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Programme Information
The hunting and collecting of Peruvian turtle meat and eggs has reached unsustainable levels, highlighting the need to establish a conservation programme to safeguard the future of the species. Based deep in the Amazon rainforest, volunteers will play an active role in constructing artificial breeding programmes aimed at assuring the future of threatened species including the Yellow-spotted Amazon River Turtle and Giant South American Turtle.
While turtle meat and eggs traditionally are basic items in the diet of Amazon and Orinoco indigenous tribes, the sustainability of the species has been further damaged by population growth, increased capacity for transport and trade, as well as colonisation of rainforest terrain by Peruvian settlers from Andean regions.
By seeking to involve local communities, our program takes an innovative approach to turtle conservation. So far the programme has facilitated the release of more than 330,000 baby turtles back into their original habitat.
Volunteers will have a significant say in what activities they participate in with the final decision resting on your level of Spanish and motivation. Weekly planning meetings will be held with the management group you are assigned to and the conservation work will also incorporate activities other than Turtle conservation, depending on the need at the time. Other activities include palm tree management, sustainable fishing and youth environmental education. Volunteers on this project are in for an exciting and rewarding rainforest experience!
Minimum age for participants is 18 years, maximum depending on potential participants’ health.
Programme Requirement
At least an intermediate level of Spanish is required to participate in the programme, to ensure effective use of volunteers’ time. If you feel you could achieve this level with additional Spanish lessons, why not talk to our Latin America Team about attending Spanish language classes prior to the start of the programme?
Maximum volunteer capacity
The project has a maximum capacity of 15-30 volunteers per month.
Important Considerations
This project is an authentic jungle project, so volunteers should be fully prepared for an extended stay in the deep tropical rainforest. You need to ensure you have received all necessary vaccinations and bring plenty of bug spray!
You will be with other participants in the project and thus will have ample time to interact with local people and observe rainforest species. We will give you full details about what to take before you leave in our extensive pre departure handbook.
Orientation
Upon arrival into Lima, you will be given a general orientation to help you get settled in and to familiarise you with the itinerary. Once in Iquitos, you will receive another orientation focusing mainly on the project and the reality of jungle life.
Project Support
Throughout your stay you will receive the support and guidance of the coordinator. They will be able to provide you with any help or advice you may need during your stay.
In addition to the in-country support, you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number should you need to contact one of our UK staff at any time.
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