Costa Rica: Conservation - Reto Juvenil Internacional

Costa Rica: Fauna Conservation

2010-01-15T11:48:11+00:00

Project Summary

This is a project dedicated to the conservation of macaws native to Costa Rica. The focus is principally on two species (Scarlet macaw: Ara Macao and the Green macaw: Ara Ambigua) both of these beautiful birds are currently in great danger of extinction. Also, both used to fly freely in many areas of Costa Rica, but due to the logging of Almendro (Dipteryx panamensis) trees and the stealing of macaw chicks for the pet trade, species' numbers have dropped drastically. The macaws are also hunted to provide household food as well as to sell the feathers as decorations. At present, there are estimated to be less than 40 breeding pairs of green macaws in Costa Rica.

Volunteer work:

Work includes tasks such as crop planting/harvesting in the organic garden, tending the planted trees, and animal husbandry.

      •   Production of organic food for the birds.
      •   Planting and tending of trees which will sustain the natural lifestyle and diet of the macaws. E.g. palms, mangos, almonds, etc.
      •   Upgrading the enclosures for the breeding birds.
      •   Reforestation, in order to create biological corridors for the birds.
      •   Construction of improved breeding enclosures; and
      •   Information gathering on macaw husbandry techniques.

Also the volunteer will prepare the organic garden, helping to cultivate plant species upon which the macaws rely.

Location:

The project is located 2 hours away from San Jose by bus.

Costa Rica: Tropical rain forest Reserve

2010-01-15T09:53:59+00:00

Project Details

The project is in a area with great atmospheric diversity, ecosystems and species, distributed in 8 different life zones, going from humid forest – premontainous transition to basal and to dwarfed cloudy forest. There is a large diversity of plants and animals. Hot springs and bumbling holes. The trails will give the opportunity to enjoy a large variety of wildlife.

Volunteer work:

You will help in trail maintenance, cleaning areas, conservation programs and English lessons in the village.

Location:

The project is located is in the northwest zone of Costa Rica and has vast unexplored tropical rain forests with a great variety of plants and animals.

Costa Rica: Forest & Eco-lodge

2010-01-12T04:36:52+00:00

Project summary

The project was initiated by a women’s association. The group formed with the idea of being self-supporting, and also to improve their livelihoods while living in harmony with nature. After intensive work the association has been able to protect 12 hectares of forest. The group contributes with the natural resources conservation of the area through environmental education programs, coordinating monitoring activities to avoid deforestation and illegal hunting.

Volunteer work:

You will be expected to help with English lessons and assist with different activities in the reserve.

Location:

The project is located is in the southern Pacific area of Costa Rica and has vast unexplored tropical rain forests with a great variety of plants and animals.