Galapagos Islands Ecology and Community Development Project
This project is located at the San Cristobal-Galapagos Biological Research Station. The objective is to establish a working field research station for the development of conservation and development initiatives in the highland regions of San Cristobal in the Galapagos Island chain.
Program Description
The remains of the native forest on the island have been significantly reduced from their original size given the agricultural activities on the island during past years. Additionally, many of the original plants have been replaced with foreign species introduced to the islands by humans, such as Cedar and Cascarilla, which years earlier, had great economic value. Therefore, the station started a forest nursery in order to promote the recovery of the natural areas and native species.
The station is also working with local farm owners in efforts to develop organic agricultural alternatives for fruit and vegetable production with an end goal to sell the products to the local populations on the island. Due to the importation of agricultural products from the continent, everyday new exotic species are being introduced to the island.
The volunteers will participate in the restoration of habitats and the organic agriculture component.
Once a week, the volunteers will have the opportunity to go along with personnel from the station on hikes and excursions to tourist sites that are ecologically important (a natural lake, beaches, native forests) for teaching visitors about the ecological issues within and the social dynamics of the Gal‡pagos Islands.
Volunteers will also have the opportunity to support the research and monitoring of the diverse projects that are developed on the reserve.
Accommodation
The station houses up to 28 people. Housing is safe, clean and secure with mosquito nets on beds. Rooms hold 2-4 people each.
8 Day Program Schedule
- Day 1 Arrive in Quito
- Day 2 Transfer to Galapagos
- Day 3-4 Volunteer Project
- Day 5 Recreation Activities
- Day 6-7 Volunteer Project
- Day 8 Return to USA
14 Day Program
- Day 1 Arrive Quito
- Day 2 Transfer to Galapagos
- Day 3 -7 Volunteer Project
- Day 8-9 Recreation trip
- Day 10-13 Volunteer Project
- Day 14 Return to USA
What to bring?
It is best to pack light. Try to put everything in a large backpack and a daypack. You may have to carry your bags for up to one mile on some projects.
- Rubber boots
- Slipper or flip-flops
- Towel
- Flashlight
- Batteries/ matches
- Raincoat
- Sleeping bag
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Bathing suit
- Small jackknife
- Ziplock bags
- Labor gloves
- Shampoo, sunblock, first aid kit
- Long sleeves, and t-shirts colors like brown, green, blue, beige
- Blouses or shirts
- Trekking shoes
- Cap or hat
- Camera-binoculars
- Glasses
- Small bags
- Books
Service Program Fee
The program service fee for this project is $89.00 per person per day. It pays for all food, lodging, in-country transportation, insurance, mid-program recreation, volunteer project management, registration fees, and a full time bilingual project coordinator and creates a sustainable source of funds for partner agencies and communities.
It does not pay for International Airfare (CCI will assist in getting the lowest rates for your group) , airfare from Quito to San Cristabol and return (about $360.00 pp), or the $100.00 per person Galapagos National Park Fee.
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