ECOLOGICAL PROJECT GH-EC2 IN GUATEMALA

This organization is a non-profit Guatemalan NGO formed in 1989 by a group of Guatemalan citizens who became concerned as they saw their precious natural heritage - especially their wildlife - rapidly disappearing before their eyes. This is why they decided to start projects to save the wildlife of Guatemala. This particular  project is at the Parque Hawaii, home to the sea turtle, iguana and mangrove conservation project near the town of Hawaii. The turtle season in Hawaii is from June to December with peak months of August and September for olive rid leys. For the much scarcer leatherbacks the nesting season is November to January.

Volunteers will help with the following tasks:

1. conducting nightly patrols of area beaches in search of nesting sea turtles
2. collection and burial of eggs in the hatchery
3. collection of research data
4. take part in the iguana captive breeding program
5. mangrove reforestations
6. educational activities in area schools and other community projects.

For volunteers with a higher level of Spanish language ability the Environmental Education Program offers the opportunity to conduct a range of environmental education activities, including reforestations with school children, beach clean-ups, hatchling releases and ecotours of underprivileged children.

The organization also host volunteers who want to conduct internships as part of their university studies. These interns generally commit to a longer period of time and must be able to speak Spanish fairly well. Past interns have taken on specific projects such as the development of ecotourism activities, public relations strategies, inventories of flora and fauna and sea turtle research.

1. Basic level of Spanish
2. Minimum age 18
3. Individual initiative
4. Commitment and dedication to the project
5. Happy to work independently
6. Accustomed to working in at times "rustic" conditions
7. Willingness to also do daily, mundane chores such as cleaning cages and washing dishes

The minimum time for a volunteer at this organization is one week; however, we highly recommend a volunteer period of 4 weeks at least to make the most of your stay.

Spanish language ability is not required, but in general, your ability to speak some Spanish will greatly enhance your effectiveness as well as your satisfaction with the experience of the project. If you don’t already speak and you plan to volunteer for an extended period, we recommend that you spend your first weeks studying in Antigua, a world-renowned Spanish language center and a stunningly beautiful colonial city surrounded by volcanoes. Please ask us for further information and prices.