The Program This volunteer project takes place on the amazing Easter Island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. This is a unique location to get involved in climate and environmental protection while learning about the local culture and the mystic history that surrounds this island.
Our volunteer project is overseen by the National Forestry Agency, which is part of the Chilean Ministry of the Environment. Their responsibilities include the protection and control of Easter Island's natural resources through a variety of programs. The most important are forest fire prevention and control, erosion control, natural resource monitoring, the conservation of native flora and environmental education - among others. Recently, the project is setting up a climate protection program to prepare the local population for the consequences of climate change.
The aim of the project is, among other things, the reforestation of the island and the reintroduction of endemic plants. These have been greatly reduced by decades of deforestation, destruction and extreme weather conditions. A laboratory and plantations serve to breed the plants and later replant them in affected areas as well as to fathom the difficulties of germination and reproduction of the native plants and to ensure their continued existence.
The Location
Easter Island is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and is the most distant place in the world from another inhabited place. The island is of volcanic origin and therefore not only culturally but also geologically very interesting. For example, there is no river on the island, all fresh water there comes from rainfall! In Spanish, the triangular shaped island with an extinct volcano in each corner is called "Isla de Pascua", but the locals call it "Rapa Nui". The almost 160 km² island can be reached within five flight hours, either from Santiago de Chile or from Tahiti.
The island has around 6000 inhabitants and is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every year, many tourists come to the island belonging to Chile. This is mainly due to the mysterious and exciting cultural history around the Moai - the famous huge stone statues that are scattered all over the island. It still has not been finally clarified, how the Moais were actually built and what their exact meaning is. The locals not only call their island, but also themselves Rapa Nui and are very proud of their culture. They cultivate their customs, art, language and the music that irresistibly captivates every visitor!
Every year in February there is a big festival on the island to celebrate the arrival of the first Polynesian settlers. Your colleagues in the project will be happy to tell you more about their culture and customs and give you tips on how and where on the island you can discover them best.
