The
Turtle Preservation Program in Goa offers volunteers the unique opportunity
to live in the beautiful and peaceful tropical setting within one of India's most
renowned beach destinations. Whilst staying in this stunning location, participants
will also be supporting local government agencies and conservation organisations,
aimed at protecting the local marine turtles against the growing dangers in the
area. The growing presence of tourism and development in Goa has come at the expense
of the turtles' survival. This program offers participants an opportunity to enjoy
the beauty of the area while helping to improve the habitat for turtles - rather
than worsening it.
The
program will include promoting necessary awareness campaigns through interaction
with both foreign tourists and local community members. Additionally, participants
on the program will assist local authorities in guarding over and protecting
beach areas that have been identified as turtle nesting grounds. |
Why
protect turtles?
Marine turtles are among the most threatened animals in
the World. These turtles are innately a fragile species and face many natural
risks - only around 1 in 1,000 turtles born, grow to adulthood. After tourism
and commercial development has infiltrated these sensitive turtle's nesting grounds,
additional man-made obstacles have been placed in the way of the species' survival.
It is well reported that marine turtles are declining everywhere in Asia, but
in Goa, especially, this decline is rapid. One nesting site has reduced from 35
annual turtle nests to only 7 in just the past decade.
Tourism:
The
expansion of foreign and domestic tourism in Goa has meant more activity and development
on the once untouched beaches used by turtles to lay their eggs. Noisy and crowded
areas will cause the turtles to retreat back in the ocean and not reproduce.
Artificial
Light
As development expands, so does artificial light. When baby turtles
are born they follow the light into the ocean. But the artificial light of houses
and street lights causes the turtles to crawl in the wrong direction, never making
it to the sea.
Locals Who Collect Eggs
Some local community members
collect the turtle eggs and then sell them illegally in the market.
Dangerous
Plastic Material
Plastic material reminds turtles of their favorite food
- Jellyfish. When trying to eat the plastic they often choke or become sick.
Local
Intervention: What is being done to help?
Local government authorities
and small NGO organizations in the area have identified the three main beaches
in the Goa vicinity where Olive Ridley marine turtle comes to nest and have committed
themselves to ensuring that these areas are protected 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 sunlight,
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 that are attempting
to run a well organized and effective campaign are in great need of additional
help, and they need volunteers who are willing and enthusiastic to work on the
beach and in the local community.
Participants'
involvement will be divided primarily into 2 main areas of intervention: BEACH
PROTECTION - Identifying areas where turtles have laid their eggs
-
Sealing off the nesting areas and guarding them from harm by humans or predators
-
Removing all litter and plastic from beach area
- Creating obstacles
to block direct artificial sunlight from shining on the beach
- Beach protection
will occur in 6 hour shifts - all beaches must be protected, 24 hours a day.
COMMUNITY AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS - Campaign planning
-
Awareness campaigns and planning for the "Turtle Fair" and other events.
- Suggesting
and planning events.
- Promoting local students to make campaigns and
spread awareness.
- Awareness on artificial lights
- Working
on the beach with the tourists, talking to those staying on the beach and making
them aware of the damage light can do to the turtles during the breeding and hatching
process.
- Through influencing and speaking to the tourists, volunteers
can make the shack owners put up barriers so the light does not shine directly
on the beach.
- Volunteers help put up posters and sign boards warning
against the use of artificial lights without barriers.
-
Garbage/Plastic awareness
- Helping to make the protected beaches a
"Plastic Free Zone"
- Awareness with the tourists about throwing
their rubbish away without thinking.
- Handing out refill bottles.
-
Promoting the use of filters
- Educating tourists and locals about
the damage plastic bags can do to the turtles.
- Helping to put up
garbage bins out on the beaches
|
Itinerary:
The
more adventurous traveller can choose to include a Yoga and trekking/adventure
trip at the beginning of their placement, whilst those hard-working individuals
can choose to head straight to Goa and get stuck in with the work at the Turtle
Protection Centre.
Other than the inclusion/exclusion of the adventure
programme, there are other differences between the two courses, which are detailed
below.
Course 1:
Program with the first week including a trekking/adventure
program, rural stay and Yoga and meditation lessons at an Ashram. This program
option will require participants to arrive in Mumbai. The trekking adventure is
2 days long and includes trekking through an unexplored area, climbing hills and
rocks and would also include an overnight stay in an Indian village.
- Note
: The adventure program will not be a continuous trek but would include a mix
of hiking, visiting villages en route and practicing of adventure techniques like
rappelling, valley crossing etc. Course 2:
This option will require
participants to book their flight to the airport in Goa. The Goa airport is well
connected by frequent connections to all major international airports in India
including Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore. There is also a 1 day trip introducing
volunteers to the attractions of Goa.
Accommodation
Volunteer
accommodation is located in South Goa, near (3-4 kilometers) from the Galgibaga
Beach. Galgibaga is Goa's southernmost wisp of coastal sand. Due to its location
and the local social demographic, it continues to be one of Goa's most peaceful
and relatively less bustling beaches. The Casurina lined beach is named after
the river of Galgibaga, which flows in from neighbouring Karnataka and empties
into theArabian Sea, near Mashem in Canacona.
At the accommodation, volunteers
have access to clean, comfortable, and simple rooms. The number of people can
vary from 2-4 per room in Goa, with bunk beds included in the larger rooms. Invariably,
we ensure comfortable and safe accommodation with plenty of opportunity to socialize
and relax. In addition to personal space, volunteers benefit from a dining area
where they have their meals prepared by our staff, a kitchen where they can cook
special meals, and a common area for relaxing, socializing, and watching movies.
Close to the living area/camp are easily accessible local cafés, internet
access points, telephone services, and a post office for mailing letters and packages.
Project
Duration
There is a minimum 4 week stay at the Turtle Preservation centre,
and the placement is extendable in weekly blocks up to 12 weeks. The volunteer
programme starts every 4 weeks and runs throughout the year, with set start dates.
| 2
weeks | 3
weeks | 4
weeks | 6
weeks | 8
weeks | 12
weeks | | | | £1,399 | £1,699 | £1,999 | |
|
