The sea turtle rehabilitation mission is a major environmental challenge! This mission allows you to be at the heart of the preservation of an endangered species and to make your contribution. All volunteer programs here.
Sea turtle population declining
Considered 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 being 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 threatened in this part of the world. That's why local authorities in Sri Lanka have encouraged the opening of turtle farms along the country's southern and western coasts.
These centers work to protect eggs from predators and poachers. The eggs are incubated 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 environment, the ocean.
These turtle farms are open to the public, who pay a fee, particularly when it comes to releasing the turtles. This may appeal to ecovolunteers, especially if they have carried out missions with sea turtles in Costa Rica. However, we must be aware that Sri Lanka is not necessarily as far ahead in conservation as other countries! Without these "hatcheries", the turtles would have disappeared long ago, due to poaching, egg consumption and ever-increasing predators.
Volunteer action to preserve sea turtles
Depending on local conditions, the program may vary. Overall, here's how the mission is organized.
For 2 to 3 days:
- Participation in various projects at the center;
- cleaning of premises and animals ;
- caring for sick or injured turtles ;
- filling tanks with seawater ;
- various maintenance tasks as required.
For 1 day :
In support of local authorities, beach clean-ups to preserve the marine ecosystem.
For 1 to 2 days:
- Raising awareness in schools. This component focuses on raising awareness among schoolchildren and children of their future role in sea turtle conservation. It will involve preparing presentations and visiting local schools.
- And if your visit coincides with the nesting season (December to March), night-time activities will enable you to witness an unforgettable spectacle: turtle egg-laying!
| Length of stay | Fees to be paid | Rates after tax deduction |
|---|---|---|
| 2 weeks | 1190 € | 396.75 € |
| 4 weeks | 1690 € | 563.45 € |
| 6 weeks | 2190 € | 730.15 € |
| 8 weeks | 2690 € | 896.85 € |
| 10 weeks | 3190 € | 1063.55 € |
| 12 weeks | 3690 € | 1230.25 € |
2 weeks minimum, all year round
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, people who participate in and contribute to the projects are able to deduct up to 66% (in France) of the sums involved from their taxable income.
The turtle conservation project in Sri Lanka is accessible to families!
If you would like to introduce your children to nature conservation and ecovolunteering projects, this program will suit you.
- The project is open to children aged 16 and over, or minors must be accompanied by an adult
- Intermediate level of English (understand instructions, be able to communicate).
Accommodation
Located in the Unawatuna district (15 min. drive from the center of Galle), the volunteer house can accommodate 48 volunteers. It comprises 11 rooms for 4 to 6 people. Volunteers are divided between this house and annexes located within a radius of up to 20 km once the main accommodation has reached its maximum capacity. Morning and evening shuttles are provided so that participants can have their meals at the main house and enjoy the swimming pool and garden in their free time.
For couples and families, or just those wishing to stay on their own, single, double and family rooms are available at an additional cost.
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
