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Camp Darwin: Environmental Conservation and Protection (Galapagos Islands Ecuador)

Follow in Darwin’s* footsteps and experience the exceptional ecological biodiversity and pristine natural view of the world that can only be offered by the isolated, uniquely-placed terrain of the Galapagos at our environmental conservation camp. As one of our volunteers you will help to protect and nurture some of the rarest and wildest species of flora and fauna in existence.

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Join us to enjoy living with the land, growing plants, interacting with the community and an exciting personal journey back into the very foundations of evolution.

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Art Exhibit

Volunteer Responsibilities

You will grow and nurture native plant species in greenhouses and then plant them into their specified locations after having removed the non-native species from each site. You will also assist in community projects, such as installing water pipelines, helping to paint the local library and working with local children on educational gardening projects and field-trips. The work involved is physical so you should be prepared for long, hard and hot but fun and rewarding days.

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The following are some areas of the project that you may assist with:

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Reforestation: The project’s program has helped to plant 1,855 trees in three different areas of the island to protect endangered species. Volunteers have created a nursery with plants to be transplanted and distributed to schools and farmers in the community. You will help restore native and endemic forests to increase the natural harmony and tranquility of the island. Additionally, this project has planted 750 trees of two types of species, Manzanillo and Matarzarno, which capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Of this quantity, 250 are Manzanillo, with each tree capturing 470 kilograms per year, and 500 are Martazarno, with each tree capturing 148 kilograms per year. In total, the two capture 191 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere each year.

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Self-sustainable agriculture: This program helps 15 families (approximately 50 people) of the community to recover their abandoned farms. Together with local staff you will help cultivate the farms so that farmers can grow organic products and increase local production. Local production will prevent the excessive importation of fresh fruits and vegetables; thus, reducing the entrance of introduced species that endanger the endemic ecosystems.

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Children: Part of this project is the program of hippotherapy that uses activities on horses that are therapeutic for the children of the Ecuadorian National Institute for Children and Family. Over the last four years, 180 disadvantaged and disabled children have been helped. Volunteers have also helped furnish the school in the community and organized materials for English language learning.

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Growing Coffee: Want a fresh cup of coffee straight from the Hacienda’s own plantation? You can help out in the entire process, from start to finish, and enjoy this rewarding and delicious experience! You can help with:

  • Cleaning the area around the coffee plants.

  • Collecting beans.

  • Washing beans.

  • Peeling beans.

  • Drying beans.

  • Grinding beans.

  • Drinking coffee! 


Here is an example of a successfully completed community project:

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Community water access: Local staff and volunteers worked for over 1 year to bury 8 kilometers of piping along rough terrain, in order to supply water for the community which is vital for personal hygiene and agriculture.

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The exact tasks you will be asked to carry out will depend on the current needs and priorities of the project as determined by the camp manager and Volungo Abroad management. The tasks stated here are therefore examples of some of the possible types of activities you will be asked to do. Some of the example tasks may include:

  • Cutting plants and bushes with a machete.

  • Cultivating and planting seedlings.

  • Organic gardening. 

  • Helping farmers plant native and endemic vegetation.

  • Construction work.

  • Community work.

  • Horse therapy with children.

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Working hours:
You will usually work from 8:30am – 12:00pm and 2:30pm – 5:00pm, Monday-Friday. You are free to explore the local towns and discover the island’s many tourist attractions in the evening and on weekends. 

Pricing

 

Start dates: Every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month.

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€ 1200,00 – 1st week
€ 1149,00 – 2nd week
€ 1099,00 – 3rd week, and after

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Individual camp start dates:
+ € 150,00 – Start your placement any Sunday of the month
+ € 250,00 – Chose your own start dates and change them up to 3 times before your trip.*

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*Last date change up to 3 weeks before your departure.

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Individual camp dates:

+ € 150,00 – Start your placement any Sunday of the month
+ € 250,00 – Chose your own start dates and change them up to 3 times before your trip.*

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*Last date change up to 3 weeks before your departure.

** Maximum stay is of 8 weeks

Included Services

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  • Accommodation + 2 meals per day.

  • Pickup and transport from airport.

  • Pre-arrival pack.

  • Welcome dinner.

  • Complimentary t-shirt.

  • Hat, gloves and rubber boots for work.

  • 24 hour support.

EXPLORE AND PROTECT THE RARE SPECIES OF THE GALAPAGOS!

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