Galapagos Islands Learn Study Discover

Transcription

1 Coast to Coast Education Galapagos Islands Learn Study Discover COAST TO COAST EDUCATION "Pioneering conservation through education" Spaces are limited, so to avoid disappointment and to guarantee your chosen dates please ensure that you apply as early as possible. We look forward to welcoming you to the Islands for an experience of a lifetime. info@coastgalapagos.com

2 AN EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY Welcome to our truly unique Galapagos school trips programme! For the first time in the history of the Islands, Coast to Coast Education and the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) are able to offer an exclusive programme including access to the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS), alongside National Park protected areas. This is the first time that education and science have truly combined, and we are delighted to be able to offer our schools behind the scenes access to the CDRS, along with the specialist knowledge of leading scientists and National Park guides. We have also been granted permission by the authorities to carry out educational research throughout the Galapagos. Coast to Coast Education is very excited to be able to offer this and our accompanying dynamic itinerary to students throughout the world. 1

3 WHO IS THIS PROGRAMME AIMED AT? Our schools programme has been carefully designed to suit the needs of any educational school trip. We have combined the expertise of the oldest and biggest private science organisation on the islands with local knowledge and experience to provide an itinerary that is both unique and flexible. It therefore appeals to a wide range of educational aims. In combination with our experts on the ground in the Galapagos Islands, we have been able to tailor a programme to suit the needs of any budding scientist, geographer, photographer, researcher, or wildlife lover. Whilst any trip to the Galapagos is fascinating, and for many, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this programme has been designed with education at its heart. The itinerary thus combines visits to popular tourist locations, areas of outstanding natural beauty, and exposure to the rich biodiversity of Darwin s living laboratory, with opportunities for original scientific research and project work. There is also chance to explore the socio-economic and cultural development of the islands, particularly given the prominence of eco-tourism. HOW FLEXIBLE IS THE PROGRAMME? The itinerary in this brochure has been carefully constructed in order to provide students and school groups with the very best possible exposure to the Galapagos Islands. It includes exclusive experiences found nowhere else in the world, as well as unique access to opportunities that other tourists or tours are unable to encounter. The programme has been shaped to the needs of schools groups wanting to travel to this incredible archipelago within a certain timeframe and budget, and groups are limited to eight per year. Aspects of the programme, however, are flexible, so depending on the educational focus of your trip, we can work closely with you to adapt the itinerary. In particular, for GCSE, A Level or IB students, there is scope to adapt research, coursework or project work opportunities to suit your needs. The timings and costs of other parts of the itinerary have been delicately balanced, so any significant alteration will impact on overall prices. 2 Coast to Coast Education 3

4 WHO ARE WE? COAST TO COAST Coast to Coast Education is a fully accredited dynamic organisation which specialises in studying abroad. We run exceptional and innovative summer language camps and school trips in the UK, and due to our extensive knowledge and experience in the Galapagos Islands, we are excited to be pioneering educational trips and experiences for schools there. We have worked with students from over thirty different countries, so we know the challenges and rewards inherent in travelling and studying abroad. Whatever the focus of your trip, we can help you to achieve it with step-by-step guidance. Our experienced team will be on hand so that you can focus on enjoying the trip and making the most of your time on the islands. Welcome to our unique programme, which has been designed specifically for schools, as a part of our focus on education in the Galapagos. We aim to provide experiences and understanding of vital research that goes on in the Charles Darwin Research Station, and have carefully organised three days with our guide to give students a taste of conservation and science, and how they are interconnected. These vulnerable and isolated islands have produced some fascinating animals; many crucial to our knowledge of evolution, and we hope you will gain a sense of the importance of Darwin's finches and their significance to today's science whilst with us. Each group is so valuable to education on the islands and a part of the fees supports vital CDF science and conservation work. We look forward to welcoming you to the most fascinating and unique islands on earth! Swen Lorenz, Executive Director, Charles Darwin Foundation THE CHARLES DARWIN FOUNDATION The Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands (CDF) is an international, non-profit organisation, established in 1959 under the auspices of UNESCO, and registered in Belgium. In 1964, supported by an agreement with the government of Ecuador, the Charles Darwin Foundation established the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island with the purpose of providing the Ecuadorian Government with scientific advice for the conservation of Galapagos. The Foundation s principal strategic partner is the Galapagos National Park Service, the government administration service for the Galapagos National Park (GNP) and the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR), both established with the help and crucial support of the CDF. The Charles Darwin Foundation operates in Ecuador under an official agreement with the Ecuadorian government, collaborating to protect the islands. The biogeographic patterns and differences in primary productivity that can be observed in the archipelago are the result of an enormous habitat diversity. This diversity is the basis for the high productivity of the Galapagos fishery resources. The CDF has a mandate to provide the National Park with the best scientific advice to preserve the enormous habitat diversity of the archipelago. Pioneering conservation through education. Coast to Coast Education is proud to be working with the Charles Darwin Foundation to provide an unrivalled opportunity to experience what goes on in the research station. We provide trips for nature enthusiasts, biologists, and geographers who want to gain a practical understanding of what it takes to conserve and protect the most unique islands on the planet. In 1978, Galapagos became the first place inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. 4 Coast to Coast Education 5

5 CHARLES DARWIN FOUNDATION FOR THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CDF scientists currently work on a portfolio of 48 projects, which cover marine, terrestrial and social sciences, and complementing science for ecosystem restoration. Additionally, each year approximately 60 collaborating scientists from all over the world visit Galapagos to conduct cutting edge research with the help and logistical support of the CDRS, making the CDF the focal point for a greater number of scientific projects than any other organisation in the archipelago. Since 1959, the Charles Darwin Foundation has had a unique mandate shared by no other organisation. Through a cooperation agreement with the Government of Ecuador, and backed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the CDF is the official scientific advisor to the Government of Ecuador for the conservation of the archipelago. CDF has an exclusive focus on the archipelago and virtually 100% of its budget is spent on the islands as well as a small support operation on the Ecuadorian mainland scholarships have been awarded by the CDF to local students since Our school trips programme generates income to fund vital conservation work. CDF has the oldest and most far-reaching local, national and international network of alumni and former employees, students and volunteers, many in key positions in science and conservation in Ecuadorian institutions and worldrenowned institutions elsewhere. CDF operates its own scientific research station. CDF GUIDE The CDF has its own naturalist guide who is highly qualified and experienced. He or she will look after each group during your stay on Santa Cruz Island and can provide insightful information about the foundation and the history of the Islands. Through an exclusive tour of the research station, students will be exposed to the fascinating Islands with an emphasis on geological and biological natural wonders. 6 Coast to Coast Education 7

6 THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS The Galapagos Islands are surrounded by the world's fourth largest marine reserve and are located approximately 1,000 km (625 miles) off the coast of Ecuador. They are comprised of eighteen islands and over forty islets. Some 26,000 humans inhabit five of the islands (San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Floreana, and Baltra), and 97% of the islands total area is designated as National Park land. The capital, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is based on San Cristobal, and the national language is Spanish. Very few locals understand English, but all guides are bi-lingual, and often speak a number of European languages. CLIMATE There are two seasons in the Galapagos, a dry season and a wet season. Surprisingly, the dry season, from June to November, tends to be cloudier and cooler, and frequently there is a mist in the air, called the garúa, more so in the highlands than in town. While real rain is infrequent, it does occur during the dry season. When the sun is out, it can be quite warm, even hot, and evenings are quite cool. The wet season, from December to May, tends to be much hotter, with more frequent rain and also more intense sun. DAILY LIFE The pace of life in the Galapagos Islands is laid back and casual. Whilst many people have emigrated here from mainland Ecuador, many others have lived here all their lives. They live here for the tranquillity and peaceful lifestyle of the island. The local people are very friendly and helpful. Dress is informal and casual, even within the workplace. OUR EXCLUSIVE SCHOOL TRIPS PROGRAMME Coast to Coast Education and the Charles Darwin Foundation are excited to be able to offer a unique programme to schools; wide-ranging in opportunities and rich in experiences. Through our programmes, you will achieve a great host of experiences, and will gain an understanding of crucial conservation methods used within the CDF to preserve the islands. We know the experiences you gain with us will be unrivalled and will stay with you for a lifetime. 8 Coast to Coast Education Relatively speaking, Santa Cruz and the islands are very safe. Unlike the mainland, there is very little theft and little concern for crime. However, normal precautions should always be taken when leaving expensive electronic items, such as cameras, unattended. VIEW THE THE ITINERARY 9

7 DAY 1 Depart from your school and transfer to a UK airport. Fly to Guayaquil. This flight is approximately 13 hours long and includes a stop in either Madrid or Amsterdam. Upon arriving in Guayaquil, meet a hotel representative at the airport and transfer to your hotel. We carefully select a hotel in a safe area of the city, only ten minutes private transfer from the airport. Eat in the hotel and spend the evening relaxing in your accommodation (swimming pool and gym available). DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 MORNING MORNING FULL DAY TRIP 10 Coast to Coast Education Fly from Guayaquil to San Cristobal in Galapagos Islands. Meet your local Coast to Coast representative and tour guide at the airport and take a private transfer to your hotel. Distances between venues and sites in the Galapagos are very short, so this transfer should take about 10 minutes. Enjoy your first lunch along or near the seafront of the harbour of San Cristobal, where students can get a feel for the relaxed and laid-back Galapagos life. AFTERNOON Visit the National Park Interpretation Centre for an introductory session. Meet Pepe the world s only 'domesticated' giant tortoise, and learn about the history and the significance of this unique destination. Here you will have an orientation tour and a talk about your stay so that you understand some of the socio-cultural norms and conservation rules of the islands. Following this, head to Tijeretas cove to view wildlife and get refreshed with a short and 'easy' snorkel before an evening welcome talk by your National Park Guide. This will provide opportunity for members of your school staff to remind students about any project work or research tasks that they will be undertaking during the trip. Take a private boat trip to Isla Lobos for hiking, snorkelling, and access to a protected beach. The island of Lobos was one of the first areas to be designated as 'protected' by the National Park in Expect to see a vast array of marine wildlife, and start to explore the underwater ecosystems that make the Galapagos so thriving. Here you will receive instruction on snorkelling and how to get the most out of your experience. In this natural breeding ground, swim alongside sea lion pups in the waters off the island named after this fascinating animal. AFTERNOON Continue your boat trip to Loberia beach for free time, snorkelling and any research or data collection. This, like many other locations, has a range of biological and geological wonders for students to focus on or investigate. In the evening there is the opportunity to visit one of the islands main eco-hotels (dinner can also be arranged here at a slight extra cost). Boat trip to Floreana Island for areas of outstanding natural beauty and a historic tour. Floreana s history is often described as being as colourful as the tropical fish that surround it. Home to one of the oldest settlements in the Galapagos, it once attracted pirates, whalers and infamous settlers. Featuring the famous post office bay, students can still carry out the long-held tradition of dropping off and picking up letters to be mailed or carried to global destinations. Wildlife viewing is abundant throughout the island. It features two diverse beaches the landing beach, with green-tinted sand from its beautiful crystals, and carbonate beach, a popular nesting site for green sea turtles. Between both beaches is the salt lagoon, a popular spot to see flamingos, pintails, stilts and other birds. Devil s Crown, an eroded volcanic cone, is a roosting site for boobies, pelicans and frigates and is a great place for snorkelling. AFTERNOON/EVENING Continue via boat to Isabela Island; hotel check-in and spend evening at leisure. 11

8 DAY 5 DAY 7 MORNING MORNING Hike up Volcano Sierra Negra and Volcano Chico for amazing views. The Sierra Negra volcano is considered the oldest of the volcanoes on Isabela, whilst Chico Volcano is located northeast of Sierra Negra volcano. Both are accessed only by foot and have fantastic views of the other islands. The Sierra Negra caldera is 10 km across and is the second largest in the world and poses fascinating geological access. The hike takes about 5 hours, depending on breaks, and is one of the highlights of the islands. AFTERNOON Snorkel and view wildlife at Tintoreras. A short boat ride away (about ten minutes) is Tintoreras, a lava trail covered in marine iguanas with spectacular access to snorkelling where you can expect to see star fish, sea urchins, penguins, white-tipped reef sharks, along with sea lions and other fish. AFTERNOON Travel to Santa Cruz via private boat, where you will meet the CDF naturalist guide who will be working with you on the research station for the next few days and receive an introductory talk. Visit Concha de Perla. A short walk from the town is a beautiful snorkelling spot, popular with the locals. Often teeming with sealife, this calm area has manta rays, penguins, and an abundance of fish. Even more fascinating is being able to see the mangrove trees grow underwater, ideal for any plant enthusiast. Having somewhere so close is a great way to cool off after your long hike earlier in the day! DAY 8 MORNING DAY 6 MORNING AFTERNOON With the CDF naturalist guide, you will take a private 'behind-the-scenes' tour of the Charles Darwin Research Station. He or she will give you a tour of the Charles Darwin Research Station. Filled with extraordinary research and information, students will be able to understand the ground-breaking work that goes on in the on-site laboratories and facilities. Students have the opportunity to visit areas closed to the general public, whilst asking questions to the CDF guide. Examine up close how the Galapagos formed by exploring underwater lava tubes and remnants of volcanic activity. Fascinating for all geologists and geographers who are able to experience the everchanging islands and their formations. 12 Coast to Coast Education Visit the tortoise breeding centre and wetlands. The Tortoise Breeding Center of Isabela is located 1.5 km from Puerto Villamil, the main town of Isabela. This important breeding centre accommodates tortoises from a number of locations, most interestingly those from the population of Cerro Paloma, of which there are only four males and two female. The wetlands just outside the town are home to a number of flamingos and are an excellent place to spot a wide range of birdlife. AFTERNOON Travel to Highlands for a geological trip of Lava Tubes and local farming techniques. The Lava Tubes provide a fascinating geographical focus to the trip; understanding the effects of living on a volcanic island and how they were formed. Visiting a local farm provides an understanding of traditional techniques and how early settlers made their life on the Galapagos. 13

9 DAY 9 FULL DAY Made famous by Darwin's expedition to the islands, the Darwin Finch is of vital importance to today's understanding of evolution and science around the world. This dedicated day focuses on the birds, their breeding habits, predators and struggles for survival on the islands. Man's impact on the fragile ecosystem is explored by students, and the CDF guide will set tasks of both research and investigation around the station and through technology. AFTERNOON Free time in Tortuga Bay for relaxation, surfing and shopping. Students have the opportunity to spend the afternoon at their leisure. This might involve a trip to Tortuga Bay and its iconic beach, where students have the option of taking a surf lesson (not included) with a fully qualified, English speaking instructor. As shops re-open in the evening, students can purchase souvenirs and enjoy their final evening meal. DAY 11 Fly home via Guayaquil to London. This will be a morning flight to Guayaquil. There will then be a 3-4 hour wait before embarking on a night flight to London (via Madrid or Amsterdam). DAY 12 Arrive in London, early evening. Searching for finches in the field, observing their nests and recording data is a great experience for all students, and exposes them to the daily work of the CDF scientists. Alongside collecting these specimens, students will engage in discussions with CDF staff about the conservation challenges some of the important Galapagos species are facing. ADDITIONAL DAYS TO THE ITINERARY: (optional and at extra cost) 14 Coast to Coast Education DAY 10 MORNING Pupil presentations and awards. This will provide an excellent opportunity to draw the academic focus of the trip to a close. Students (and possibly staff) will be able to present findings and conclusions from the finch research day, and any other research task or project work undertaken during your stay, whilst being questioned and evaluated by leading CDF representatives. There will be the added dimension of the presentations being filmed so that other teachers and pupils not on the trip (back in your home country) will be able to reflect upon the work being carried out. Exclusive prizes will be awarded at this stage. (There is flexibility here in terms of how school staff would like this session to operate. The morning could, for example, focus more on seminarbased discussion). FULL DAY BOAT TRIP Visit the iconic Kicker Rock for the day. Snorkel off shore with sharks, and spend the afternoon on a beautiful protected beach. This day certainly comes highly recommended, and it can either be added to the itinerary, or changed with the existing Day 3 schedule. Including this day would cost approximately an extra 100 per person including accommodation and food. Snorkelling at Kicker Rock is the best location in the Galapagos for seeing sharks and other larger fish. Due to occasional sea swell off-shore, this would suit those comfortable being in deeper water. Cost: 100 per person including accommodation and food FULL DAY BOAT TRIP Boat trip to Cerro Brujo. Made of coral and volcanic ash, the sand of the beaches at Cerro Brujo is as white as icing sugar. Crabs skittering along the shore leave hundreds of small pellets where their claws have scooped the sand in passing. Sea lions swim in turquoise water, roll in the sand, and bask on the black volcanic rocks. Darwin finches and yellow warblers hop unconcerned between them. Just behind the dunes, a freshwater lagoon waits. Continue the boat trip to Punta Pitt, the famous semisubmerged volcano, where high winds have led to natural erosion. Punta Pitt is located at the east end of San Cristóbal Island. The trail includes a picturesque beach and ascends to the top of a volcanic hill passing through several natural viewpoints. This is the only site in the Galapagos Islands where you can watch the three species of boobies (red footed, blue footed and Nazca) and two species of frigates nesting in the same area. Cost: 140 per person including accommodation and food. SAN CRISTOBAL: FULL DAY TRIP El Junco, La Galapaguera, Puerto Chino- historic cultural tour of highlands, including visit to highlands fresh water source and local fruit farm. Cross the island to a perfectly secluded beach to relax, swim with sea turtles and rays, and view blue footed boobies. Cost: 50 per person including accommodation and food. SAN CRISTOBAL: AFTERNOON ACTIVITY Visit a local school to experience education on the island, and participate in local dancing classes. Compete with and against local high school students in a football or volleyball tournament. Enjoy an evening BBQ whilst socialising will locals. Cost: 25 per person including BBQ. 15

10 WHY CHOOSE US? Coast to Coast Education and the CDF have a unique programme that cannot be accessed through any other tour operator or education provider. We have an exceptional blend of education through conservation and science, whilst also providing a trip of a lifetime for both students and members of staff. EXPERTISE Coast to Coast Education: Five years working in the Galapagos Islands, alongside organising educational camps and visits in the UK. Caroline Drewett, the founding Director, has an MSc in Environment and Development, with her thesis focusing on how tourism has affected the Galapagos Islands. Her research and educational background provide specialist knowledge for school groups interested in studying eco-tourism, biology, or geology on the islands. CDF Advisors to the Ecuadorian government, with ground-breaking initiatives to preserve the Galapagos Islands. One of their key areas of focus is outreach and education to change behaviour. PERMISSIONS AND ACCESS Each educational group now requires permission from the National Park to carry out any data collection, research, or educational trips in the Galapagos Islands. We provide this for you, at no extra cost. Part of the exclusivity of our trips is that we only host one school at a time to ensure that there is professionalism and attention to detail at every level. This should be kept in mind when hoping to travel in peak season, such as Easter. NATURALIST GUIDES In the Course for Naturalist Guide, candidates are trained in: Protocol and etiquette; Customer Service; History of Ecuador and Galapagos ; Ecology and Conservation; Wildlife of the GNP and the GMR and Continental Ecuador; Geology and Volcanology; Group Assistance and Guide; Environmental Interpretation; Professional Ethics; Management of National Heritage of Natural Areas; Interpretation Techniques; Environmental Education; Cartography; Camping Techniques; First Aid and Survival. They have extensive experience in dealing with large groups. STUDENT:STAFF RATIO All trips are led by a guide, and from the moment you are picked up from the airport, your guide will be on hand to answer any questions and provide specialist knowledge throughout your stay. Guides can lead up to 16 people, including teachers, to ensure a high quality of interaction, so you will likely have more than one with your group. There is an extremely impressive staffing presence on boat trips, with each boat having a guide, a captain, a captain s assistant, and an extra snorkelling instructor (although your guide is also qualified to lead snorkelling expeditions and will be in the water with students). We understand the health and safety regulations that now accompany any school trip, so do not hesitate to contact us for further information about the specific qualifications of guides and other staff. 16 Coast to Coast Education 17

11 PRICES AND STUDENT NUMBERS: FROM 2955 PER PERSON Based on 20 paying students with two free staff places. WHAT'S INCLUDED? FLIGHTS All flights are included (includes surcharges and taxes). One of the downsides about travelling to such unique and distant islands is that they are time-consuming and expensive to access. Please remember that the overall costs reflect this. COMPULSORY ENTRANCE FEE TO THE GALAPAGOS The National park entrance fee will be paid by us in advance, for ease upon arrival and to speed up arrival process. It also stops the teachers having to carry large amounts of money with them. TRANSPORT All transport once in the Galapagos is included. You will have private use of any coach or boat used, as well as shuttles to and from the airport in Guayaquil. EXPEDITION CLOTHING All students and staff will be provided with a unique expedition t-shirt and personalised day rucksack. ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD All hotels are included, as is food, except dinner in Guayaquil. The excellent hotel has a number of restaurants, or the airport has a number of suitable food outlets. 24 HOUR HELP AND ADVICE Before your trip we can help with task setting and the planning of project work. Coast to Coast representatives will also be on hand throughout the duration of your trip to offer assistance at any time. INFORMATION EVENING AND NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE Before you depart, a Coast to Coast representative will be available to present the trip to parents, pupils and staff. This will provide a valuable opportunity to find out more about the experience and to ask questions in preparation for your trip. Furthermore, you will be shown a virtual photography lesson on how to maximise the potential of your camera out in the Galapagos. This guidance comes directly from Jonathan D Aguas, a certified National Geographic photographer, which includes invaluable information about the art of capturing the perfect photo, and has been made specifically for your trip. WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED? TRANSPORT TO AND FROM UK AIRPORTS. Most schools like to organise their own transport to and from the airport, although we can assist with this if necessary. Unless otherwise specified, school groups will be responsible for supervising their own check-in, both in the UK and at Guayaquil airport. Detailed information and guidance about check-in and this stage of your journey will be provided before departure. INSURANCE Many schools have their own insurance to cover a range of educational visits. As such, many normally like to organise this aspect of the trip themselves. Should this not be the case, Coast to Coast can easily assist in providing insurance. Please contact us for further information about this. JABS AND INOCULATIONS No jabs or inoculations are required for travel to the Galapagos. However, we always advise speaking to your doctor and following a MASTA health brief. EVENING ACTIVITIES Although all dinners are included on the islands, there are no organised evening activities unless otherwise specified. Many day trips are very long, with early starts and the heat to contend with. Due to the intimate nature of the islands, it is often enjoyable to walk to dinner, enjoy the local cuisine, followed by some evening shopping (shops are often shut during the day) and stroll along the waterfront, rather than planned activities. Many students will be tired and ready for bed early, and we recommend trying to fit into the rhythms of island life. PERSONALISED SNORKELS AND WETSUITS Coast to Coast can provide each student with their own personalised wetsuit and snorkel for the duration of their trip. This will ensure that snorkels and wetsuits are accurately fitted to each individual's size, and that each student will have their own gear for the duration of their stay. At the end of the trip these can either be kept by the student or donated to a local foundation or school. Snorkelling and diving gear has to be imported from the mainland and is therefore extremely expensive for locals to purchase. Furthermore, it is unbelievable just how many local children have never left their own island on the Galapagos or seen any iconic wildlife such as sharks and sea turtles. This lack of knowledge and appreciation that local children have for their surroundings is going to have a drastic impact on the future of the Galapagos. Some of the negative consequences of this can already be seen. The donation of your wetsuit and snorkelling gear will help to facilitate the drive of 'education through conservation', allowing increased numbers of local children to experience and learn about the wonders and preservation of their own islands. NB: Students are able to bring their own wetsuits and snorkels. Students can also borrow all forms of diving gear (wetsuits and snorkels) from our local guide and boat, free of charge. It is worth mentioning, however, that the size and quality of freely loaned gear can vary. Hired wetsuits and snorkels are collected at the end of every day for cleaning, so it can't be guaranteed that students will retain the same equipment throughout their trip if they borrow ours. Cost of snorkelling and wetsuit gear: from 80 per person. 18 Coast to Coast Education 19

12 VOLUNTEER WITH CDF Coast to Coast and the Charles Darwin Foundation are offering exclusive volunteer placements for scientists and conservationists of the future. We provide an unrivalled opportunity to shadow, assist and experience what goes on in the research station alongside scientists and senior staff at the CDF. Our four week volunteer placements are for nature enthusiasts, biologists or economists who want to gain a practical understanding of what it takes to conserve and protect the most unique islands on the planet. Each volunteer has an opportunity to experience working in the field itself; whether it is shadowing scientists, or assisting in a lab, the programme helps volunteers to gain an understanding in the way the foundation runs. Through shadowing the senior staff, volunteers learn about the fragility of the islands, and how the conservation work undertaken by the CDF is so vital in their preservation. Your four weeks will be extremely well-organised, as we only accept one volunteer at a time, to ensure that you are maximising your time with us and to make sure that your work is beneficial to the foundation. We do not accept an unlimited number of volunteers and give them useless tasks to fill their time. Because of this, the programme is, to an extent, flexible. Depending on the current on-going projects, you will be placed where you are most valuable to the CDF, and where your interests lie. From the very beginning, not only was I continuously exposed to the unique and delicate nature of the environment, but also to a vast variety of extraordinary and interesting staff. Former volunteer HOW TO APPLY We only accept one volunteer at a time, so places are extremely competitive. We ask that you submit a cover letter, detailing your experience and why you would like to volunteer with the CDF. All work experience or qualifications will be taken into consideration, so please be as detailed as possible. Cost: 19,550 to include flights from your home country to the Galapagos, via a night in Guayaquil. All accommodation and food, along with a private tour of the research station is included. Volunteers also experience day trips, such as a visit to a farm in the highlands to learn about the local sugar and fruit trade. These fees go towards your stay with us, as well as crucial work the CDF is undertaking to further science and conservation. Not only is your work highly valuable, but so is the in-built donation. Without international volunteers and the income they provide to the organisation, the CDF could not continue to further its conservation goals and sponsor scholarships for Ecuadorian students. WHO IS SUITED TO THE PROGRAMME? We ask that volunteers are at least 18 years of age, and that they have an interest in science, conservation or economics. The stronger your application, the more likely you are to be accepted. 20 Coast to Coast Education 21