Marine conservation expedition in Belize
Project name:
Blue Ventures (3)
Project purpose:
Since 2003 Blue Ventures has been working with volunteers to develop locally led marine conservation initiatives in places where the ocean is vital to local cultures and economies. Alongside their practical conservation work, their aim is to increase awareness and demonstrate that effective marine conservation can be in everyone’s interest. Their award-winning volunteer expeditions are key in collecting reef monitoring data, supporting alternative livelihoods, and integrating themselves into the coastal communities where they work. Their ultimate goal is for volunteers to have a direct and meaningful contribution to locally led marine conservation models.
Project activities:
community awareness
data collection/analysis
- habitat restoration/management
scuba diving
Weekly cost (approx USD):
$
600
Direct benefits you gain:
- cultural integration
- data/statistical skills
field research skills
- gain a qualification or credit
remote scenic location
Noteworthy conservation points:
- contributes to environmental policy
development goals (supporting local community)
- ethical rehabilitation centre/practices
publishes peer-reviewed science
publishes work
Wild Sun Rescue Center
Accommodation:
shared rustic eco-cabin accommodation overlooking the beach
When does the project run?
All year
Facilities:
accommodation included (three meals a day cooked by local chefs with local ingredients), food included, electricity, local shops, nearby medical facilities, refillable drinking water, bucket shower, cold shower, western style toilet.
All transport and activities included once the expedition has started. Passionate and experienced national and international field staff and a volunteer to staff ratio that never exceeds 3-1.
How long can I stay?
2 weeks minimum, 5 weeks recommended, 10 weeks possible (Price dependent on length of stay)
Requirements:
- Passion for marine conservation
Details of the day-to-day life on the project:
One of the focuses of our research in Belize is investigating the impact of lionfish on the reef and on juvenile reef fish as this invasive species has no native predators outside its original home in the Indo-Pacific and therefore poses a huge threat to Belize’s reef fisheries. Assist with our research that aims to understand how to effectively control lionfish populations, monitor the progression of the invasion, and directly contribute to efforts to combat its spread through participating in lionfish culls!
If this isn’t enough to convince you just yet, then don’t worry, our expedition in Belize has got even more to offer. During the first week of every six week expedition, volunteers get a chance to immerse themselves in the welcoming Belizean culture during a home stay in the fishing village of Sarteneja, based in the Corozal District on Belize’s mainland. Besides taking part in cultural exchange sessions you will receive science training in order to be fully prepared for the underwater surveys taking place at dive camp. The training designed by our field scientists involves informal lectures, small group discussions and practical exercises on coral and reef species identification once at dive camp.
Whether a dive novice, experienced SCUBA diver, budding scientist or newcomer to the field of marine conservation you are welcome and able to support and contribute to our marine research and conservation work.
Depending on your dive level when joining us, you will, during the first week at dive camp, learn how to dive or advance your diving skills by completing further dive certifications. The required dive level in order to take part in underwater surveys is PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent, but you can receive a certification up to Divemaster.
Once you have passed your science training and reached PADI Advanced Open Water level, you will carry out one to two dives a day collecting relevant reef data. You will be diving 6 days a week (weather dependant) with every Sunday being a day off and you can join us year-round for a period of 3 up to 18 weeks.
Reviews & ratings
Francisco
Volunteer
19 Dec 2021
An amazing project with amazing staff
I work as a travel agent, bringing volunteers to DAKTARI and other projects around the world. After helping a lot of volunteers fulfill their dreams of coming to South Africa, I managed to arrange 2 weeks to spend at the project. What a wonderful time I had starting with the staff who are so friendly and polite, the animals being taken care of as if they were family and the amazing food that was prepared catering to each of the volunteers individual needs. I can only say that if you are looking for an unique and quality experience involving a well thought out educational program and the preservation of native animal species, this is the one for you.
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Daktari Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage
leslie
Volunteer
19 Dec 2021
great experience
i had an enjoyable stay here in DAKTARI. be surrounded by wild animals is a chance and i also loved the teaching part of my stay
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Daktari Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage
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