Galapagos Trip -
Conservation project in the Galapagos Islands
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On this project we work
directly with The Jatun Sacha Foundation, which is dedicated to the
research, conservation and management of ecologically important
habitats, such as the Galapagos.
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Introduction
Located on the island of San Cristobal, 1,000km west of mainland
Ecuador, is this fascinating biological station whose aim is to
help preserve the natural habitat of the island and introduce new
organic farming methods to the islanders. Depending on the
station’s needs, your conservation work on the Galapagos Islands
may include helping plant new crops, assisting in light building
activities, or helping maintain the trails around the island. Plus
local staff will lead you on various hikes to nearby lagoons,
forests, beaches and local villages to explain the ecological and
human dynamics of Galapagos.
The Galapagos Islands have been voted one of the new Seven
Wonders of the World by over 3,500 readers of Wanderlust travel
magazine! They really do have to be seen to be believed and make a
fantastic addition to a sabbatical or year out.
Note: Internal flights to the Galapagos Islands
are not included, these will be added to your statement at the time
of booking.
Project details:
The Jatun Sacha
Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation which has
been running since 1985. The Foundation is dedicated to the
research, conservation, and management of ecologically important
habitats, as well as environmental education and community
development.
Consistent with past work, one of the objectives of this Jatun
Sacha station is to develop the technology to reconstruct the
native habitat in the highlands on San Cristobal, and to serve as a
centre for similar projects in the highlands on other populated
islands in the Galapagos chain. In addition the foundation will be
working collaboratively with local landowners to develop clean
agricultural alternatives for the production of vegetables and
fruits to sell to local universities, restaurants, and hotels.
Why the project needs you:
The highland forests of the populated Islands in the Galapagos
chain have been greatly altered due to the introduction of exotic
and invasive species of animals and plants. Highland conservation,
development and poverty issues have been almost completely
neglected by conservation, development and government agencies.
As a result of the lack of fruit and vegetable production on the
Galapagos Islands, boats from the Ecuadorian mainland unload fruits
and vegetables to hotels, restaurants, and markets on a daily
basis. Quarantine regulations are consistently ignored and at least
two exotic and/or invasive plant or faunal species enter the
islands each day.
Importantly, the local population, lacking most government
services and suffering high unemployment levels, is almost
completely excluded from working in and benefiting from the tourism
industry: tour operators do nearly all their business from their
boats, ignoring business possibilities with local Galapagos.
What skills do you
need?
General fitness and lots of
enthusiasm is definitely needed for this conservation project.
Volunteers also need to be ready to take on any tasks that may be
required of them, and to get dirty in the process!
Your role as a
volunteer:
You will work on both
the habitat restoration and agricultural components while at the
reserve. In addition, foundation staff will lead you on various
hikes to a nearby lagoon, native forests, beaches, and local
villages to explain the ecological and human dynamics of Galapagos.
Opportunities to work on group research and monitoring projects
will be developed.
Where the project is based:
The flight from Quito to San Cristobal is an hour. The project is
then a 30 minute taxi ride from the airport.
Quick links:
galapagos trip, conservation project -
factfile
galapagos trip, conservation project -
dates & prices
galapagos trip, conservation project -
booking enquiry
galapagos trip, conservation project -
before you go
Ref: Conservation Work on the Galapogas Islands
(ECCGP) - II0005
