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Galapagos Island Conservation Volunteering in Ecuador
Ecuador has been named by ecologists as one of the world’s ‘megadiversity hotspots’ and is one of the most species-rich countries on earth. The Galapagos Islands are 1000km (621mi) off Ecuador’s Pacific coast. The islands were never connected to the mainland and are famous for their uniquely evolved wildlife that helped Charles Darwin formulate his theory of evolution.
Projects Abroad works on the island of San Cristobal in the Galapagos archipelago. Conservation volunteers are based in a reserve and biological station in the highlands of the island, 45 minutes drive from the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The reserve is made up of 200 hectares where there is still native vegetation, consisting of Miconias, ferns, and other native herbaceous species.
The highland forests of the populated islands in the Galapagos chain have been greatly altered due to the introduction of exotic and invasive species of animals and plants. Quarantine regulations are consistently ignored and at least two exotic and/or invasive flora or fauna species enter the islands each day.
Conserving and Protecting the Native Species on the Galapagos Islands
Our conservation partners on the island have worked to develop reforestation, habitat reconstruction, and agroforestry activities utilizing native species for the last 18 years throughout Ecuador. The work at the biological station on San Cristobal aims to develop the technology to reconstruct native habitat in the highlands on San Cristobal. It also serves as a center for similar projects in the highlands on other populated islands in the Galapagos chain.
The habitat restoration work is dedicated to eradicating invasive species of plants, especially a type of invasive raspberry, in order to plant native trees and vegetation. The reserve is currently implementing a biological corridor going from 150 to 550 meters above sea level, to demonstrate the different native vegetation at different gradients of the island.
In addition, the foundation works collaboratively with local landowners to develop clean agricultural alternatives for the production of vegetables and fruits to sell to local schools, restaurants, and hotels.
Volunteer Conservation in Ecuador: Galapagos Islands Project
A typical week’s work for a volunteer will include:
- Reforestation work with native and endemic species in the reserve and in local farms (collecting seeds, classifying seeds, nursery work, planting within the reserve or nearby areas, helping maintain reforestation lines).
- Environmental education activities with the local community and schools.
- Research station maintenance (trail maintenance, making signs for trails, basic construction activities, maintaining the fresh water supply, help in the kitchen).
- Organic agricultural activities and vegetable production (helping to maintain and secure food production for the station).
- Guided hikes through the reserve and nearby areas to learn about the biodiversity themes, natural history, and ecology of the island.
You will work alongside local biologists and guides and will be trained in all the work techniques used on the project.
You may also sometimes help with activities like:
- Observation of Petrels (tube-nosed seabirds) - locating nests, clearing around the nests, monitoring bird behavior.
- Flora studies and inventories - observation and classification of native, endemic, and invasive species.
- Bird observations at the reserve to determine if they are native, endemic, or invasive.
- Germination project, determining the most effective method for germination in vegetable production and other species.
- Coffee production - to assess the possibility of exporting coffee.
Volunteers usually work from Monday to Friday and occasionally on a Saturday morning too.
Living at the Biological Reserve on the Galapagos Islands
The volunteer accommodation at the reserve and biological station is composed of two houses made of native bamboo and cement, each containing 11 bedrooms and a large balcony. There is also a building with a communal dining area and the kitchen. The accommodation is rustic; the reserve has electricity, but there is no internet or mobile phone reception.
In your free time on the weekends you could swim at Playa Mann or Playa de Oro or surf at Playa Punta Carola. To discover more wildlife take a 20 minute walk south of town to La Loberia. Here you'll enjoy the sea lions, marine iguanas, bird watching, and even tortoises.
This project is available for less than a month if you don't have time to join us for a month or more. This project has been selected by our local colleagues as being suitable for shorter durations for both the host community and the volunteer. Although you will gain valuable cultural insight and work intensely within the local community please be aware that you may not be able to make the same impact as someone participating for a longer period.
All volunteers on Teaching and Care placements in Ecuador now have the opportunity to add a 7-Day Conservation Project to the end of their main placement. For more information visit our 7-Day Ecuador Conservation Project page.