Family volunteering at wildlife rescue centre, Costa Rica

Planet

The project’s mission is to protect Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife by rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife and where possible returning them to the wild. They also conduct scientific research and promote conservation by educating local and international visitors.

The project provides education about the ecological importance of the rainforest and has created programmes which preserve and protect both the rainforest and its wild inhabitants. They develop awareness of the critical importance of saving the rainforest for the survival of the planet and encourage ecological practices. There are numerous threats to the rainforest including burning, logging, mining, development and cattle farming. The project has created monkey corridors and carries out ongoing reforestation programmes as well as education initiatives in an attempt to relieve these pressures.

One example of their impact is their introduction of monkey bridges in the area’s national parks in order to protect the endangered titi monkeys. The leading cause of death in this species is electrocution by electric wires while crossing roads and being hit by cars. The project has erected numerous monkey bridges which allow a safe alternative for crossing the roads and there has now been an increase in their population numbers.

People

Social responsibility: Before volunteers depart we provide them with a detailed volunteering guide on the area they will be visiting. We try to educate and encourage our volunteers to understand and respect the local cultures and customs.

Economic responsibility: For over 10 years we have been providing volunteers to help at charitable projects around the world. A UK charity has now been launched to build on this success by providing financial assistance to overseas causes as well. The organisations we work with are often struggling to fund the work they are doing so every penny raised makes a real difference.

This is a locally run organisation, providing employment for local Costa Rican staff. While volunteers are in-country, they stay in locally owned accommodation and we encourage them to buy locally and support local businesses.

Environmental responsibility: While our volunteers and customers are overseas, we identify and encourage simple steps to minimise their impact on the local environment. And at our office in the UK we try to recycle as much of our office waste as possible, use recycled products where available, avoid printing (no brochures) and minimise energy usage.