Volunteer abroad in environmental conservation in India

VTINENV1 - Goa turtle conservation

Volunteers here are welcome for a minimum of 4 weeks.

Marine turtles are among the most threatened animals in the World. These turtles are a fragile species and face many natural risks – only around 1 in 1000 turtles born grows to adulthood. After tourism and commercial development has penetrated their nesting grounds, man-made obstacles are placed in the way of the survival of the species. It is well reported that marine turtles are declining everywhere in Asia and especially in Goa, this decline is rapid. One nesting site has been reduced from 35 annual turtle nests to only 7 in just the past decade.

Crowds and noisy activity on the previously untouched beaches cause the turtles to retreat back into the ocean and not reproduce. As development expands, so does artificial light, which causes the turtles that are born to crawl in the wrong direction, never making it to the sea. Furthermore, some locals collect the turtle eggs and illegally sell them. Finally, the abundant plastic material reminds turtles of their favourite food – jellyfish and when trying to eat the plastic they often choke or become sick.

Local government authorities and small NGOs in the area have identified the three main beaches in the Goa vicinity where Olive Ridley marine turtles come to nest, and have committed themselves to protecting them from disturbance or harm. From September to March (the turtles’ nesting season) workers and volunteers guard these beaches, identifying and protecting the areas where turtles have laid their eggs, removing plastic or other hazardous material, blocking off artificial light, and even shielding the new born baby turtles from predators as they march back into the sea.

The local authorities also work closely with the surrounding community to promote awareness about the turtles’ struggle and inform the public on ways they can help improve the situation. The organizations attempting to run a well organized and effective campaign are in need of volunteers that can help in two main areas:

Beach Protection

• Identifying areas where turtles have laid their eggs.
• Sealing off the nesting areas and guarding from harm by humans or predators.
• Removing all litter and plastic from beach area.
• Creating obstacles to block direct artificial light from shinning on the beach.

Beach protection will occur in 6 hour shifts – all beaches must be protected, 24 hours a day.

Community Awareness

• Leading awareness campaigns.
• Planning for “Turtle Fair” and other events.
• Working with local students to spread awareness.
• Talking to tourists and owners of tourist shacks on the beach about the damage light can do.
• Preparing posters and signboards against artificial lights.
• Helping to make the protected beaches a “Plastic Free Zone”.
• Handing out refillable bottles.
• Educating about the damage plastic bags do to turtles.
• Placing garbage bins on the beaches.

VTINENV2 - Goa wildlife protection

Volunteers here are welcome for a minimum of 4 weeks.

While Goa is most commonly known for its stretches of white sand beaches, not too far from Goa’s coast line lies a stunning, expansive wildlife sanctuary, preserving a natural and sustainable environment for many endangered species. The project allows international volunteers to work with the reservation’s ranger and staff towards improvement in wildlife data collection and research, promotion of environmental and animal friendly practices for local villagers and tourists, as well as providing basic care for animals.

The project may be particularly appealing for anyone with an interest in wildlife protection or a desire to spend some time working in a peaceful natural environment. It is located in the south of Goa and is a sanctuary of 85 square km of mostly forest and hills. The staff that includes a ranger, 22 permanent staff members and a number of hired labourers. Apart from the wildlife, the sanctuary is inhabited by 34 tribal families who live off farming. The wildlife consists of a wide range of endangered species that include leopards and panthers. The sanctuary also takes in rescued and sick animals and keeps them in until they are ready to be reintroduced to the environment.

The current staff is simply not large enough to provide for all the needs of a wildlife sanctuary of this size. Volunteers can:

• Assist the ranger with improved management plans, data collection, and research.
• Make GPS data collection, observation via photographs and count different species.
• Aid the staff in improving the quality of care and protection that the animals receive.
• Help the veterinarians with treatment for sick and rescued animals.
• Keep the forest clean and clean up litter that may endanger animals’ health.
• Clean and refill waterholes to ensure access to clean water.
• Develop resources for visitors and guide the tourists visiting the sanctuary.

VTINENV3 - Jaipur

Volunteers here are welcome for a minimum of 4 weeks.

With a population expected to reach 4.2 million by the year 2011, Jaipur is suffering a severe strain on its natural resources and environment. Two thirds of Jaipur’s population are comprised of slum dwellers, the urban poor and lower middle class families. Due to rapid urbanization land is being deforested, ground water is becoming sparse and polluted, and public health is endangered.

A number of small scale initiatives supported by the government and local NGOs aim to control and reverse the effects of unregulated development, striving to strike a balance between the realities of modern India and the environmental protection. Volunteers in the environmental projects will find themselves involved in a variety of activities, ranging from research and documentation to awareness building and hands-on work. These activities include:

• Working on the documentation of environmental issues in the targeted areas.
• Collaborating with local institutions to organize awareness campaigns.
• Planting and maintaining trees with the assistance of local people.
• Setting up “model families” and highlighting waste management and water conservation.
• Teaming up with local children to encourage appropriate use and disposal of plastic.
• Campaigning for environmentally responsible practices by local industries and businesses.
• Working with the community to build waste disposal infrastructure and promoting its use.