Easter Island has set up an environmental protection program to prepare for the effects of climate change. Take part in this wonderful experience by signing up for an active vacation in the heart of the Pacific! All eco participative trips in South and Central America
Easter Island prepares for climate change
The volunteer project, located near the island's largest city, Hanga Roa, is managed by the National Forestry Agency, a division of the Chilean Ministry of the Environment. Protecting Easter Island's natural resources through various programs is one of the National Forestry Agency's main missions. Forest fire prevention and control, erosion control, resource monitoring, endemic plant conservation and environmental education are among the most important commitments.
Reforestation with endemic plants
In addition, the National Forestry Agency is currently implementing an environmental protection program to prepare the community for the effects of climate change. The reforestation of the island and the introduction of endemic plants are two of the project's objectives. These have been considerably reduced by decades of deforestation, destruction and bad weather. Plants are being cultivated for replanting in the affected areas. Laboratory work is also being carried out to understand the challenges involved in germinating and reproducing native plants and guaranteeing their sustainability.
Volunteer for biodiversity on Easter Island
This Easter Island project is unique. By taking part in this ecovolunteer program, you'll discover Easter Island's fascinating history, work on its future and immerse yourself in its mystical culture.
The tasks entrusted to ecovolunteers on Easter Island are varied, and appeal equally to volunteers who enjoy working with people and those who prefer to conduct research and preserve the environment.
A wide choice of missions
You can share your preferences and skills so that the local team can assign you, as far as possible, to a position that suits you. There are jobs where you spend more time indoors, and others where you spend most of your time outdoors. In addition, volunteers can contribute their knowledge and skills in the fields of planning, design, photography, video and translation.
Project working hours are flexible. Volunteers generally work from Monday to Friday, around 6 hours a day. However, half-day programs are also possible.
Volunteers are entrusted with the following responsibilities
- Collaboration in the climate protection program
- Collaboration on projects with the island community
- Collaboration in the administrative office or in the field of research and data processing
- Plant seed collection and registration
- Control of seed placement on the plantation
- Seed and native plant conservation
- Reforestation work
- Monitoring and recording forest and plant populations
- Help with environmental education
- Supervision of national park visitors
- Organization and implementation of events for students and tourists on the theme of environmental and climate protection.
Nota Bene: tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as the number of volunteers, time, season, current project needs and personal motivation. Each volunteer may not be fully involved in all tasks.
Dates
- Two weeks minimum, all year round. Flexible day of arrival
Rates
- Application fee: €150
- Program cost: €970 (for a minimum 2-week stay)
- Additional week: €350
What's included in the price
- Single or shared room in a guest house
- Professional advice in English
- Translation of your application documents
- Volunteer internship in Chile
- English-speaking support in the country
- Chile manual
- Intercultural guide
- 24/7 emergency number
- Information on suitable travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Not included in price
- Airline tickets
- Travel insurance
Hosting
Volunteers stay in local guesthouses in Hanga Roa. Single or shared rooms are available (subject to availability). Volunteers have access to a kitchen to prepare their own meals. WIFI Internet access is available.
Location
Easter Island is the most isolated inhabited place in the world. It lies in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The island is of volcanic origin, which makes it both culturally and geologically fascinating. For example, the island has no rivers - all its fresh water comes from rainfall!
The island is known as "Isla de Pascua" in Spanish, but the locals call it "Rapa Nui" in their indigenous language. From Tahiti or Santiago de Chile, this island of around 160 km2 can be reached in five hours by air. Isla de Pascua 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 is the enigmatic cultural history surrounding the Moai, the famous stone statues that are scattered all over the island.
Discover the Moai
During your free time, you can explore the island on foot or horseback and discover the famous Moai. How the Moai were built and what they mean are still not fully understood. The inhabitants are very proud of their culture, and refer to themselves and their island as Rapa Nui. They cultivate their traditions, music, art and language to seduce tourists in a must-see way!
A festival in February
To commemorate the arrival of the first Polynesian settlers, the island holds a major festival every February. Your project colleagues will be happy to share with you more information about their culture and customs, and point out the best places to discover the island off the beaten track.
Partner agency
Le partenaire is an intercultural agency founded in 2003 by Marion, a German living in Chile. Marion specializes in organizing solidarity and participative trips, ecovolunteer programs, language stays and educational programs throughout Latin America. The agency offers missions in Chile, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Ecuador... Whether you're a student, professional or retired, its trips are designed for those who want to experience Latin America differently than just as a tourist. All stays with South America Inside
