📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Four of the eight sea turtle species in Mexico (all of which are endangered) come to nest on the coasts of Chiapas. The beaches where the work camps take place are some of the 144 beaches in Mexico where the sea turtles come to nest, and they are also within the 22 beaches in Mexico where there is a high level of turtle nest looting. In an effort to rescue them, the sea turtle eggs as well as the recently born sea turtles, the sea turtle sanctuaries collect the eggs and rebury them in protected areas in order to keep them safe. Once they hatch, the sea turtles are recorded and set free under the projection of the sanctuary staff. The sanctuaries are open to the public and provide information about the sea turtles and the work that the conservation provides. The Secretary of Environment and Natural History of Chiapas supports this project and actively looks for involvement on part of the local community, students, scientists and volunteers. The objective of this project is to continue to protect the sea turtles by collaborating with international volunteers and being part of the global movement that tries to promote the understanding and conservation as well as the wellbeing and biodiversity of our oceans
💼 What the programme involves
The volunteers will work directly with the sanctuary staff, other local volunteers and biologists that patrol the beach. During the months of March, April and May, the volunteers will participate in maintaining the hatcheries (maintaining the shade meshing, changing PVC pipes, sifting sand), cleaning nests and tanks, attending to visitors and tourists. It is important to note that during these months there will be no beach patrols since IT IS NOT THE SEA TURTLE SEASON. Cleaning the nests is the predominate activity that will occur during these work camps. It is important to take into account that there can be very unpleasant odors during this cleaning work.
🏠 Accommodation on site
The volunteers will stay in tents on the beaches within the sea turtle sanctuary. It is necessary that each volunteer have a sleeping bag or sleeping mat like a yoga mat, as well as a mosquito net. The tents will be shared and provided by Nataté, however, for your comfort, it is recommended that each volunteer have his/her own tent. The center has basic services like bathrooms, showers (without hot water) and a kitchen. The work camps include three, standard quantity meals per day (approximately 300 grams per portion); additional quantities of food should be paid for by the volunteer. Any special dietary needs should be informed before the beginning of the work camp.
⚠️ Requirements
Before Applying.
• If you find yourself in the mangrove area, mosquito bites are inevitable, which is why we ask that you be conscious of this and are sure that you are not allergic to any insect bites.
• Upon applying it is necessary to have medical insurance and provide the following information: any allergies you may have and your blood type.
From March to May, the temperature is above 35°C, from May to September there is a hot season, and there is a rainy season from September to December. Although the temperatures are high and there are some rain showers, it is important to bring insect repellent and appropriate clothes that will cover the majority of your body. The sleeping accommodations are not comfortable – they are shared and do not have beds. The volunteers will sleep in the tents or hammocks outside.
ℹ️ Additional information
The closest international airport is Ángel Albino Corzo (TGZ) in the city of Tuxtla Gutierrez. Please keep in mind that from the airport you will have arrive by taxi or bus to San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas where Nataté’s office is located.