Since 2006, volunteers have played an important role in the implementation of the Costa Rican Bird Route project. There are 18 Bird Route sites, and each of them are at varying stages in terms of infrastructure and tourism development and site sustainability. Over the past five years, volunteers have been placed at several of the less developed sites to assist them in their goals of being a sustainable tourism destination.
Volunteers have also been placed at Bird Route sites to be of assistance to the surrounding community, in addition to its host site. Usually this takes the form of conducting environmental education activities with the local school children and teaching English to interested individuals.
Work will vary depending on the site, the community, and the qualifications of the volunteer. However, the work typically centers around six main themes, presented here in no particular order:
- ESL teaching for members of the community: children and adults
- Interpretation work: trails, maps, signs
- Environmental education: recycling, composting, reforestation, conservation
- Infrastructure development: building, trail maintenance
- Promotional materials design: site brochures, flyers
- Biological surveys: bird counts, species identification
Rainforest Biodiversity Group looks for individuals who are able to commit to a minimum of three months to a given site. Ideally, volunteers are placed in twos, and couples are welcome to apply.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Spanish speaking skills (mandatory)
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Experience in the area the volunteer is applying for
- Spirit of adventure and a serious interest in having an effect on rainforest conservation and sustainable tourism development
Volunteers should be able to work independently as well as with others in order to fulfill their responsibilities. Costs for volunteering are based on how long the volunteer can stay. The cost structure is as follows:
Number of Months Volunteering |
Cost per Month |
1-3 |
$350 |
4 or more |
$200 |
This will cover room and 3 meals per day for the volunteer. Accommodations will be rustic. There may or may not be electricity, and/or hot water at the site. All other expenses are the responsibility of the volunteer. A stipend will not be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to have health insurance as Rainforest Biodiversity Group will not be responsible to cover any injuries or health needs. Please view the CDC website for updated travel precautions.
If you would like to be a part of this exciting project that will preserve important rainforest habitat, please fill out the Volunteer Application Form(MS Word file) and email it along with your resume to Holly Robertson, President of Rainforest Biodiversity Group at holly@rainforestbiodiversity.org.
