VOLUNTEERING WITH SEA TURTLES IN OAXACA
The community program in the Mexican Pacific zone was created with the purpose of achieving the conservation of sea turtles in Mexico. In this sense, it seeks to raise awareness among the population near the beaches about the conservation and protection of endangered species.
The work carried out in the volunteer program, since its inception has been carried out with the help of students, residents and volunteers, promoting through this project, the proper management and conservation of natural resources.
All our actions are executed and strengthened thanks to projects with specific causes, donations, support from volunteers and visitors.
OBJECTIVES OF CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERING WITH TURTLES
- The sea turtle conservation program in Mexico seeks to improve and diminish the negative impact created by the lack of awareness of the care of this marine species and the environment that surrounds them.
- Encourage the social responsibility of the people with whom we have contact and work.
You will be part of one of the most exciting sea turtle conservation volunteer programs in the Pacific of Mexico. You will have the opportunity to help in the conservation of sea turtles. Additionally, you will be able to enrich your knowledge about nesting beach monitoring and sea turtle nesting habits.
The work is aligned with the following Sustainable Development Goals:
WHAT WILL I DO AS A VOLUNTEER IN MEXICO?
The largest arrival of sea turtles is observed from mid-June to February. With the largest populations of olive ridley turtles, Hawksbill turtles, green turtles and leatherback turtles also nest here.
Your coordinator will tell you what activities you should do depending on the season you go, according to the existing and priority needs of volunteering with turtles in Mexico:
- Preparation of sand for the creation of nurseries.
- Beach cleaning
- Night work such as: Patrols on the beach where turtles nest.
- Protection of female turtles. When patrols are conducted and you see a turtle arriving on the beach, the patrolling group must wait without making as little noise as possible, for the sea turtle to begin the process of laying eggs and then proceed to take measurements, identify the type of turtle species and relocate the eggs in the hatchery.
- Both volunteers and local staff must monitor and care for the nests in the nursery.
- In case of birth, hatchlings are released on the beach.
- During the day all volunteers as local staff perform activities and maintenance tasks in the beach areas, the village and various jobs within the area where the project is developed.
During the day, environmental education and outreach activities are scheduled at the school in the community where the project is located. In addition, activities are carried out with daily visitors to the beach where the volunteer must support the project’s coordinating team.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO VOLUNTEER IN TURTLE CONSERVATION IN PANAMA?
To volunteer in turtle conservation in Mexico, you must be of legal age and be in good physical condition, since the routes are long distances and in places with loose sand. In addition to having the following qualities:
- Respect nature.
- Maintain appropriate behavior during the volunteer period.
- Good communication with program staff and community members.
- It is not required to have previous experience in handling sea turtles, explanations will be given during the first day of the activity and if necessary during the following days.
- Interest in getting involved in sea turtle protection and conservation activities.
- No alcoholic beverages or intoxicating substances in the project areas (including the nesting beach and trails). It is prohibited in all areas of the project.
- Smoking is prohibited on sea turtle nesting beaches and in all project areas.
- Do not dump trash or any pollutants in the project areas and beaches.
- Respect the wild animals in the area.
WHAT DAYS AND DATES CAN I VOLUNTEER?
ARRIVALS
- The sea turtle conservation project is open from the second week of June until the end of February.
- You can arrive in the country any day to start your project and the orientation of the place and activities to be carried out.
SCHEDULE AND WELCOME POINT
- The welcome is held at the Puerto Escondido Airport – Huatulco Airport
- Arrival hours are from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm.
The day you arrive you will stay the first night at the volunteer’s house, you can arrive on your own or ask for a cab to take you for a small fee, which we know from the organization.
WHERE WILL I BE AND WHAT WILL MY SCHEDULE BE DURING THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM?
- The sea turtle conservation volunteer project is developed on the beaches of Mexico, Puerto Escondido is a surf spot and is an area with a great atmosphere. Also in Mazunte you can live incredible experiences.
- Four species of sea turtles nest in this beach, out of the seven that exist in the world.
- The temperature is generally very warm (between 22 and 35 degrees during the day),
- Rainfall tends to be frequent between May and December.
It operates from Monday to Sunday. Night tours tend to start between 10:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m., depending on the tide. Although you can choose days off
During the day, at around 9:00 a.m., maintenance activities, cleaning and community talks are carried out.
TURTLE CONSERVATION PROJECT COORDINATION
During your program you will have a general coordinator to guide you in your daily activities, apart from the coordinators of each program, including the biologist or environmentalist. In the case of the sea turtle program in Mexico your coordinators will be Bea or Cinthia.
WHAT IS THE ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS LIKE?
The spaces available for volunteers are as follows:
- Basic bunk beds, where you share a room with other volunteers.
- Common areas.
- Laundry area and kitchen.
- Common bathrooms.
- Internet is available in the house during specific hours.
Breakfast is included in the accommodation, lunch and dinner are included in the price.
There may be unexpected water and power outages.
RULES IN SEA TURTLES CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER IN MEXICO
- The consumption of alcoholic beverages and illicit substances is prohibited.
- No smoking on the beach or project areas.
- Swimming is prohibited on the beach where the project is being developed.
- No littering.
- Respect for local culture.
- To take care of the cleaning of the utensils used.
- Respect, tolerance and moderate vocabulary with staff, visitors, local people and other volunteers.
WHAT CAN I PACK IN MY SUITCASE FOR MY VOLUNTEER WORK?
- Lightweight, dark-colored clothing for night work.
- Beach Crocs, sandals or neoprene boots.
- Headlamp Light flashlight with red and white light
- Natural repellents
- In case you require any special medication, you must bring it with you.
- Backpack backpack, access is not asphalt and the wheels of the suitcase break.
- Adapter for electrical connection of American two-blade type
CONTRIBUTION TO THE TURTLE CONSERVATION PROGRAM
The contribution to the volunteer program for the conservation of sea turtles in the Pacific of Mexico is divided into two parts. In order to register for the program, a deposit of 150€ must be paid. One (1) month before the start of the program, the final payment must be made.
| 1 week | 490€ |
| 2 weeks | 560€ |
| 3 weeks | 740€ |
| 4 weeks | 930€ |
| 5 weeks | 1100€ |
| 6 weeks | 1250€ |
| 8 weeks | 1610€ |
| 10 weeks | 1970€ |
| 12 weeks | 2330€ |
For each additional week an additional €180 must be paid. The contributions to the program are in euros, so the exchange rate will have a real effect. You can check the currency exchange rate for the period of your volunteering. Single days are 30 euros.
WHAT IS OFFERED IN THE PROJECT?
- Arrival orientation
- Alojamiento durante tu voluntariado con desayuno
- 24/7 support from the Adventure Volunteer team
- Follow-up, Orientation and induction to the program
- Certificate of your volunteering
- Training
- Liability insurance
- Tax Certificate
- Guidance, advice and management in the choice of the program
WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM NOT OFFER?
- Flight to Mexico
- Visa
- Travel medical insurance
- Vaccinations, if necessary
- Internal transport or excursions
- Drinks, diets and meals
- Travel in or out of the country
- Bottled water
