Description :

 

Forests are being slashed and burned, habitats are destroyed each day, animal species are being wiped out completely, and humans are a huge part of the problem. What can one person do in light of all of these daunting problems? If these issues pull on your heartstrings then conservation volunteering is for you. Volunteering in this way allows you to help protect the environment and everything in it. Caring about the planet, giving something back, and feeling like you are part of something much bigger than yourself are just some of the personal benefits you will encounter.Conservation projects are all intertwined because ecosystems are that way. Protecting habitats, reforestation projects, and sustainable agriculture lead to safer places for animals and ultimately allow for endangered populations to increase. Volunteering for conservation is typically off the beaten path, and most places are not accessible to tourists. Consider yourself one of the fortunate few to experience nature in a way that few ever will.

 

 

Agriculture: Building and planting sustainable, environmentally friendly gardens is a worldwide trend, so why not take your love of gardening abroad. Combine that with educating local communities in healthy eating and sustainability, and you have a well-rounded placement. You can also help develop technology that is both beneficial to the environment and the local community. You may even help people create a small business out of their organic farm, economic ventures. The possibilities are endless and so are the locations. Crops can be grown pretty much anywhere from open fields to small rooftop gardens.

 

Forestry: Forestry projects are as diverse as the types of forests around the world. Trail maintenance, harvesting, agroforestry, seed gathering, education, planting trees, and cataloguing animals and species are just some of the varied possibilities while volunteering in a forest.

 

Wildlife: If you have always thought it might be fun working with animals, it is. Think of your favorite one, and most likely you will be able to find a project where you can help take care of these creatures. Many of these projects work with animal programs that help animals that are highly endangered. The work isn't all playing with lion cubs or giving an elephant a bath, but you will get great insight into how these animals live and feel good about saving them in the process.

 

Marine Conservation: The world is your ocean with marine conservation. Enjoy some of the best beaches and scenery in the world while giving back to Mother Earth. If you are an expert diver and have a certification, this is the project for you. Many volunteers take part in snorkeling and diving to help scientists conduct research. You may also be able to work with some of the creatures that live in the big blue like dolphins, whales, or sea turtles. If you aren't a certified diver, fret not. You can still participate by helping to teach local people and tourists about conservation or helping with coastline projects at the same time spending time near the beautiful blue seas.

 

Location  :HIKKADUWA,BENTOTA,KALPITIYA,HAMBANTOTA

Start dates : Flexible

Project closed:18th October - 19th December 2014

Duration : 2 - 12 weeks

Availability : Spaces available

Cost : Check when applying,  Discounts For friends / partners sharing a room

 

How will I make a difference?

 

By becoming a conservation volunteer in Sri Lanka you will be making a major contribution to conservation on Sri Lanka. As the island has become more popular the local environment has come under increasing pressure, and there is now a real need for action in order to protect the island and maintain a balance between nature and the demands on it from diving and tourism, the fishing industry and the Sri Lanka community. This is a small project that is very well respected on the island and is having a quick and direct impact on the island's ecological outlook.

 

During your stay you will learn about coral reef ecology, research, and restoration, marine conservation, rainforest conservation and, by increasing your own knowledge and awareness, you will be an active part in conservation.

 

The research collected by volunteers is used to report to the government and university researchers who together are working to direct restoration policies and awareness on the island. The restoration work so far has reduced the threats and notably improved the local reef health. The methods and techniques used in the program are ones which take relatively low tech tools and little specialized training which means they can be implemented anywhere around the world - wherever you may travel next.

 

The Center Mission:

 

• Educate local rainforest communities and visitors

• Promote sustainable natural resource development

• Integrate pure and applied research of the rainforest environment and its natural systems

• Conserve and preserve tropical ecosystems.

 

 

• Reef Check

• Queen Conch surveys

• Coral watch data collection

• Lobster Surveys

• Lionfish population monitoring and control

• Sea turtle conservation (June-December)

• Community education and awareness campaigns

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• Reef surveys (Ecological Monitoring Program)

• Biorock Coral Rehabilitation and Nursery

• Artificial Reef Construction and Maintenance

• Mid-water coral nurseries

• Mooring Buoy Installation

• Giant Clam Nursery

• Sea Turtle Sanctuary and Releases

• Land and Under

• water Clean-upsWater Testing

• Underwater Mapping

• Erosion Control

• Awareness Campaigns

• More about the project

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Marine, Rainforest,  conservation volunteering in Sri Lanka: What will I be doing?

Each day varies considerably, but this gives you an idea of the daily schedule for the marine conservation activities:

 

• 09:30 Arrive at the center and  prepare for the day’s activities

• 10:00 Lecture or Briefing

• 11:30 Depart to research/restoration site

• 15:00 Return to center

• 16:00 Debriefing and Data Entry

• 16:30 Off for the day

 

Entry Requirements :

• Requirements:18 + years of age

• Native English Speakers/Near Native English Speakers

• Good health

• Being open-minded,adaptable and flexible

• Respecting the local culture, religion and customs

• Completion of high school/secondary school is required

• You must hold a full police check from your home country

 

There is always a lot going on to get involved with! Most volunteers work on a number of different activities; wherever help is needed most at the time. Each day will differ but activities could include: Finish (or optional help around office and data entry) The work can vary and include reef surveys and research dives which are often accompanied by a brief lecture and other conservation initiatives such as:

 

 

Research Conservation Project are part of a larger initiative project encompasses both research and restoration. Research is the only way to get a true idea of what the problems are and what needs to be done to alleviate them. After the problem has been identified it can be stopped and restoration activities can take place. The people from all over the world are given an opportunity to learn techniques that support local efforts and can be brought to other areas of the world.

 

Location and free time:

You will be based in the relaxed and friendly village on the south side of the island. Hikkaduwa,Bentota is a dramatic mix of dense jungle and hilly terrain in its interior and granite outcrops and beaches along its coast. However, it has become best known for the abundance of excellent dive sites within a short distance of the island. It is a simple, friendly and fun island with an atmosphere that means people usually stay a lot longer than intended!

 

You will participate in the marine conservation project from Monday to Friday, with weekends off to relax and explore the local area or just chill on the beach! There are plenty of bars and restaurants on the island, giving you a good choice for eating and going out, as well as a few beachside nightclubs. There are also many activities you can get involved in free time.

 

Volunteer accommodation:

You will be accommodate in Host Family or in Hostel of the premises or elsewhere close to the project, within walking distance or use a foot cycle ( will be provided ),Three times meals will available in Host Family as well as in the Hostel, tea and snack is provided in sometime. Your will have to share a room with other volunteers or you will have your own room according the availability. Basic bathroom facilities in good condition, pipe borne water or well water, in some areas you will be advised to drink bottled mineral water for your safety, most part of Sri Lanka well water is very good for drinking as well as the pipe water, Electricity, Internet are widely available in Sri Lanka,

 

Hospital, Banks (ATM), Hotels, Restaurant are available in every corner of Sri Lanka, western Union money transfer facility is in each and every bank in Island wide.Big shopping malls with western type food items, good condition of road for you to travel, most of people can communicate in English, you can visit surrounding touristic places when you have a free time to visit.

 

Please avoid travelling in the dark or in the night, always use public transport, it is cheap and safe, do not travel with un known person or vehicle, if you travel by Trishaw(tuk tuk)Get onto metered Taxi, Please take care of yourself, please always get our assistance and advice before you do need to travel anywhere in Sri Lanka, if you feel or suspicious of anything , please call us immediately , we will take necessary action within seconds, as your safety is our priority.

 

Project Fee included:

• Visa paperwork (For projects over 24 week)

• All entrance ticket to the tourist hot spots

• Airport pick up/ Drop off

• Accommodation during orientation and entire project time •Breakfast every morning

• Lunch & Dinner every work day

• Seven day Orientation

• Free sim Card

• Sri Lanka travel Guide

• Map of Sri Lanka

• Onsite Coordinator

• 24 hour emergency assistance

• Written record of service completion (for volunteers that successfully complete their project).

 

Project Fees not include:

• Travel to/from Home to suburbs.

• Sri Lanka visa costs (if applicable)Visa extensions

• International Medical Insurance

• Cost of criminal police background check (required for this project)

• Cost of transportation to and from Project site and accommodation (roughly $2 per day)Meals on weekends.