Organisation

This NGO was created as a non-profit organisation with as its aim the protection of turtles and the improvement of the living conditions of the locals.

A Dutch man, Paul Lepoutre, took the initiative in 2004 to create a nature preserve of it. His approach is quite unique and has therefore the special attention and support of among others the World Wildlife Fund and the NCDO (Dutch Centre for Sustainable Development). The project, in which is tried to let all 45 inhabitants of the region participate, consists of  threefold activities: volunteer work, eco tourism and organic agriculture. The beach is unique and famous because the three larges turtle species (Leatherback, Caray and Green Turtle) come here to lay their eggs.

Project activities

The tasks you could perform during this project are among others:

• In the turtle season: patrolling at the beach, protecting eggs and hiding them at a safe place, guarding breeding for the eggs, accompanying the birth of the little ones, and putting out the little ones
• Outside the turtle season: cleaning the beaches, guarding the beaches (together with the locals), supporting the agricultural activities (mowing, sowing, harvesting, digging), tracing and stopping illegal fishing and building activities, and the creation of the ideal circumstances for the turtles to lay their eggs.

What’s expected of the volunteers?

• Required: basic level of Spanish upon departure
• Flexible
• Creative
• Enterprising
• Enthusiastic

Accommodation and living environment

• You will stay in a small house for 6 persons with comfortable beds, a bathroom and western style toilets.

Period / duration

• Throughout the year with a minimum of 3 months.
• The turtle season runs from January through October. Off-season is November-December.

Local costs

• US$375,50 per month, inclusive 3 good meals a day, unlimited fruit juices, coffee and tea, accommodation and if you like Spanish lessons.
• Once US$20 for transportation costs

Experiences

Petra.