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Easter Island has launched an environmental protection programme to prepare for the effects of climate change. Be part of this amazing experience by signing up for an active holiday in the heart of the Pacific! All programs in Oceania are here
Easter Island is preparing for climate change
This volunteer project, located near the island’s largest town, Hanga Roa, is run by the National Forestry Agency, a division of the Chilean Ministry of the Environment. Protecting Easter Island’s natural resources through various programmes is one of the National Forestry Agency’s main missions. Forest fire prevention and control, erosion control, resource monitoring, the conservation of endemic plants and environmental education are among its most important commitments.
Reforestation using native plants
In addition, the National Forestry Agency is currently implementing an environmental protection programme to prepare the community for the effects of climate change. Reforestation of the island and the introduction of endemic plants are two of the project’s objectives. Indeed, these have been significantly reduced by decades of deforestation, destruction and adverse weather conditions. Plants are being cultivated to be replanted in the affected areas. Laboratory work is also being carried out to understand the challenges of germination and reproduction of native plants and to ensure their long-term survival.
Volunteer for biodiversity on Easter Island
This project on Easter Island is unique. By taking part in this eco-volunteering trip, you will discover the fascinating history of Easter Island, work towards its future, whilst immersing yourself in its mystical culture.
The tasks assigned to eco-volunteers on Easter Island are varied and suit both volunteers who enjoy working with people and those who prefer to conduct research and protect the environment.
A wide range of assignments
You can let us know your preferences and skills so that the local team can assign you, where possible, to a role that suits you. Some roles involve spending more time indoors, whilst others involve spending most of the time outdoors. In addition, volunteers can contribute their knowledge and skills in the areas of planning, design, photography, video and translation.
The project’s working hours are flexible. Volunteers generally work from Monday to Friday, for around 6 hours a day. However, half-day programmes are also possible.
The responsibilities assigned to volunteers are as follows
- Contribution to the climate protection programme
- Collaboration on projects with the island community
- Assistance in the administrative office or in the field of research and data processing
- Collection and registration of plant seeds
- Checking seed placement during planting
- Conservation of native seeds and plants
- Reforestation work
- Monitoring and recording of forest and plant populations
- Support for environmental education
- Guidance for visitors to the national park
- Organising and running events for students and tourists on the theme of environmental and climate protection.
Please note: tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as the number of volunteers, the weather, the season, the project’s current needs, and personal motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all of these tasks.
Dates
- Minimum two weeks, all year round. Flexible arrival date
Prices
- Application fee: €150
- Programme cost: €1,020 (for a minimum stay of 2 weeks)
- Extra week: €380
What is included in the price
- Single or shared room in a guest house
- Professional advice in English
- Translation of your application documents
- Volunteering placement in Chile
- English-speaking support within the country
- A Guide to Chile
- Intercultural Guide
- 24/7 emergency number
- Information on suitable travel insurance
- Certificate of attendance
Not included in the price
- Flight tickets
- Travel insurance
Accommodation
Volunteers are accommodated in local guesthouses in Hanga Roa. Single or shared rooms are available (subject to availability). Volunteers have access to a kitchen where they can prepare their own meals. Wi-Fi is available.
Location
Easter Island is the most isolated inhabited place in the world. It is situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The island is of volcanic origin, which makes it fascinating from both a cultural and geological perspective. For example, the island has no rivers; all its fresh water comes from rainfall!
This island is known as “Isla de Pascua” in Spanish, but the inhabitants call it “Rapa Nui” in their indigenous language. From Tahiti or Santiago de Chile, this island of around 160 km² is a five-hour flight away. Easter Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a population of around 6,000.
Many tourists visit the Chilean island every year. The main reason for this is the cultural and enigmatic history surrounding the Moai, the famous stone statues scattered across the island.
Discover the Moai
In your free time, you can explore the island on foot or on horseback and discover the famous Moai. How the Moai were built and what they signify are not yet fully understood. The locals are very proud of their culture and refer to themselves and their island as Rapa Nui. They cherish their traditions, music, art and language, making them a must-see attraction for tourists!
A festival in February
To commemorate the arrival of the first Polynesian settlers, the island hosts a major festival every February. Your project colleagues will be happy to share more information with you about their culture and customs, and to recommend the best places to explore the island off the beaten track.
Tous les avis sur les missions South America Inside
The partner agency
The partner is an intercultural agency founded in 2003 by Marion, a German national living in Chile. Marion specialises in organising solidarity-based and participatory trips, eco-volunteering placements, as well as language courses and educational programmes throughout Latin America. This agency offers placements in Chile, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Ecuador and more. Whether you are a student, a professional or a retiree, these trips are designed for those who want to experience Latin America in a way that goes beyond simply being a tourist. All trips with South America Inside
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