Program Photos

Kaya Environmental Volunteering in Costa Rica

Location: Costa Rica: San Jose

Program Duration: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks

Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Dates: Every Monday

http://www.kayavolunteer.com

The Arches North Campus Incubator Sackville St Manchester, M60 1QD England

Call Us

Phone: 0161 870 6212

Description

If you are an outdoors adventurous type and conscious about the problems facing the earth then an environmental project is for you. Our projects from around the world range from forestry development, ecosystem preservation, national park development to botanical research. Not only will you be involved in education and research but also hands on activities within national park development and maintenance of ecosystems.

Cloud Forest Environmental and Wildlife Research in Costa Rica

Preserve and protect the environment and conduct research in the world-famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The program's mission is about attaining and applying scientific knowledge to maintain humankinds relationship with biological and physical resources of the tropics. This philosophy is implemented through scientific research, direct action at a community level, management of protected areas, education, and consulting services.

Sea Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica

Created with the purpose of protecting the female sea turtles, their nests and hatchlings laid along beaches on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica against poachers and natural and introduced predators, using a man-made shelter called a "vivero". At the same time the project team collects enough information about the nesting activity of the turtles so it can be used to improve the next seasons techniques and be shared with the community and local and regional authorities with the goal of building awareness about conservation. The sea turtle conservation program is a scientific based conservation activity in which volunteers try to increase the amount of sea turtle hatchlings to give higher survival possibilities to these beautiful reptiles. The Sea Turtle projects were created with this conservation purpose and help to protect conservation areas essential to preserving sea turtles and their associated ecosystems. Sea turtles are a wonderful legacy from prehistoric times and our goal is to help them to survive.

Animal Rescue Project in Costa Rica

Work in a rescue centre for animals that have suffered starvation and neglect, have lost their habitat, were confiscated as illegal pets, or have been injured and are now undergoing rehabilitation. The aims of the programme are to nurture and release the animals back into the wild as much as possible. There are also special breeding programmes of Tapirs, Spider Monkeys and Green and Scarlet Macaws. This is a fascinating front-line conservation programme that animal lovers are sure to enjoy and benefit from in so many ways.

Highlights

Costa Rica, or "rich coast," boasts a warm climate, pristine beaches on the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, active volcanoes, and contrasting landscapes. With such eco-diversity it is easy to see why Costa Rica is the best-traveled nation in the Central Americas with 1.9 million visitors in 2007. Often called the land of peace, it has the oldest democracy in Latin America and has more than 100 years of political stability. It is also one of the most people- and environment-conscious nations in the world, ranked No. 1 in the Americas on the Human Development Index and No. 5 in the world on the Environmental Performance Index.

Bungee the Old Colorado River Bridge:
Standing at 265 feet the Colorado River Bridge offers one of the tallest and most beautiful jumps in the Americas. The old bridge is located an hour west of San Jose where several companies offer bundled packages, which generally include pick-up and one jump. So if jumping headfirst off a bridge in the middle of a tropical forest catches your imagination then put bungee jumping on your list.

Learn to Surf:
Costa Rica has some of the best surfing anywhere in the world, with fantastic warm tropical water surfing. Surf the beach breaks, reef breaks, point breaks and river mouth breaks on the Pacific or Caribbean side of the country. Whether you're a beginner or a pro there is a wave for everyone.

Whale and Dolphin Watching:
The shallow warm waters create the ideal ecosystem for humpback whales, killer whales, Pilot Whales and bottlenose, spinner and spotted dolphins. Humpback whales come from two hemispheres to breed and spend the longest period of the year here. Its the premier location to see these amazing mammals up close.

There are lots of young people who work with the participants so it will be a great opportunity to interact with locals while helping them improve the community.

Qualifications

Experience and passion for working in the community and interacting with the people are needed. Participants must also possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the place's culture.

Languages
  • English

Cost in US$:

Please visit the website for more information.

Cost Include Description:

* Accommodation: Single room in a home-stay
* Food: 3 meals per day - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
* Airport pick up and drop off
* Training: Orientation and language classes provided
* Support: 24-hour support
* Excursions: 2 field excursions

Credit Available

no

Volunteer Types
  • Agriculture
  • Conservation
  • Eco-tourism
  • Gardening
  • Grassroots Organization
  • Ground Patrol
  • Natural Resources
  • Organic Farming
  • Reforestation
  • Research
  • Restoration
  • Tree Planting
  • Volunteer Management
  • Volunteering
Typical Volunteer
A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.
Age Range
Must be more than 18 years old
This Program is open to

Worldwide Participant. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements
  • Home-stays

Participants Travel to Costa Rica

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves
  • Online Application plus Application Assessment
Post Services Include
  • Alumni Network
Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement

Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.

Year Founded

2008

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