Costa Rica Volunteering-Conservation-Ecocentro Danaus Biological Reserve

Description

Ecocentro Danaus is biological reserve that is focused on promoting conservation programs that educate people about the flora and funa found within the park. A biological reserve is protected area that contains important wildlife, flora, fauna that are often used for research and educational purposes. The Ecocentro Danaus biological reserve is dedicated to preserving wildlife, environmental education and ecotourism.
One of the major programs that this program that is implemented by this program is working on environmental sustainability initiatives. Ecocentro Danaus strives to teach individuals about the importance of sustaining both local and national biodiveristy. They grow endangered species of trees and 80% is donated to other communities.

Why does this organization need volunteers?

Ecocentro Danaus conducts joint environmental education activities in schools, colleges, businesses and the wider community as part of the projects carried out for the Ecological Blue Flag La Fortuna, program, (For 4 consecutive years the Center has been the main driver of this committee).
To carry out these activities there is a room where presentations about cultural and environmental issues are conducted. Additionally, there is a tree nursery of native species which reproduce about 10 thousand trees per year from 30 different endangered species in Costa Rica such as: The Almond Yellow, Mahogany, Golden Fruit, Cenizaro, Cocobolo, Ojoche, among others.
Many of the animals and plants are endangered species. 80% of the native species that are grown here are donated to other communities.
There is always much work to be done at the centre and the founders enjoy the experience of sharing with international volunteers. They appreciate the help conducting tours and helping at reception, as many of the visiting tourists are English speaking. There is always much to do to keep up the centre such as: trail maintenance, collecting butterfly eggs, and feeding the birds and other animals.
There are lots of plants and animals but not many people to help with all the work and upkeep.
The volunteers would provide valuable assistance in our awareness campaign in the community in the Ecological Blue Flag program, which encourages and promotes sustainable environmental practices in high-tourist visitation areas. This education is focused on future generations who will inherit our natural resources, which the Center endeavour to preserve.

What tasks will you be required to fulfil?

The volunteer may participate in activities in the following areas:
Common areas: cleaning paths, plant maintenance and attending to visitors. At the tree nursery of native species: the volunteer will help filling bags, transplanting trees or planting trees, weeding of seedlings and will help with seed collection and preparation At the farm-bred butterflies, in tasks such as: preparing food for the larvae, cleaning larvae drawers, collecting the eggs, inventory of birds, mammals, insects, amphibians and reptiles.

Requirements:
None but education in biology is an asset.

Requirements

Language

English

Upon arrival in country our staff will pick you up at the airport and return you to our Orientation Center for a safety briefing and general country orientation. For this program you are required to complete one - 4 weeks of language training and orientation which is included in the cost of the program. At the end of that week you will transfer to your placement to begin volunteering. Our staff are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week should you require help of any kind.

Cost (per person)