Ecological & Agricultural Programs

ECO-AGRO (Beginner Spanish Level).

Eco Projects
Required Spanish Level: Beginner.
With a full 18% of the country’s total land area set aside in national parks and preserves, and with a booming eco-tourism industry (low-impact tourism), Costa Rica has been noted by many as a beacon for others to follow. But the work is not over. There are still a number of issues that the nation is wresting with: endangered species, corridor preservation and restoration, rare ecosystem conservation, etc., and many communities have begun to understand the potential for economic development that comes with carefully planned conservation projects.
National Parks and preserves
San Rafael Dogs and Cats Shelter
Eco Communities
Turtles Projects
Zoo Projects

National Parks. Like those of other developing countries, the local people of Costa Rica also need help understanding the importance of nature and its preservation. Safeguarding the wonderful natural features of Costa Rica is only possible if conservation work starts at the grass roots level. In Costa Rica volunteer projects, volunteers work for a project-dedicated do several different jobs in 4 Protected Areas. You can choose one of them.
This eco-tourism project focuses on local cultures, wilderness adventures, personal growth, and learning new ways to live on our vulnerable planet. Volunteering for this project involves helping to minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment and enhance the cultural integrity of the local people. Our goal is to teach people and enable them to enjoy and learn about the natural, historical, and cultural characteristics of unique environments while preserving the integrity of those sites and stimulating the economic development opportunities in local communities.

Zoos & Animal Care Centers. Small, wonderful zoos around Costa Rica, non-profit dogs and cats shelter, and other organizations need volunteers to help them with the daily tasks. Biologists, vets, and other volunteers are welcomed. A lot of work and a lot of help is required.

Turtle Conservation. Working with the turtles is a brilliant and unforgettable experience, and our Costa Rica really needs volunteer help. Conservation volunteers can work on a project intended to protect the Lora Turtle's nesting population. The program has aimed to protect the nests from human poachers and, more recently, from the erosion of the beach. And also to work with the Communal Association to extract and commerce the eggs according to a regulation plan proposed by Costa Rica’s Environmental Ministry. The nesting season of the Lora turtle runs from May to December, but it goes all year around, getting its high peak in December each year (In December 2002, about 1.200.000 arrived to the beach in the nestling week).
Each season, the Costa Rica turtle conservation project recruits volunteers to help in the research and conservation work, such as night patrolling, working in the hatcheries, collecting eggs, and rescuing turtles. During this time, the volunteer will have a chance to work directly with turtles, taking carapace and nest-dimension measurements, collecting eggs, and tagging the rear flipper of the turtles. This is a very oriented to turtles project, this beach is located in an isolated area, and it is a National Park; please apply to this project only, and just only, you like to work with turtles or animals. This is not a party beach.

Organic Farm. In this project everybody with a strong respect for organic farming methods and food, is going to find a great way to learn and help. You´ll work on an organic farm that belongs to a Costa Rican family, helping in basic daily tasks, and some days you´ll help with other specialized projects. What you´ll learn in this project can be of great value for your life... and in business oriented way, you can use your experience to start your own little business when you go back home.

For all the projects, some basic tasks would include, but are not limited to:

Fees for Volunteer Programs

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