Project details
We are working with a well-established turtle conservation project in Kosgoda, on the south-west coast of Sri Lanka. Its purpose is to monitor and conserve the turtles in the Kosgoda area, and a mixture of local staff and volunteers have been supporting its development. However, after the Tsunami hit in December 2004, much of the infrastructure was destroyed and an important source of funding the tourists was lost. Over the last eight years, the project manager has been maintaining a database of turtle activity to allow definitive measurement of turtle behaviour in this area. Unfortunately, most of the equipment was washed away in the Tsunami. Computers, pumps, tanks, the visitors centre, tourist gifts etc. have all gone. Before the Tsunami, the project manager was able to offer posters, t-shirts, stickers and films to the local population, thereby raising funds for the project. He is very much hoping to rebuild this programme but needs funds and the help of volunteers to support it.
Why the project needs volunteers
Sri Lanka is home to five species of turtle - the leatherback, the olive ridley, the loggerhead, the hawksbill and the green - and all five are endangered. Conservationists have been endeavouring to protect these species from extinction for the last 30 years, but they are battling against fishermen who exploit turtles for their meat and eggs. In addition, turtle populations have been diminishing due to the destruction of coral reefs and marine pollution. At this turtle project, volunteers are needed to support ongoing conservation efforts and to repair the damage done by the Tsunami. Before the Tsunami, the project had sufficient funds to pay a team of local people to patrol the beach area and ensure the survival of the eggs at the nesting sites or in the hatchery. Volunteers are needed to give tours and to assist with the day to day running of the project.
What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project
Conservation volunteers will be hands-on people who love the outdoors. You must be prepared for some hard physical work, and you must be flexible, as this project involves a variety of activities. IT skills, research skills and communication skills may also be utilised during your conservation project. This project would suit a volunteer with a lot of initiative who is prepared to work hard individually and in a team.
Your role as a volunteer
You will perform a range of different tasks to support the general running of the project, including feeding and cleaning the turtles and their environment; monitoring and releasing baby turtles from the hatchery and monitoring turtle egg laying. You may be required to develop information resources and tourist souvenirs, and to conduct tours around the project.
Where the project is based
This project is located right next to the beach, about 1 mile from Kosgoda, a small town about 75 km south of Colombo. In Kosgoda, you will have access to facilities such as internet cafés, shops and banks. Please book your flight to arrive into Colombo (airport code CMB) on the advertised arrival date to ensure your airport pickup.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Accommodation: Shared rooms in volunteer house
- Food: Breakfast and dinner
- Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
- Training: In-country orientation
- Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support
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