Protect Sea Turtles

The NGO that host this volunteer project carries out various projects to protect the environment and biodiversity. It maintains a sea turtle project, raising caimans and iguanas, and a project to reforest mangrove forests. From time to time and as needed, the project will also rescue other animals, such as exotic birds or tortoises.

The Pacific coast of Guatemala stretches over 250 km between Mexico and El Salvador. There are primarily volcanic area and huge agricultural regions. Due to this fact, the region has lost much of its original biodiversity and natural environment. Nonetheless, the coastal area, with its river channels, lagoons, lakes and mangrove forests, still has a relatively intact ecosystem and is home to many marine animals and various species of birds.

The conservation programs were launched in 1993 to stopped the decline of the sea turtle population. Massive hunting, the loss of their natural habitat, the dangers of industrial deep-sea fishing put the sea turtles in danger. The eggs of the turtles are considered a delicacy and the excessive collection of the laid eggs has greatly damaged the sea turtle population. The eggs are sold in restaurants and on markets. They are also still popular here as aphrodisiacs. Although it is questionable with an annual population growth of 3%, whether Guatemala's population really needs it.

The protected area calls 3 hectares its own. It is located 2.5 kilometers west of the city of Hawaii and near the seaside resort of Monterrico. In general, this area is naturally characterized by mangroves, but also by rainforest and beautiful beaches. The climate in the region around Hawaii is pleasantly warm year-round and the rainy season is between June and September. It can be quite hot during the day, but there is always a nice breeze from the sea.

The sea turtle protection program has been very successful for years. Every year, several thousand eggs are collected and secured. The hatchery is the most successful in Guatemala. Research projects are also being conducted to learn more about these largely unexplored giant tortoises. After a breeding season of about 50 days, the small turtles are released under supervision in the sea.

The volunteer project in the Natural Park has two main objectives: to protect the flora and fauna and to create additional sources of income for the local population in order to improve their quality of life.

In addition to various educational projects, development projects have been carried out, such as the construction of toilets and wells. In addition, courses in eco-tourism and the preparation of fish products are offered. Volunteers have actively supported these projects in the past.

The volunteers in Guatemala support various projects:

In your spare time, there are many different activities to choose from, such as hiking around the center, getting your tan on at the beaches, or swimming in the ocean. There are also bars and internet cafes in the nearby town of Monterrico.

For weekend trips or for the time after your volunteer work program we recommend the following things to do:

1. Visit to the historic and picturesque city of Antigua
   
2. Handicraft markets from indigenous people
3. Lake Atitlan
4. Archeological sites (e.g. Park of Copan)
5. Tour to National Parks and and Volcano
6. Thermal baths of Kawilal
7. Tradicional market of Chichicastenango
8. Visit to museums of indigenous cultures like the Maya
9. Bird watching tours
10. Outdoor sports like climbing, hiking, canopy, biking, 4x4 tours, etc.
11. Visits to Chocolate and Coffe productions sites
12. Tikal, the biggest Maya ruins