Help protect native plant species on one of the world’s most ecologically diverse islands when you volunteer with our Galapagos Islands Conservation Project in Ecuador.

The Galapagos Islands depict nature in its purest form. The archipelago, located 620 miles (1,000 km) off Ecuador’s coast, was the inspiration for naturalist Charles Darwin’s theory on how species evolve. Because the archipelago was never connected to the mainland and has been relatively untouched by mankind for several thousand years, many unique species have continued to thrive since ancient times. But over the years, boats carrying produce from the Ecuadorian mainland have introduced a number of invasive species to the islands.

In this fascinating conservation project, volunteers will have the opportunity to work at our partner organization’s biological reserve on San Cristobal Island. Since 2003, staff and volunteers have worked in reforestation projects with National Park employees, helping to replace exotic invasive plants with native species. A greenhouse operation is in the works, which will develop organic production processes for fruits and vegetables, thereby limiting the amount of produce imported to the islands.   

As a volunteer on the Galapagos Islands, you will assist with habitat restoration and non-native species removal throughout the area. You will also help with trail maintenance, collect and identify different seeds and plants, educate local schoolchildren on environmental awareness, and develop various conservation projects. Your work will have a positive impact on this ecological wonderland for years to come.


As a volunteer you will:
Collect and classify seeds
Plant native species within the reserve
Help maintain reforestation lines
Educate schoolchildren and the local people on     environmental awareness issues
Assist with trail maintenance
Help clean the fresh water supply
Organize and participate in organic agricultural activities

Project Length:	Start Dates:
Minimum: 2 weeks Maximum: 6 months	Arrive in Quito by Monday or Tuesday morning. Fly to the Galapagos Islands on Wednesday to begin the project.
Program Cost:	Cost Includes:
2 weeks: Extra week:	Airport pick-up and drop-off On-site orientation and project training Accommodations on San Cristóbal Island 3 meals per day In-country support Transportation between project site and accommodations Volunteer donation
Schedule:	Accommodations:
Volunteer work hours will generally be Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. You will have the weekends off to explore the island and participate in activities and excursions.	Bamboo houses with shared rooms Cabins with shared rooms Generators Flush toilets Showers (no hot water)
Requirements:
Volunteers should have an intermediate level of Spanish and be in reasonably good physical condition to perform the duties associated with this project.