Galapagos Conservation
Do conservation work on the Galapagos Islands
"I have had an amazing time in Hacienda Tranquila. Thanks to Giovanny for all the guidance and to Yanapuma for organizing this fantastic experience!"
This is a 50 hectare working dairy ranch and eco-tourism project in the highlands of Isla San Cristobal, where there is still native vegetation. One of the objectives of this new station will be to develop the technology to reconstruct native habitat in the highlands, and to serve as a centre for similar projects in the Galapagos chain. The remaining native highland forests on the populated islands are quite limited due to farming activities in general, and the introduction of useful, but very invasive, species from the mainland. Rare for the Galapagos, the focus of their work is on the human population and environment of the islands, as opposed to the wildlife. Hacienda Tranquila aims to carry out projects that, in a sustainable manner, improve the quality of life of the islands inhabitants.
Volunteers must also cover their own park entrance fees $100 and flights to the Galapagos Islands.
Range of tasks: |
Volunteers with interest in environmental preservation can work to reverse the negative effects of invasive or introduced species, restoring the native and endemic forests of San Cristobal. Volunteers work in a controlled plot of land to eliminate introduced/ invasive plant species and to restore native and endemic species, growing the plants first in a greenhouse, and then transplanting them to their permanent locations. Volunteers with interest in working with children may be able to do social work with organizations such as the Instituto Nacional del Nino y la Familia (INFA) to promote environmental conservation among young children from the island as well as motivate community members to plant local, rather than introduced vegetation. You can work with the local highlander families in the areas of: livestock and horse care; milking and milk delivery; wild blackberry control; fence maintenance; seedling and plant care; tree planting; teaching English or other subjects in the local school. For volunteers with experience in physiotherapy, there is the opportunity to work on projects for disabled children with horseback riding therapy, weekly. |
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Time commitment: |
One week minimum - 12 weeks maximum |
spanish level: |
Basic to low intermediate or better |
Work schedule: |
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 12 and 2:30- 5:00 p.m. Volunteers are free to explore the port town and discover the island’s many tourist attractions on the weekends. |
Accommodation: |
Volunteer accommodation at the farm is available at the hacienda, and food is not provided. Volunteers can shop locally, and are advised to take basic supplies with them as prices on the Galapagos tend to be higher for imported foods. Volunteers live in volunteer accommodation at the hacienda itself, where there is a full kitchen, bathroom and shower with hot water. Volunteers cook for themselves together, but have access to the abundance of fresh fruit, milk, and coffee from the surrounding area. Volunteers must also cover their own park entrance fees $100 and flights to the Galapagos Islands. |
Skills required: |
Ability to follow park guidelines and Hacienda rules |
Accepted donations: |
Check with Yanapuma staff about current needs |
READ REVIEWS OF THIS PROJECT
