Ecology Conservation near the Tenorio Volcano, Costa Rica

Location: Costa Rica: San Jose

Program Duration: 2-4 weeks

Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Dates: Multiple dates year round

i-to-i Volunteering

61-63 Chatham St. Fifth Floor Boston, MA 02109 United States

Description

The project was originally developed and owned by 10 local families and in 1985 the land that the project stood on was destined for deforestation in order to distribute land to families in need. A group of twenty three local families then came together to protect the land from deforestation and formed a community association called ABIPA (Asociacion Bijagueña de Productores Agricolas). With their determination and commitment ABIPA was successful and stopped the imminent deforestation of 73 hectares of primary rainforest in 1991. The land was then assigned to ABIPA as a new model of conservation in Costa Rica whereby rainforest is now protected in private reserves and managed by local communities.The objectives of the project are to conserve the incredible biodiversity in the reserve, improve the quality of life for the members of the local community and to increase environmental education and awareness of conservation in the local community and further afield. They are also aiming to preserve and protect the forest and nearby areas, to attract tourists to the area and also to generate employment.

Highlights

Want to live with the monkeys and butterflies whilst protecting paradise? This is a chance to help sustain an incredibly beautiful place, just think of butterflies, rivers, monkeys, and fabulous forest! Having disbanded its military and spent the money on education and social services instead, Costa Rica has escaped the civil wars and dictatorships that have troubled its near neighbors; however it's natural environment faces a predictable battle for survival. It's certainly worth protecting though; if you ordered a tropical paradise and Costa Rica came, you certainly wouldn't send it back! You will be spending your time on a project that is supported by a group of local families that have chosen conservation and eco-tourism as a compliment to their farming, the aim being to protect the forest and nearby areas. Be prepared to get stuck in and get your hands well and truly dirty!Want to learn some Spanish to give you a good start in country? Why not add on two weeks Spanish Language school before you start your volunteering. Call us now to find out more.

Trip Highlights:
* A fantastic opportunity to get involved with a community, helping preserve their paradise!
* Learning and practicing Spanish with the locals
* Getting your hands dirty helping preserve this stunning country, and learn lots along the way
* Living amongst the trees!
* Tico time - takes a bit of getting used to but really is a relaxed way to live, just go with the flow!

Travel Types
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Volunteering
Qualifications

What's the project like and who is it for?

Are you willing to get down and dirty?! That's right; this project is all about getting up close and personal with the stunning rainforest and working hard to preserve it from destruction. You must love the outdoors and the idea of being surrounded by lust green forest, feel passionate about nature - and be ready to get stuck in with whatever is needed! That means you'll definitely get sweaty and probably end the day covered in soil to really reflect the hard work you've put in. The demands of the project are varied so be ready to get involved in any activities required to the best of your ability and be prepared for some physically hard work.The Costa Rican lifestyle is very reliant on a patient and flexible outlook meaning that you'll have to be ready for things to be done at a slower pace, with a relaxed attitude. They're no less serious about conservation though, just very serious about enjoying life! Heliconias - the name of the project after the local flower of which you'll end planting - is a truly amazing and unique project. With bags of enthusiasm and hard work you'll soon feel at home amongst the locals as well as the monkeys and the trees - and almost certainly never want to leave!

Why does the project need volunteers?

Its all about a numbers game in conservation; the more volunteers that get involved the more of the fantastic work that can be carried out. This doesn't just mean that more tree planting or forest maintenance takes place; it also allows more time to be freed up to educate and recruit locals to participate in the projects initiatives- essential for the continuity of conservation in the area. As there are over 80 hectares of forest at the moment the project aims to train the younger members of the community in a wider variety of initiatives. It is hoped that in the future the families will gain a further 110 hectares located adjacent to the Volcan Tenorio National Park.One hundred years ago 14% of the world's surface was rainforest, now this is about 7%. In Costa Rica the remaining tropical forest is disappearing by at least 520 square kms per year. However, about one-quarter of the country is under some form of official protection with the help of many volunteers each year. The project is in need of your help as it expands and preserves this stunning area for future generations to enjoy and learn from!

Languages
  • English
  • Spanish

Cost in US$:

USD 1,299.00 for 2 weeks, USD 230.00 for every week

Cost Include Description:

* Accommodation: Shared dormitory rooms on site
* Food: Three meals a day
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24 hour emergency support

Credit Available

no

Volunteer Types
  • conservation
  • eco-tourism
  • environment
  • volunteering
Age Range
18-80
This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African Participant. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements
  • Dormitory

Participants Travel to Costa Rica

in Groups

i-to-i Volunteering's Mission Statement

i-to-i Volunteering provides unique opportunities for you to travel, work and volunteer abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 16 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations. With over 130 projects on 4 continents, across 22 countries you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching English, community development, conservation, home building, and working with animals.

Year Founded

1994

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