Description: Four of the eight existing sea turtle species (all endangered) come to Chiapas to lay their eggs. The beaches where the workcamps take place are among the 144 Mexican beaches where sea turtles lay eggs. They also are among the 22 beaches in the country where there is a high risk of nest-looting. In an effort to rescue both the eggs and the newborn turtles, sanctuaries were founded for collecting the eggs and burying them again in protected areas for safekeeping. When the baby turtles are born, they are counted and then freed under the protection of the sanctuary's personnel. The sanctuaries are open to the public and provide information about sea turtles and the preservation work they perform. The Secretary of Environment and Natural History in the state of Chiapas directly supports and ai
Type of Work: Volunteers will work directly with the sanctuary's personnel, other local volunteers and biologists who patrol the beaches. Most of the work will be done at night, which is why volunteers have to adapt to this schedule. Activities will consist in: the rescue of sea turtles arriving to lay eggs at the beaches, patrolling searching for nests or turtles laying eggs, excavating and collecting eggs to bury them back in the sanctuary's protected areas, taking care of and cleaning the dwelling of turtles found in the beach while they receive medical assistance. Volunteers will also aid in the care and the release of the new-born turtles. They will also assist the compilation of statistical data such as counting nests, eggs and freed baby turtles. Other activities will be related to the maintenanc
Accommodation: Volunteers will camp in the beach in tents next to the turtle sanctuary. It is mandatory that each volunteer bring a sleeping bag, yoga mat, and camping tent. The center has basic services such as bathrooms, showers (no hot water) and kitchen. The project provides three meals a day in standard quantities (300 grams per serving). Any additional amounts must be covered by the volunteer. Special diet
Language: English is the official language in this project, however, a basic level of Spanish would be ideal, (although not strictly required). Volunteers who want a higher level of Spanish may enroll in an intensive Spanish course at Instituto Cultural La Casa En El Arbol, language school. For more information: www.lacasaenelarbol.org or info@lacasaenelarbol.org
Requirements: Volunteers interested in participating in this project must: be over 18 years; have a great motivation to participate in all the activities the center carries out for the preservation of the species; be willing to work during the night and under weather conditions such as really high temperatures and/or heavy storms; and possess a creativity for proposing recreational activities for the free times
Approximate Location: Depending on the needs of the different sanctuaries, volunteers may be required in one of three different ports: Puerto Arista, Boca del Cielo or Barra Zacapulco, all small towns located in the pacific coasts and close to one another.
Notes: If you know or think that you may be allergic to mosquito bites or bites from other insects, please take extra precautions. There are a lot of mosquitoes at the beach and you will surely be bitten plenty of times. The conditions may not be comfortable for all; temperatures are really high, and work will be done at night. There is no internet access or cell phone coverage. It is prohibited for volunteers participating in the project to consume alcohol, smoke, or to consume any illegal substances, and to swim in the sea, as the currents are really strong and it is extremely dangerous. Volunteers are encouraged to bring repellents for mosquitoes and any other insects. Due to the high number of mosquitoes, volunteers are also encouraged to bring fresh clothes that cover most of the body, to ex