species have had a huge impact on the indigenous ecosystem. Plants such as blackberry, quinine and guava were introduced in the 1940’s but have since grown vigorously throughout the islands decimating everything in their path. Areas which were once pristine Scalesia forest are now impenetrable jungles of nothing but blackberry, twenty feet high. This is bad news not just for the Scalesia trees but the plants that grew upon the forest floor and the birds and animals who live within the Scalesia groves, such as the Giant Tortoise and Galapagos Finches. Your help is required to restore the indigenous flora which will allow the indigenous fauna to return and balance to be restored.

Who does the project need?

• Flexible, adaptable individuals who don’t mind getting their hands extremely dirty
• Able to live in basic conditions with a lack of modern comforts.
• Able to get involved with light to medium to heavy manual work.
• Enthusiastic volunteers with an interest in nature and protecting habitat.

Min Commitment & volunteer team size.

2 weeks. Longer if you wish.
(If you would like to experience the Galapagos Islands on a cruise please allow an extra 10 days)
1 to 16 volunteers.

Your host.

Our project partner on the Galapagos is Ecuador’s foremost conservation organisation. We started working with this local NGO in 2001.

Spanish language proficiency.

It is advisable, but not essential, to have basic Spanish skills before joining the project. Knowing even a small amount of Spanish will help you communicate with local volunteers and project staff whilst working as well as over dinner in the evening.

The Project In a nutshell.

Location: This project takes place far out in the Pacific Ocean, 1,000 Km off shore from Ecuador. The islands are part of Ecuador and Spanish is the main language spoken.

Conditions: Basic. It may be hot and muddy with basic facilities.

Accommodation (included): Dormitory style bunkhouse accommodation with bunk beds. You will need to bring a sleeping bag and mosquito net.

Accommodation upgrades options:
Not available

Meals: All meals whilst on the project are included: expect local flavours.

Downtime: Weekends are free to visit the main town on the island, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Here you can access the internet, use an ATM and visit one of the local bars or restaurants. You can also snorkel, dive, rent a sea kayak, rent a bike or just walk around one of the islands many secluded trails.

Included in the project: Arrival airport transfer in Quito; two nights accommodation in Quito (B&B); return flights to the Galapagos Islands; Galapagos island transfers; project briefing in Quito. Two weeks accommodation on the project, all meals whilst on the project. Certificate of appreciation upon completion.

Not Included: International flights; Galapagos National Park entry card (100$ paid locally); travel insurance; language school; weekend activities; passport and visas (not required by Brits).

How am I selected? Complete the “Project self-assessment form” and send to VentureCo.

Price:

2 weeks : £1,150
£150 per week for additional weeks

Starts: Quito, Ecuador.
Ends: Quito, Ecuador.
Dates: Any Monday or Tuesday throughout the year.

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