from 427€

Fantastic 4.5rating (10)

Otter Conservation

location
1 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Fantastic 4.5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Volunteer and help the staff in the fields by cleaning, feeding and playing with the otter orphans
  • Discover the Atlantic Forest and dunes during treks or by the use of canoes and kayaks around the lake
  • Make short visits to the other study areas around the Piri Lake where you will always be accompanied by experienced staff
  • Schedule your free time the way you would like to spend it
  • Discover the beautiful nature of the Brazilian island and explore wonderful beaches

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+

About the program

You will be helping the staff in cleaning, feeding and playing with the otters. The activities also include expeditions to amazing places, as forests, lakes, and beaches.

Environmental government agencies are being questioned regarding the costs and benefits of their annual monetary budgets to maintain conservation areas as the Peri Lake Municipal Park, Santa Catarina Island, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. While goods and services that support visitation are ...

About the program

Environmental government agencies are being questioned regarding the costs and benefits of their annual monetary budgets to maintain conservation areas as the Peri Lake Municipal Park, Santa Catarina Island, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. While goods and services that support visitation are relatively easy to account, other less tangible environmental services, such as medicinal products, climate control, and biodiversity, can be quite difficult to be valued. 

Social benefits from these environmental services and the natural capital from which they flow are often not evaluated. In this program, we apply methods of systems ecology to evaluate the natural capital, the role of the Neotropical otter, and the Neotropical Otter Project in the Peri Lake Municipal Park. All subprojects aim to evaluate natural capital and environmental services, including economic costs and benefits, and societal and environmental non-market assets and values. We believe that, to protect the Neotropical otter, we need to show the importance the species has to the environment and to society. The work requires many activities to collect data in the field and to help with the social mobilization and environmental education activities. 

Activities include treks through the Atlantic Forest and dunes, use of canoes and kayaks around the lake. Depending on the weather, fieldwork may be done by kayaking or trekking, and it will include analysis of the otter’s frequency at the shelters, monitoring of nests, ethological studies and food habits. It is very difficult to spot otters and most of the work is made through registering signs.

The project is also an Otter Conservation Breeding Sanctuary. You will be helping the staff with cleaning, feeding and playing with the orphans the project keeps in captivity. Some lab work might be involved. Although based at Peri Lake, you will be able to make short visits to the other study areas where you will always be accompanied by experienced staff.

Ecovolunteers take part in all activities they like. Work starts at 8:00 in the morning, feeding the animal and cleaning their places. The same work is done at the end of the afternoon.  Some research is performed with the animals in captivity, such as behavior studies. Our staff will assist the ecovolunteer all the time. Fieldwork follows a special schedule that keeps the different research projects and monitoring updated. During the weekends the activities are only feeding the otters and ecovolunteers are free to know the island.




Typical day

On the first day of the Project, we present the project video and explain how we work to the ecovolunteers. Every week in advance, we display the week's schedule, so the ecovolunteers will know what they have ahead of the week and can be prepared. First time every morning of the week is ...

Typical day

On the first day of the Project, we present the project video and explain how we work to the ecovolunteers. Every week in advance, we display the week's schedule, so the ecovolunteers will know what they have ahead of the week and can be prepared. First time every morning of the week is the Nutritional and Sanitary management in the enclosures. The otter places must be cleaned and the animals fed. We need to prepare the food and then feed the animals in captivity. This takes about 3 hours and it is a real teamwork.  The trail and the garden that are part of the Animal Refugee and Visitor Center need attention too. Of paramount importance is the otter's environmental enrichment. This is a good time to put your imagination to work. You will spend your time organizing and be creating toys and activities to play with the otters and Tayras in captivity. They are very clever animals and need to be challenged constantly. During the week, we might get visits from schools. Therefore, you will be helping with the kids and the environmental education activities we have prepared for them. They show great interest when there are overseas around and do many questions. The age of the kids can vary from 3 to 12 years old. When we have internships, they are also invited to present their work and to discuss with the staff any details or ideas. These are day-by-day work, but then we have expeditions, at least one every week, to collect data and material for the research projects we have running. Expeditions can be related to otter activities based on the frequency, diet, and intensity of presence of otter. Expeditions might take from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the study area. You might be walking through the Atlantic Forest or kayaking in rivers or lakes.


Free-time activities

The project is located on an attractive island in the south of Brazil, well known for its natural beauty, wonderful beaches, surfing, sailing, and scuba diving. The waters of the Peri Lake, where ecovolunteers are based, are rich in crustaceans and fishes and surrounded by mountains covered by ...

Free-time activities

The project is located on an attractive island in the south of Brazil, well known for its natural beauty, wonderful beaches, surfing, sailing, and scuba diving. The waters of the Peri Lake, where ecovolunteers are based, are rich in crustaceans and fishes and surrounded by mountains covered by Atlantic forest. There are many trails you can do on your own. Close to our base, there are 2 fishermen villages with nice seafood restaurants, and also an island, Campeche Island, where you can visit taking a boat at the Armação Beach, one of those two villages. If you like surfing, you are at the perfect spot. You can try it by choosing one of the several surging spots around, from beginners to professionals. We suggest you to stay in a hotel/hostel or Airbnb near the project. The main base site for the project is 30 km far from the centre of the town. You can easily take a bus to town for shopping or just to see the historic town. The best day to do that is Saturday morning, when you can watch a capoeira performance in front of the cathedral or under the big figueira tree in the main plaza. Take your time to go to the fish market too. There you might watch samba groups playing and have a nice beer with great fresh local snacks. Another great option is to go to Lagoa da Conceição, about 25 km far from the base. There is the place to go at night, visiting the local pubs, with live music. You can share a taxi or take a bus. During the day there are alternative fairs with really cheap and great handwork products. At Lagoa da Conceição you find people from everywhere, Latins, Europeans, and Americans. Coffees, food trucks, restaurants, pubs, and more.


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

You don’t need any special skills. You should be prepared to share the work and collaborate with the researchers. You will have plenty of time to explore the environment on your own. Safety rules, however, must be followed.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 18:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Instituto Ekko Brasil

The fees do not include accommodation, transfers from the airport or bus station at Santa Catarina Island to the project. It also does not include food.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Hercilio Luz International Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Accommodation

Please arrange your own accommodation.

Food & Beverages

Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Hercilio Luz International Airport (FLN) in Florianopolis. We assist you to find cheap flights to Brazil. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Brazil provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Brazil you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Brazil. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

We work the whole year around. We do not provide accommodation and food. You need to find a hostel, hotel, or Airbnb near the project. After arriving, the ecovolunteer goes to the otter base at Lagoa do Peri, south of the Santa Catarina Island. On the same day, there will be a meeting to introduce the ecovolunteer to the staff and to the otters in captivity.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 427€
2 weeks 818€
3 weeks 1,160€
4 weeks 1,505€
8 weeks 2,596€
16 weeks 3,974€
24 weeks (max. stay) 6,028€
Average fees 339€/week

Program fees

339€ per week 1 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

1 - 24 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Instituto Ekko Brasil during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Instituto Ekko Brasil

Fantastic 4.5 rating (10 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2004

Verified by Volunteer World

  Excellent response rate

Coordinated by

Oldemar

About the project

The Ekko Brazil Institute (IEB) is an NGO devoted to the conservation of ecosystems and endangered species.

Meet your organization

Wo we are?

The Ekko Brazil Institute (IEB) is an NGO with the status of OSCIP - Civil Society Organization of Public Interest, based in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, with the mission of coordinating and supporting projects that focus on biodiversity conservation and conservation tourism. It has found in tourism an important ally in the construction of new environmental values, to study and maintain biodiversity and the conservation of ecosystems and endangered species as a way to contribute to improving the quality of life and to provide a positive legacy for future generations.

What do we do?

The Instituto Ekko Brasil's main objective is to coordinate and/or support conservation projects that focus on conservation tourism and biodiversity conservation. Ekko Brasil also has as one of its main objectives to improve the quality of life of the communities present in the surroundings of the projects it develops, through the use of sustainable practices applied to the conservation of biodiversity and conservation tourism. The main objective is the study of the ecology of the Brazilian otter (Lontra longicaudis), in addition to the search for solutions for the conservation of the species. Environmental education and social mobilization represent a transversal theme of the project. Through the Visitation Center and the Animal Refuge, the IEB is open to the general public and educational institutions. The purpose is to raise awareness of the importance of conservation of the Brazilian ecosystems, biodiversity, and the Neotropical otter. The IEB is also licensed as a Conservation Breeding Sanctuary for the Mustelidae Family (otter and its relatives). In the sanctuary, the project keeps orphans that cannot be released to the wild anymore. 

Where do we work? 

Instituto Ekko Brasil is located on an attractive island in the south of Brazil, well known for its natural beauty, wonderful beaches, surfing, sailing, and scuba diving. We are just a few steps from the Lagoa do Peri, which is very important for the reproduction of otters, that live in these areas all year around and reproduce mainly during spring. The waters of the Peri Lake are rich in crustaceans and fishes and surrounded by mountains covered by Atlantic Forest. Peri Lake, which is a freshwater lake, is the main base site for the project and is located in a conservation area 30 km from the center of the town Florianópolis. It has an area of approximately 20 square kilometers, divided into three sectors: a Leisure Area which includes dunes and the lake; a Cultural Area where traditional villages can be found; and a Biological Reserve Area, which includes Atlantic Forest vegetation. The climate is humid, with an annual average precipitation of 1,406 mm and annual average temperature of 20°C. The local culture is açoriana (Brazilian Portuguese), inherited from the first Portuguese navigators and very traditional. The official language is Portuguese, though Spanish is a useful second. Most of the researchers at the project base speak English and Spanish. People living in the surroundings commonly speak, in addition to Portuguese, Spanish, German and English. Locals are very friendly and treat visitors well, displaying a lot of interest and curiosity. The area is very safe, free from diseases. With normal precautions, you can walk any time of the day or night. 

Our mission/vision

Our Mission is the maintenance of biodiversity, conservation of ecosystems and endangered species, through research and social mobilization, as a way to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of communities, leaving a positive legacy for future generations. 

Our Vision is to become a national and international reference in conservation tourism, biodiversity studies, conservation of ecosystems and protection of endangered species.

Our Values are based on serious, organized and independent work, based on the planning and management of available financial resources. The information generated serves to subsidize actions aimed at environmental conservation and improvement of the quality of life, with ethical responsibility and honesty. In the work environment, the actions are multi and interdisciplinary, where the differences of each are evidenced, and add up, in order to create a healthy and productive work environment.

Our goals

Instituto Ekko Brasil intends to reach self-sustainable by the end of 2017, based on our own value chain. By 2018 we expect to have a program for re-introduction of orphans in the wild.

Who are we looking for?

You don’t need any special skills. You should be prepared to share the work and collaborate with the researchers. You will have plenty of time to explore the environment on your own. Safety rules, however, must be followed. The project can have students and can do partnerships with other institutions such as schools or Universities. Students can do their research work with us, making use of all the facilities. The project has a lab very well equipped for research and lots of equipment for fieldwork. University students with long-term participation may work on special projects and may also submit a project proposal to be carried out under the joint supervision of their university supervisor and project staff.

Why choose us?

Instituto Ekko Brasil completed 30 years of activity in 2016. The interaction between ecovolunteers and the project represents a collaborative action, where the exchange of experience is the greatest gratification. To date, over 1000 ecovolunteers, passed by the project, participating in the activities developed there, living the everyday life of a research team. With all these experience, the project has established itself as a national and international reference in the Neotropical otter studies.  There were many years of hard work, preparation and training. Currently, for example, the organization that runs the project is an important member of the IUCN Otter Specialist Group (Group of otters experts of the International Union for Conservation of Nature) and coordinator in Latin America for Neotropical Otter sub-group in IUCN OZ Task Force (International Union for Conservation of Nature, task force group for otters in zoos and aquariums). The big difference, which has more drawn the attention of international experts is the IEB’s capacity successfully integrate the research with social mobilization aimed at public policy. The project needs to know more about otters for their preservation. So please join for anything from one week to several months for hands-on participation in this field research and conservation work.

10 reviews · rating4.5

Hocéane Bennis rating3.6

2023 at Otter Conservation

The place is great to spend free time when the weather is good. There is all the accommodations and always someone to help us if needed. As a volunteer we can have responsibilities as soon as we feel ready for it, we can spend time with the animals to take care of them. The tasks are diversified but ...
Anne Scheuerpflug rating5

2022 at Otter Conservation

We are a couple from Germany and have been traveling Brazil for 2 months. To end this journey with a highlight we signed up for a one week eco volunteer program at the Projeto Lontra at Instituto Ekko Brasil. We made the booking about one month in advance over volunteerworld.com. The communication ...
Mikkel Fogtmann rating4.6

2022 at Otter Conservation

First of all the overall experience was a great one and i am happy that i choice this project. The site of the project is beautiful with a lot of nature and lays right beside a big lagoon. The Staff members of the project are inspiring and lovable - you quickly become comfortable in there company. ..
rhiannon armstrong rating4.2

2022 at Otter Conservation

I really enjoyed my time here, it was tough with the climate, including floods and lots of spiders. But overall a good challenge, I wouldn’t do more than 2 weeks as it can be a bit isolating but there’s lots of animal interaction and they are doing really good work there! ...
Julien Guicherit rating5

2021 at Otter Conservation

I don't even know where to begin to describe such an amazing experience. From the very first day I arrived I fell in love with the nice atmosphere and the wonderful people of Projecto Lontra. Working with the animals was extremely gratifying and I really learned so much about so many species and ...
Joanna Diaz rating5

2021 at Otter Conservation

We signed up to volunteer for two weeks, and lucked out with the weather because it'd been raining non-stop for weeks prior and much of the work is contingent upon weather. The work at the sanctuary varied. Onsite we cleaned out enclosures and rebuilt a change of habitat, assisted with feeding and ...

Location

Americas > South America > Brazil > Florianopolis

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