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City/State: Grenada |
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Country: BAHAMAS, BARBADOS, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS, CARIBBEAN, ST KITTS AND NEVIS, ST LUCIA, ST VINCENT & GRENADINES, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
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| WorkingAbroad Projects |
PO Box 454, Flat 1
East Sussex
UNITED KINGDOM
BN1 3ZS
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Program description: |
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Known as the Spice Isle because of its’ high production of nutmeg, Grenada is a small volcanic island, 21 miles by 12 with a population of 90,000. It has many beaches along its indented coastline, lush rainforest in the interior and remains one of the least spoilt of the Caribbean islands. It also plays host to one of the major leatherback sea turtle nesting sites in the Caribbean with hundreds of nests laid each year. In 2003, 586 nests were laid on Levera beach, Grenada’s main nesting site and where the majority of our research takes place. The beach is only 700m in length which makes it an ideal research site, with high density nesting (10+ activities per night during peak season).
Ocean Spirits is a registered, non-profit marine conservation organisation based in Grenada. From its inception in 1999, Ocean Spirits have focused primarily on the conservation of marine turtles found throughout Grenada's coastal waters and beaches. As a member and the Country Co-ordinator of the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Network (WIDECAST) for Grenada, we work at a national and regional level, with support and expert advice which ensures we are continually striving to meet universal, conservational objectives and make valid contributions to the international scientific community.
As a result of the tagging programme, we have documented the interchange of tagged turtles from neighbouring islands (and one from Panama, more than 1,200 miles away!) and vice versa; this information is vital when we consider the varying legislations and international boundaries this species cross during their lifetime. In addition to our tagging programme, satellite studies have shown seasonal migrations back to feeding grounds in the cooler waters as far a field as Canada, the UK and West Africa.
Today, more than 5 years later, we operate an extensive research programme; manage a nation wide education initiative that will be implemented in secondary schools across Grenada in 2005 and continually develop the idea that there are no better stewards of Grenada's turtles than the communities that have historically relied upon them.
Your experience as a Research Assistant volunteer will:
Provide hands-on field experience with the world’s largest sea turtle – Research Assistants are not just observers but active members of the research team.
Directly help the reduction of illegal egg poaching activities - the presence of nightly research patrols has reduced this threat by more than 60%.
Contribute to the preservation of Grenada’s turtles through local educational events.
Increase community participation – The very presence of Research Assistants working on the programme generates local interest in marine turtles and the significance of Grenada’s coastline to these species.
2006 Research Assistant Volunteer Programme:
Duties will include:
Night patrols of the main leatherback nesting site
Flipper tagging of unmarked females
Data collection – carapace (shell) measurements, egg counts, nest relocation
Morning surveys (on foot) of adjacent beaches
Nest excavations
Maintenance and preparation of research equipment
Summer camp organisation and participation
Carnival ‘Turtle Mas’ camp – costume design and creation
Assisting with organised turtle watches for school/community groups & tourists
Camp maintenance and cleaning
Cooking
You will be based in the picturesque north east of the Island. The area is a windswept piece of paradise, which boasts a number of uninhabited offshore islands surrounded by coral reefs teeming with life. The accommodation comprises of a solid concrete built house, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a large balcony with incredible views across the outer islands and Carriacou.
Type of Research Assistant Volunteers needed:
Age 18+ years
Willing to work in all weather conditions and keep smiling!
Ability to walk 2-3 miles on soft sand in the heat
Previous experience is not necessary as training will be provided
A good team player
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General program information: |
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Program open to: Everyone
Age range: From 18 years onwards
Travel to site: Independent Travel
Is opportunity more independant or group orientated: Group
No. in group: 6 Research Assistant volunteers in the group
Living arrangements on the program: Apartment, Group living
How long does the program last?: 2-4 weeks
What are the dates of this program: 2007 dates from 4-25 March, 25 March-15 April, 15 April-6 May, 6-27 May, 27 May-17 June, 17 June-8 July, 8-29 July and 29 July to 19 August - volunteers can join for 3 week periods, up to a maximum of 12 weeks.
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Benefits and advantages of the program: |
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Time Off & Recommended Activities
Grenada has a diverse range of activities and places to visit. You will receive one day off each week, but you will find that some rotated tasks take only a few hours leaving you with the rest of the day free.
SCUBA diving - good rates offered if you are interested in gaining your diving certificate, or as an experienced diver, the Bianca C wreck, a 200m long cruise ship which now lies 30m down, is an amazing dive.
Snorkelling - you can pop over to Sandy Island, a small uninhabited island (also a hawksbill nesting site) just one mile from the mainland. We can also arrange overnight trips (bring your hammocks!).
Rum factory and organic chocolate factory
Hot springs, lakes and waterfalls
Rainforest trails
Local markets
Mountain biking
Visit the Sister Isle of Carriacou
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Cost or price of this program: |
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The cost for a 3 week placement is £795. This includes quality accommodation, food, airport transfer (one pick-up scheduled for 6pm at Point Salines International Airport, Grenada on first day of placement), training and supervision; project t-shirts etc. Contact us if you want to stay longer than 3 weeks or for students wanting to carry out research projects.
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Application process Involves: |
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Please submit your applications via our website.
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