From 1 to 10 weeks
Galapagos Islands
Ecuador - South America
Max People : 8
Help preserve The Galapagos Islands
Highlights
Many would say that a visit to the country of Ecuador is not complete without a trip to the Galapagos Islands. But we say that your trip to the Galapagos is incomplete without giving something back to this fragile island ecosystem.
With this program, you will be receiving an in-depth look at the islands, something that tourists aren’t able to do on a regular vacation. This project is perfect for students or those who are interested in learning more about ecology. However, you don’t have to have previous experience in order to participate. Each volunteer project is carefully explained and catered to all skill levels.
Our partner on San Cristobal Island was one of the first local initiatives to develop long-term programs for the eradication of invasive species and the promotion of sustainable agriculture. Because of their history on the islands, they have extensive knowledge about the ecosystem and are able to provide knowledge-hungry volunteers with huge amounts of information.
Price From: $290
Description of the Project
The Ecuadorean foundation which manages the San Cristobal Biological Station on the Galapagos Islands has worked in reforestation, the restoration of native ecosystems and sustainable agroforestry activities for over 18 years throughout Ecuador. Its work on San Cristobal continues is an important extension of the efforts that it has successfully carried out on the mainland.
The reserve maintains a biological corridor going running from 150 m.a.s.l. to 550 m.a.s.l., from the border of the dry forest, through transitional, Scalesia, and humid “brown” zones up to the area of Miconia forest. The Biological Station is a privately-owned reserve and is open to researchers, student groups, and volunteers.
The station manages a nursery of native tree species which are planted after the elimination of the invasive Himalayan blackberry Rubus niveus, and other invasive species. The work doesn’t stop with the planting of the trees, however, since the blackberry is an aggressive competitor and will come back to overgrow and kill the planted the trees without regular cutting back every three months.
Most of the trees planted will need twenty to twenty-five years of growth before they can outcompete the blackberry and survive on their own. Once they do though, the shade they provide will diminish the growth rate of the blackberry so much that it will then actually become possible to eliminate the blackberry completely.
The station on San Cristobal Galapagos has been fortunate enough to have benefited from the continued commitment of many volunteers throughout the past twelve years and so are halfway through this process in some places. But it’s also obvious that their need for volunteers will continue for at least ten years more, and every volunteer is critically important.
Your contribution is critically important. In addition, the foundation works collaboratively with local landowners to develop clean agricultural alternatives for the production of vegetables and fruits to sell to local universities, restaurants, and hotels.
Living
Price Includes
Logistic Orientation in Quito
Dormitory Accommodation at the project
Three meals per day
24-hour emergency contact number and support
Full support prior to departure from your personal travel advisor
Not Included
International flights
Any activities beyond your planned itinerary
Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee ($100 USD)
Ingala Card ($20 USD)
Extra volunteer work weeks
Additional Costs
An airport pick up upon arrival
Accommodation in Quito
Transfer to the Bus Station Terminal
Ticket Public Transportation to the project
- Contact us and one of our travel experts will help you with a full budget description for your Travel Experience