Project Description :

 

Millions of years ago before man colonized Sri Lanka, marine turtles had been coming to the undisturbed beaches of this island to lay their eggs. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) lists all five species of marine turtle (leatherback, Green, Olive ridley, Loggerhead and Hawksbill) that frequent Sri Lanka’s shores to nest as endangered or critically endangered. The government legislation (1972) provides national protection for marine turtles. However, turtle nesting beaches (rookeries) are being disturbed by tourist industry development and feeding habitats, such as coral reefs, are being destroyed by pollution and unsustainable harvesting. Many turtles are accidentally caught and drowned in fishing gear/nets each year. The critically endangered Hawksbill turtle has been hunted to the brink of extinction for its carapace to provide raw materials for the illegal “tortoiseshell” trade. The greatest threat though, is the continued exploitation of both turtle meat and eggs throughout the Sri Lankan coastline. With the marine turtle populations of Sri Lanka on the road to extinction, the incentive to create an organization to combat such exploitation was realized and the Turtle Conservation Project was established in 1997 as a registered independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization in Central Environmental Authority of Sri Lanka.

 

Location  :HIKKADUWA,BENTOTA,KALPITIYA,HAMBANTOTA

Start dates : Flexible

Project closed:18th October - 19th December 2014

Duration : 1 - 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.

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

 

• Identify all five species of sea turtles that frequent the beaches of Sri Lanka

• Collect bio metric data on each turtle

• Bring baby Turtles from the hatchery and released them to the sea.

• Search the sea belt and see whether the Turtle lay their eggs.

• Pump sea water into the Tanks and keep the tanks clean.

• Feed the Turtles

• Cleaning the beach and project areas

• .Introduction about the Turtles and educate school children as well as the foreigners.

• Tag new migrants

• Locate nests by probing should a nest protector not be present when the clutch was laid

• Measure and Weigh eggs

• Identify false crawls

• Perform nest excavations

• Collect bio metric data on hatch lings

• Be involved in the design of new concepts, strategies, and practical implementation of methods to further marine turtle conservation efforts​

 

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.