The Galapagos Islands have a fragile ecosystem facing many challenges, including the rapid invasion of plants that are destroying the natural habitat. Among these invasive plants are mulberry, guava and elderberry, which carpet a large area of the Galapagos and create a major threat to the island's native flora and fauna. These invasive plants are spreading not only on private land, which makes up only a small percentage of the island, but also in areas of the Galapagos National Park. All selected ecovolunteer missions here.
Preserving Galapagos endemic species
The volunteer project in the Galapagos takes place on a farm set up by a family. The aim of this farm is to practice 100% organic and sustainable agriculture by developing permaculture. Its mission is also to share its experience with other farmers on the island. Indeed, the farm's owners are developing projects to enable local communities to participate, together, in protecting the environment.
The partner farms in Galapagos work hand in hand with the National Park, as the majority of their land borders it. It is therefore important for the communities to participate in the restoration of the land in order to provide a habitat conducive to the good health of Galapagos endemic species and giant tortoises. The farm covers an area of 24 hectares.
The role of ecovolunteers on the farm
- Replace mulberry and Tupi Rosa trees with native species in order to preserve the natural habitat of native species;
- Help surrounding farms develop permaculture (sustainable agriculture) techniques, in particular organic coffee growing and segmented harvesting. Harvesting is done on an alternating basis. When one area is ready for harvesting, the other is growing. However, both areas need to be maintained and cleaned all year round;
- Take care of the farm animals: Help milk the cows to provide milk for the family, feed the chickens, ducks and pigs and help clean and maintain the barns;
- Reforestation : replacing invasive plant species with native species
- Restore trails and dirt roads;
- Work in the Galapagos National Park nursery. Grow and nurture plants native to the nursery and then plant them in a permanent location;
- Participate in the cultivation of plants and cut them to provide food for the turtles at the Galapagos National Park breeding centers.
The schedule depends on needs and current projects. In most cases, volunteers work Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. They can take advantage of afternoons and weekends to travel and explore the Galapagos Islands. The days are long. Ecovolunteers must therefore be prepared to work in the heat and always outdoors.
DATES: Year-round
DURATION: 2 to 12 weeks.
| Length of stay | Rate | Fees after tax deduction *. |
|---|---|---|
| 2 weeks | 2316 € | 772.15 € |
| 3 weeks | 2982 € | 994.20 € |
| 4 weeks | 3648 € | 1216.24 € |
| 6 weeks | 4980 € | 1660.33 € |
| 8 weeks | 6362 € | 2121.09 € |
| 10 weeks | 7744 € | 2581.85 € |
| 12 weeks | 9076€ | 3025.94 € |
Included
- Airport pick-up and transfer to projects
- Housing
- Information pack
- 24-hour emergency line
- Bed linen
- Registration fee and project donation
- Project lunch
Not included
- Weekend meals
- Laundry
- Wifi (many cybercafés on the islands)
- $100 Galapagos National Park entrance fee.
- International flights and flights Quito/Guayaquil to Santa Cruz
- personal belongings
- Travel insurance
Mission eligible for tax deduction*.
The partner association's educational mission and its commitment to environmental and social development mean that it is considered to be an association of general interest. As a result, the people who participate in and contribute to the projects can deduct up to 66% of the sums involved from their taxable income.
Accommodation and meals
During the week, you'll stay on the farm, and at weekends in a hostel in Puerto Baquerizo.
In Puerto Baquerizo, weekend accommodation is in shared single-sex dormitories. Meals are not included, but you have access to a kitchen.
During the week, on the farm, you are accommodated in the family farmhouse, a rustic building constructed from recycled materials. The room is mixed and has 3 beds. During the week, meals are self-catered.
An Ecovolunteering trip is an opportunity to discover a mythical place. The Galapagos offer many possibilities: snorkeling with sea lions, turtles, iguanas; impressive walks at Cerro Tijeretas; bike rental to explore the island. At weekends, enjoy the beautiful beaches of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
The partner association
Le partenaire is a 1901 association registered in France, whose mission is to encourage participation in ethical and sustainable development projects. It connects NGOs, social action associations and government structures with volunteers. It promotes solidarity and participative travel. The partner is a certified WYSE Travel Confederation Member. WYSE is a global non-profit organization representing youth and student travel stakeholders 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, certified as an Australian specialist, accredited by the international group ICEF, a member of EAIE (European Center of Expertise, Networking and Resources for the Internationalization of Higher Education) and a member of the travel4impact Network. All missions with Freepackers