WORK AREA
Currently our conservations efforts are concentrated in Tayrona National Park. This is a unique national reserve, protecting the last remnants of dry tropical forest on the coast of Colombia. Unfortunately, a lack of resources and knowledge has limited conservation and sustainable management of the area.
WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES THIS PROJECT MAKE?
We want to develop a Biological Station in Gayaraca Bay on Tayrona National Park. The station field house and a coral nursery operation will be construct. Volunteers will continue the nursery take care and data collection, and lion fish erradication program, and more. Plans include the construction of a Station Field House, and new coral nurseries. Reintroduction of coral in fragile areas of the National Park.
THE COUNTRY
Colombia is a South-American country recognized world-wide by the production of smooth coffee, flowers, emeralds, coal and petroleum, its cultural diversity and for being the second of the richest countries in biodiversity of the world
THE WEATHER
The climate in Colombia varies from cold in the Highlands to warmest in the sea; with two dry stations and two of precipitations. During the month of April effects of wind and humidity take place producing two periods of intense rains (called Winter) and other two of sporadic drought or rains, (call Summer). This phenomenon does not appear in center of the country where a period of summer only occurs.
The temperature is relatively uniform most of the year. Some climatic phenomena that occur are the electrical storms and floods, the strong tornados and winds in the Caribbean region, especially in the environs of the department of the Atlantic.
LOCATION
The Location of the program is in Gayraca bay within the Tayrona National Park; which is located in the Caribbean Region in Colombia. Its surface is part of the department of Magdalena. To 34 km of the city of Santa Marta. It is one of the most important natural parks of Colombia. It is habitat of a great amount of species that are distributed in regions with different thermal floors that they go from the level of the sea to heights of 900 M.s Of the 15,000 hectares that conform the park, 3,000 are marine area.
LODGING AND LIVING ARRANGMENTS
Calipso’s base is in Taganga - Colombia, there we have a Dive center. You will be sharing bunk beds with other volunteers and staff. When we go out to the field you will either be in the research station at Gayraca Bay in a camping. FOOD Volunteers are responsible for accommodating their own meals, in Taganga. Volunteers have free access to the kitchen; there are several grocery stores and restaurants in Taganga. DIVING At the moment we don’t have a project that involves diving as the main activity. Thus diving opportunities with the staff likely. However, we can get you discounts in diving courses with a local diving shop.
The volunteers would lodge in Calipso Dive Center in Taganga, where they counted on three dormitories with bunks and shared baths. Its lodging will be there during the first the free weeks, and days of the project. They will have an area of kitchen available to be able to prepare its foods. During the following weeks its lodging would be realised in the Beach of Gayraca, in a camping where carps and hammocks counted on, additionally will be provided to them with all the necessary diving gear, and the three meals.
JOB DESCRIPTION
All interns, students and volunteers will spend a part of their time doing fieldwork. However, all biological work requires data entry and data analysis. Volunteers have to understand that this is also an important part of our work, not all the time will be spent in the field. Additionally, volunteers will be asked to help out in chores to clean or prepare for field work. Furthermore, volunteers will help to clean the facilities of the volunteer house and the research station. Field research and conservation work is arduous and can sometimes be tiresome and repetitive.
The work is developed in paradisiacal surroundings, surrounded by green mountains that arrive until the sea, in the middle of a dry tropical forest. Every day there is a task to realize after the conservation of the park, as the care and taking of data of the corale day-care center, and erradication of the fish lion. One works 5 hours daily approximately, 6 days to the week. The rest of the time is free so that benefits of the magnificent nature (beaches, forest, cascades,…) that it surrounds to you, you go on trip or simply you relax.
REQUIREMENTS OF PARTICIPATION
To be greater of 18 years and to have interest in the conservation of the submarine fauna and. Also one requires ability to work in equipment, flexibility and motivation. It is important to have a good state of health.
SKILLS REQUIRED
Volunteers need to be qualified as advanced open water divers. Calipso program will provide volunteers with all the necessary skills as marine survey techniques; all volunteers will have to complete a swimming and scuba test on arrival at Calipso dive center in Taganga, and must be evaluate by a Physician.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXTRA DIVE TRAINING
The following costs include a discount on the rates normally charge in Calipso Dive School.
Advanced Open Water
| 250,00 usd.
|
Rescue Diver
| 100,00 usd.
|
Emergency First Response (CPR)
| 80,00 usd.
|
| Divemaster | 300,00 usd. |
TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS
The volunteer program will provide a understanding of marine environments and conservation in the Caribbean and we will develop and Certified the volunteers in marine gardener course sponsor by NAUI.
MINIMUM WORKING TIME
Considering the amount of effort required to coordinate our volunteer program our minimum time in the field is one month. However, we are always looking for volunteers willing to stay for longer periods. This will not only increase their input in the projects, but also their living and working experience in Colombia
PROGRAM COST FEE
4 weeks full program 2,000.00 U.S. Dollars
COST INCLUDES
- 40 dives at Tayrona National Park
- Information to prepare you about the projects. This includes orientation and training for your specific project (Includes field material)
- One pick-up from the airport (Santa Marta)
- A supervisor for the field.
- Free wireless internet access at the volunteer house inTaganga.
- A certificate at the end of period with us.
- NAUI Coral Gardener international certified
- Accommodations in the field (shared with other volunteers)
- Access to kitchen facilities
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Traveling within Colombia
- Insurance
- Diving courses and gear (ask us if you are interested)
- Spanish classes
- Meals
DESIRABLE SKILLS
- Knowledge or high interest in ecology, marine biology or conservation.
- Be physically fit.
- Ability to withstand hot and humid climate
- Ability to walk and camp on the beach at night time
- Ability to swim
- One month Minimum commitment
REFUND POLICY
Calipso Foundation does not take responsibility for any travel inconveniences (lost baggage, missed planes, etc) or health issues that make you unable to start your volunteer on time or finish it. There will be no refunding or discounts for the reasons listed above.
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY:
Many of our projects will not require a direct interaction with local communities since research is the main goal. Additionally, most groups will be accompanied by supervisors; therefore, limitations in the language should not be taken as a major deficiency for the biological research programs. If volunteers wish to engage in the social projects Spanish skills are highly recommended. Additionally, a basic level of Spanish will allow volunteers to better engage with the staff, the local community and Colombian volunteers. Volunteers might decide to take up this opportunity to learn more Spanish. Calipso foundation does not offer any Spanish classes; however, we can contact you with teachers in Taganga.
WHAT TO BRING:
Alarm clock (battery powered) (Obligatory) Flashlight, preferably a head lamp) Insect repellent Sleeping Bag (Obligatory) A good quality poncho or raincoat (Obligatory) Towel Quick drying clothing Sandals i.e. tevas Hiking shoes Hat Sun Block Swimsuit
Sleeping mat (highly recommended) Personal Snorkel and Mask (highly recommended) Fleece jacket
Recommended: Waterproof wristwatch Camera Sunglasses First Aid Kit Items Rechargeable Batteries for your headlamp and a charger (to be more environmentally friendly) Pocket Knife.
THE TEAM
In addition to medical and support staff, we have a dedicated in-field staff team, who you will work closely with during your expedition. The team is comprised of the following members:
Expedition Manager
Science Director
Diving Manager
Field Scientists
English
