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 Wildlife
Preservation program allows international travelers to work directly in the
sanctuary with the reservation's ranger and staff.
The volunteers' work
will contribute towards improvement in wildlife data collection and research,
promotion of environmental and animal friendly practices for the local villagers
and tourists, as well as basic care for wild and rescored animals. The program
may be particularly appealing for anyone with an interest in wildlife protection
or simply with a desire to spend some time working in a peaceful natural environment,
while helping to preserve an area that is home to many animals in need of special
protection.
Volunteers
participate in various long and short term projects during their time at Cotiago.
All the work participated in is based on what is needed at the time, so although
the exact nature of the volunteer's experience cannot be guaranteed, all the work
is very worthwhile. Research
Assist sanctuary's ranger with improved
management plans, data collection, and research through hands-on work -
GPS data collection
- Observation via photographs
- Counting
different species
- Data collection on species and their different
habits and behaviours
- Data collection based on different seasons
Animal Care and Protection
Assist sanctuary's staff in
a number of ways to improve the quality of care and protection that the sanctuary's
animals receive. - Assist veterinarians with care and treatment for
sick and rescued animals
- Keep forest clean - clean up litter that
may endanger animals' health
- Clean/refill waterholes, ensure access
to clean water
Responsible Tourism Campaigns
Guide and develop
resources for visitors visiting the sanctuary for environmentally friendly tourism
- Design and make photo exhibition
- Signboards for visitors
-
Guiding tourists in the sanctuary
- Knowledge on responsible tourism
and behaviour in jungle to tourists
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Cotiago
Wildlife Sanctuary is placed in the south of Goa between Palolem and Galgibaga.
The sanctuary is 85 square km. The staff include a ranger, 22 permanent staff
members and a number of hired labourers. The sanctuary consists mostly of forest
and hills and inhabits other than the wildlife, 34 farming tribal families. The
wildlife consists of a wide range of endangered species including leopards and
panthers. To preserve wildlife in the area, the sanctuary engages in rehabilitation
work; taking in rescued and sick animals and keeps them in until they are ready
to be put back in nature.
The sanctuary's ranger is very eager to receive
additional assistance from enthusiastic international volunteers as the current
staff is simply not large enough to provide for all the needs of a wildlife sanctuary
over 85 square km in size. More research and study on the wildlife in the sanctuary,
and better communication and awareness to foreign tourists who visit the sanctuary,
are what is needed in order for the reservation to live up to its full potential.
Itinerary
The project at Cotiago brings variety that many other
programmes do not. 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 wildlife centre in Cotiago.
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
Accommodation
at the facility in Goa is shared, with 4 participants per room. - Project
Executives are on duty during all waking hours to assist and support volunteers
in all work related initiatives, translation services, and any personal needs
or concerns. If you have any problems at all, they are there to help!
- All
meals during the working and orientation days are provided. There is a dining
area with full-time cooking staff for preparation of all meals served at the camp.
Volunteers can also utilize the kitchen area to practice Indian cooking or prepare
an individual meal of choice
- There is a common area, which is spacious
and designed with an authentic Indian style. During your spare time you can relax
and socialise with other volunteers, and the area is also used to hold workshops.
- Internet Access, available through multiple computers
-
A café, where volunteers can purchase local food/drink items
-
Telephone services are located from a very short walking distance of the camp
-
There are also refrigerators that may be shared by volunteers to store food/drinks
during their stay.
Project
Duration
There is a minimum 4 week stay at Cotiago 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 | |
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