VOLUNTEER WORK
COTERC offers volunteers the unique opportunity to live and work in the Caño Palma Biological Station set within the northeast Caribbean lowland rainforest of Costa Rica. The station is located in one of the most biodiverse regions of Latin America and sits within a network of protected areas. It is surrounded by a vast and ancient floodplain covered by a mosaic of swamp forests, palm forests, lagoons, mixed hardwoods, picturesque canals and coastal ecosystems.
Work with trained staff on biological monitoring surveys and community-based conservation programs while experiencing the regions´ cultural diversity, allowing you to develop your proficiency in Spanish. Through the various project opportunities, you will make a contribution to global conservation efforts while obtaining valuable conservation skills.
We offer opportunities for international travellers, students and researchers who help out for a minimum of two weeks in one of the following areas:
- Marine turtle monitoring, protection, and community-based conservation;
- Migratory bird mist netting and banding;
- Resident breeding bird surveys;
- Large mammal monitoring;
- Educational programs and support to local schools;
- Station maintenance and construction activities.
COST
Volunteers contibute $250.00 U.S. per week, with negotiable rates for groups and long-term stays. This fee will be collected at the end of each week during your stay and includes food, accommodation, limited transportation to the village and a one year membership to COTERC with electronic newsletters. There are no banks in Tortuguero and so we are unable to accept traveler’s cheques or credit cards. All payments to the station must be in U.S. dollars or the Colone equivalent. When arranging U.S. cash for your trip, be sure to ask your bank for clean bills, absolutely free of even tiny tears or nicks or writing. Costa Ricans are very particular about their currency.
HEALTH CONCERNS
The station lies in a remote area where medical attention is not readily available. Therefore, it is a good idea to plan to see your physician or health clinic a few weeks before traveling to Costa Rica. Follow your doctors medical advice regarding inoculations, prescription medicine and health precautions.
It is essential that you inform the station staff of any medical conditions or allergies you may have. The station has a first aid kit, including snake antivenin, but you should bring any personal medications you may need. Let the staff know where you keep your medication and how to administer it in case of an emergency. Make sure you have copies of any prescriptions to accompany the medication you are bringing into the country to avoid problems with customs officers.
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Check out what dates are available to do volunteer work in Costa Rica.
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"It is our collective and individual responsibility to protect and nurture the global family, to support its weaker members and to preserve and tend to the environment in which we all live."
-- The Dalai Lama |
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