Under 18's Turtle Conservation
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Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Hands-on work with one of the most endangered species in the Mediterranean
Seeing turtles lay their eggs and watching the hatchlings head for the sea;
Exploring nearby nature reserves and admiring the local architecture
Experiencing Greek culture first hand in a beautiful area which you can explore in your free time
Taking your first steps towards your career in conservation and making a lasting contribution to the preservation of endangered turtles.
Record nesting activity and protect hatchlings from predators as they make their first journey to the ocean, making a difference to the conservation of the population
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
This project has been specially designed for those looking to volunteer, but are aged between 15 and 17 years old. Throughout this project, our younger volunteers will have greater supervision, training, and world-class leaders in the field who have been chosen for their mix of relevant experience and ability to mentor and inspire young people.
The project
Based in Giannitsochori, you will live and volunteer with a team of international volunteers to conserve and protect one of the most important loggerhead turtle nesting areas in Greece.
The team will engage in daily morning and night surveys (depending on nesting activity) to record nesting activity and protect turtle nests against predation by mammals and inundation by sea water. Volunteers will also provide important conservation information to overseas visitors and the local community.
You will also have a weekend to enjoy some cultural activities in the surrounding area, a beautiful and fascinating region of Greece.
Why it is important
Protecting nests against predation by mammals and/or inundation by sea water ensures that as many hatchlings as possible are added to the population each year, while public awareness activities help people adopt friendlier attitudes towards the natural environment and possibly reduce their environmental footprint in the area.
Role of the volunteer
During your time on the project, your work will be extremely varied. Volunteers will rotate around the different roles of turtle patrol, camp duty, bamboo harvesting (used to protect the nests) and an environmental education programme for the locals and tourists.
Volunteers should expect the days to be long, as well as hot, with plenty of walking (at least 5km) while taking part in the various surveys.
Your accomodation will be quite rustic, with amazing views to wake up to each morning. Volunteers will be camped right next to the beach, at a campsite that has a number of facilities such as a mini-market and a restaurant.
In between your shifts, you will have plenty of time to relax on the sandy white beaches, explore the nearby area with your fellow volunteers or simply relax at the campsite and take in all the beautiful natural scenery.
Highlights include...Hands-on work with one of the most endangered species in the Mediterranean; exploring nearby nature reserves and admiring the local architecture; seeing turtles lay their eggs and watching the hatchlings head for the sea; experiencing Greek culture first hand in a beautiful area which you can explore in your free time; taking your first steps towards your career in conservation and making a lasting contribution to the preservation of endangered turtles
Typical day
All volunteers will receive all necessary training, including information on country, region, Health & Safety protocols and work-related protocols
Key volunteer tasks may include:- Patrolling the beach to locate new tracks and nests
- Recording data and measurements
- Installing protective nest grids
- Nest relocation (if required)
- Nest excavation (from August onwards)
- Bamboo harvesting - assembling nest grids
- Manning beach kiosk - educating public about the project
- Public awareness presentations - conducted at campsites/hotels in the local area
Free-time activities
There is leisure time during the day. During this time you can enjoy the beach, relax, swim or play beach sports. During the weekend we will take you to visit some classic ancient Greek sites, Mediterranean beaches and traditional coastline cities. Before and after your programme you could explore several sites of interest in the Peloponnese, such as the Mistras medieval fortress, Mount Taygetos, Elafonissosi, Mani, the beautiful town of Monemvasia, or you can take the boat to the islands of Cythera and Crete – the possibilities are endless!
Water Sports
Swimming
Museum/
Opera
Sports
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