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The sea turtle rehabilitation project is a major environmental challenge! This project allows you to play a key role in the conservation of an endangered species and make a real difference. All the volunteering projects with turtles here.
The sea turtle population is declining
Classified as endangered by international bodies (IUCN, WWF, etc.), and despite their inclusion in the Washington Convention (CITES) on endangered species, sea turtles are disappearing. Their population continues to decline. In addition to their natural predators (dogs, lizards, etc.), they are poached for their meat, eggs and shells.
Protecting eggs from predators
Sri Lanka’s sea turtles are no exception to this predation and are also under threat in this part of the world. This is why the local Sri Lankan authorities have encouraged the establishment of turtle hatcheries along the country’s southern and western coasts.
These centres work to protect the eggs from predators and poachers. They facilitate the incubation of the eggs in a protected environment. After hatching, their teams care for the baby turtles, help them feed, and then release them. The aim is to prepare the turtles to survive in their natural habitat, namely the ocean.
These turtle farms are open to the public, who pay an admission fee, particularly when it comes to releasing the turtles. This may raise questions for eco-volunteers, particularly if they have undertaken projects involving sea turtles in Costa Rica. However, it is important to realise that Sri Lanka is not necessarily as advanced in conservation as other countries! Without these ‘hatcheries’, the turtles would have disappeared long ago due to poaching, the consumption of eggs and the increasing number of predators.
Volunteer work to protect sea turtles
Depending on local conditions, the programme is subject to change. Overall, here is how the mission is organised.
For 2 to 3 days:
- Taking part in various tasks at the centre;
- cleaning of the premises and animals;
- care for sick or injured turtles;
- filling the tanks with seawater;
- various maintenance tasks as required.
For 1 day:
In support of local authorities, beach clean-ups to protect the marine ecosystem.
For 1 to 2 days:
- Awareness-raising in schools. This aspect focuses primarily on raising awareness among schoolchildren and young people about their future role in the conservation of sea turtles. It will involve preparing presentations and visiting local schools.
- And if your visit coincides with the nesting season (December to March), night-time activities are organised so you can witness an unforgettable spectacle: the turtles laying their eggs!
| Length of stay | Fees to be paid | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 weeks | €1,190 | |
| 4 weeks | €1,690 | |
| 6 weeks | €2,190 | |
| 8 weeks | €2,690 | |
| 10 weeks | €3,190 | |
| 12 weeks | €3,690 |
Minimum 2 weeks, all year round
The turtle conservation project in Sri Lanka is family-friendly!
If you’d like to introduce your children to nature conservation and eco-volunteering, this programme is perfect for you.
– The project is open to those aged 16 and over; otherwise, minors must be accompanied by an adult
. – Intermediate level of English (able to understand instructions and communicate)
Housing
Located in the Unawatuna district (a 15-minute drive from the centre of Galle), the volunteer house can accommodate 48 volunteers. It comprises 11 rooms, each sleeping between 4 and 6 people. Volunteers are accommodated in this house and in annexes located within a radius of up to 20 km when the main house has reached full capacity. Shuttles run in the morning and evening so that participants can have their meals at the main house and enjoy the swimming pool and garden during their free time.
For couples and families, or simply those wishing to have a room to themselves, single, double and family rooms are available at an additional cost.
The partner organisation
The partner organisation’s mission is to encourage participation in ethical and sustainable development projects. It connects NGOs, social welfare organisations and government bodies with volunteers. It promotes solidarity-based and participatory travel. The partner is a certified WYSE Travel Confederation Member. WYSE is a global non-profit organisation representing youth and student travel operators worldwide. It is also a member of the AFNOR commission for the development of the international standard on responsible tourism, a member of the international mobility committee, a certified Australia specialist, accredited by the international ICEF group, a member of the EAIE (European Centre of Expertise, Networking and Resources for the Internationalisation of Higher Education) and a member of the travel4impact Network.
