Uruguay – a country of untouched wilderness, distinctive colonial towns, passionate and hospitable people and deserted white beaches stretching into the horizon. Enjoy visiting a country where few Westerners are found in the smaller, rural towns, and where you can enjoy a truly magical and ancient Mayan heritage. Uruguay is home to a vast array of forest and marine creatures including the shy and delicate Pampas Deer, the elusive jaguar, Capybaras, anteaters and the flightless Great Rhea – its natural ecosystems are varied and spectacular. Help in the conservation of one of its most endearing inhabitants – the sea turtle.
Three species of turtle live in the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean, where the juveniles of the species come to forage and grow. The area in which they are found is very precious in terms of biodiversity; some of the species that thrive here include Fransiscana and Bottlenose dolphins, and consequently the area has been designated as a protected area. This project involves important research that aims to conserve the sea turtles globally, by studying and protecting their feeding grounds, and observing their behaviours. Join our Uruguay sea turtle project for an exciting conservation experience in a unique and fascinating destination!
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
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Visit this country of untouched wilderness
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Help to protect the magnificent sea turtle
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Make lifelong friends
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
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Location |
Uruguay |
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Activities |
Data collection
Sighting & capturing juvenile turtles
Rescue & rehabilitation
Beach patrols
Education programmes |
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Transport |
Independant bus journey to project site |
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Accommodation |
Shared accommodation |
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Before you go |
Pre-departure support
Travel & medical advice & documentation
Equipment advice
Discounted medical kit
Free Frontier t-shirt |
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In-country |
1 meal per day
Accommodation
Local orientation
Project training
Project equipment & materials
In-country emergency support
24-hour international HQ back-up |
WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?
Sea turtles have existed on earth for millions of years, and are a fascinating relic of prehistoric times. Unfortunately, they have suffered greatly at the hands of man, as a consequence of human infringement on their habitats. The coastal areas and ecosystems which turtles rely on to survive exist in a delicate balance, and must be managed carefully if population numbers are ever to recover. Problems can stem from the disturbance of nesting and foraging grounds, and effective strategies for their protection can only be instigated once a large amount of data is collected, which is why projects such as this are so vital. Turtles are often killed when they become entangled in commercial and recreational fishing nets, and this creates the need for rescue and rehabilitation centres for those that are injured in the process. Educating local communities is imperative if any real progress is to be made in preserving this gentle and unusual creature, in order to change attitudes and raise awareness of the importance of changing fishing practices to prevent turtle deaths.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
The work on this project is highly varied, challenging and enjoyable. You will be rotated so that you get the chance to participate in every aspect of the programme. A key element, depending on the time of year, will be sighting and capturing juvenile turtles so that data can be collected and analysed in order to inform future conservation strategies. You will also be carrying out beach patrols in order to find stranded turtles, and to help with the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and weak individuals. Other duties will include getting involved with the vital education programme in the local community, by running talks and workshops, and carrying out studies of the local fishing practices.
If this is your first time doing conservation work, don't worry! It will only take a short while for you to feel totally at home on camp and confident with the science work. Although the work is intense you'll find that living in such a beautiful and inaccessible environment alongside friends who share your passion for conservation will be the experience of a lifetime!
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?
You will be directed to the project site from Montevideo airport. The journey will be by bus and all subsequent project related travel is covered.
WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?
Whilst staying on the project, you will be fortunate enough to be staying in comfortable accommodation that is adjacent to the turtle infirmary, which means that you will be right at the heart of the project site. You will have access to a simple, clean kitchen and a shared bathroom with shower.
WHAT WILL I BE EATING?
You will be provided with one simple and delicious meal a day and you will have the facility to cook your other meals using the communal kitchen, a great opportunity to bond with your fellow volunteers. You will be able to buy wonderful local produce at the nearby markets and can even try your hand at cooking some local specialities, such as milanesa, a fried meat covered with milled bread and eggs, or parilleros.
Beautiful Uruguay
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20 May 2010
This project was a lot of fun and it was great to know that you were really helping out these inc...
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ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
In your spare time you will be able to explore the rugged beauty of the local area, and it is possible to take a guided tour or trek. You may like to try out something more adventurous, and there are lots of sporting activities on offer, for example mountain biking, horse riding and water sports such as scuba diving. If you want to explore the colourful culture of this small, unspoilt corner or South America, then visit one of the fun local festivals, or bustling markets. Also on offer in the capital Montevideo are galleries, museums, and a wealth of arts and crafts shops.
