Role Overview
IOI plays a strategic role in supporting conservation efforts of Isabela’s endemic flora.
Beginning in 2024, IOI will assist the Galapagos National Park in the operation and maintenance of its plant nursery located in the highlands of Isabela. This facility plays a key role in the conservation of the island's endemic plant species, threatened by invasive plant species, pollution, and climate change, through research, restoration, and education.
IOI volunteers on this project will have the opportunity to assist in ecological restoration projects in rural and urban areas of Isabela, learn about Isabela’s ecology, and contribute to the realisation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) in a tangible way!
Requirements:
- Conversational+ level of Spanish is ideal.
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
- Flexible schedule that accounts for the day to day needs of working with a local institution.
- Physical ability to work outdoors with potentially high sun, element, and temperature exposure.
- Volunteers will be provided with materials they need.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided by one of our carefully selected host families or in our volunteer housing. In both types of housing, volunteers have their own room, a fan, bed, desk, dresser, and bathroom, as well as warm water and drinking water. In our volunteer housing, breakfast is not included, but you have access to our fully equipped kitchen facilities to cover your needs. Lunch and dinner is provided at your choice of various restaurants in town, which are usually open-air seating with local cuisine. You simply sign for your meal and we’ll pick up the bill at the end of the month.
Our host families have experience with outside culture and international living and provide an amazing immersion experience. All host family houses are nearby the IOI offices and the local schools in the beach town of Puerto Villamil. Homes are fairly simple, clean, and welcoming. You will have breakfast and dinner with your family. Lunch is at the above mentioned restaurants.
We at IOI pair you with your host family and we are available at any time to help if any issues arise with the restaurants, your host family, the volunteer site, if you get sick and need to visit the doctor, etc.
Participation Fee
The program fee is necessary to cover your cost of living and logistics. Our overhead is covered by other means so 100% of any funds that exceed your direct cost will go towards the project you participated in.
To book you need to pay a Reservation Deposit.
That deposit WILL BE DEDUCTED from your program fee.
What’s Included
Cost includes food, full room and board, permits, Transient visa, local coordination and training at respective facility, local transport, full access to our facilities, etc.—everything minus personal expenses, travel insurance, and your airfare to Galápagos.
Please contact us for more info.
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