Volunteer applications

 

Conservation – Project: Protection Watershed of the Rio Esquina in Costa Rica
 Project - Location: Finca La Virgen de Los Angeles
  Lodging: Natural house
  Price on request
  Project duration: variable
  Start date: Flexible start date

 

Do you want to engage in nature conservation - best abroad? Then come to Costa Rica! Our nature conservation project takes place in the south of the country, not far from the Pacific Ocean. Of course, you should love nature, animals and solitude in the rainforest, no previous knowledge is required. The nature conservation project therefore offers itself as an ecological volunteer service after school or for a break from the job. We work closely with the La Gamba Tropical Station and the Rainforest of the Austrians.

 

Nature Conservation in Costa Rica

 

The small country of Costa Rica offers an indescribable diversity of species in its fauna and flora In the center of the country are the cordilleras, a volcanic mountain range, in the south-west are hills and in the north-east of the plains. Costa Rica is a paradise - also for nature conservationists! For example, 25% of government spending is spent on nature conservation, which is the world's largest share. Costa Rica is an eco tourism destination that attracts a lot of European and American tourists, which also boosts the economy. In order not to negatively impact nature, great importance must be attached to sustainable tourism and nature conservation.

 

Our nature conservation project

 

is located in the rain forest of Fila Costeña at 600 m above sea level in the south of Costa Rica, about five hours drive from San Jose and about 20 minutes from the nearest town Rio Claro, 60 km to border with Panama. The climate here is changing, and between December and April is dry season. Otherwise we are in one of the wettest areas of Costa Rica with 6000 mm to 7000 mm per year.

 

 

 

 

Nuestro proyecto de conservación de la naturaleza

 

se encuentra en el bosque lluvioso de Fila Costeña a 600 m sobre el nivel del mar en el sur de Costa Rica, a unas cinco horas en coche de San José ya unos 20 minutos del pueblo más cercano, Río Claro. A 60 km de la frontera con Panamá. El clima es húmedo, y entre diciembre y abril es la estación seca. De lo contrario, estamos en una de las zonas más húmedas de Costa Rica con 6000 mm a 7000 mm por año.

 

The quaint paths in this protected area lead through a fairytale tropical forest, home to numerous wild animals, including bats, nasal bears, ocelots, pumas, toucans, many reptile species and insects. From a popular viewpoint you have a breathtaking view over the rain forest of the Austrians up to Golfo Dulce in Golfito..:

 

We are working on the biological corridor project from the highland rainforest of the Fila Costeña to the lowland rain forest Piedras Blancas.

 

Location of Finca La Virgen Google Maps (fincalavirgen, Guaycara, Puntaneras, Costa Rica)

 

Finca La Virgen, Guaycara, Provinz Puntaneras
Furthermore, social projects are carried out with the inhabitants of the region. I.E

Projects for forest and people

 Since 2007, Finca La Virgen has initiated, supported, financed, organized and supported more than 11 protection and development projects.

1. Protection of the rain forest in the water catchment area of the Rio Esquina,

2. Protection of species and their habitats in the watershed area of the Rio Esquina,

3. Tree school for mixed remediation of deforested rain forest,

4. Reforestation in the Los Angeles / La Virgen area

5. Support for small-scale farmers in sustainable construction method

6. Promotion of income-generating measures

• Compost production
• Earthworm Fertilizer     
• Pepper cultivation
• Vegetable growing in greenhouses
• Shingle manufacturing
• Fish farming (Tilapia)
• Creation of market access for local products
• Development of sales systems for rural products
• Environmental education for children, adolescents and adults
• Power supply from regenerative sources (microwave power plants)
• Access to clean drinking water in several surrounding  

 

Task in the nature conservation project in Costa Rica

  

 

• In our conservation project we are working to protect this unique ecosystem.

• At the heart of the project is the inventory of the countless species living in the region. With   the help of sensors, we are working on a wide-ranging study in various areas of the Fila Costeña protected area, including mammals, toucans, butterflies and bats.

• There are many bats in the Fila Costeña protected area. They are very important for the entire ecosystem, as they keep the insect population within its natural limits.

• Hiking trails are set up in the Fila Costeña protected area so that visitors can not move uncontrolled in the Fila Costeña protected area, but remain on the paths and affect nature as little as possible.

• We continue to sensitize the neighboring municipalities for nature conservation. Here, too, one can become active and compile information on nature conservation and, if necessary, give a lecture about it in schools or in a community or workshops. In schools, we also help to create biological gardens - support is welcome here too!

Other tasks in the nature conservation area can be:

 • Make maps of paths, rivers and other important points of interest in the area

 • Record meteorological data

   • Work in a small greenhouse in the village of La Virgen. Here, plants are grown which are

      then distributed to the small farmers (Campesinos)

  

    

   • Protection of toucan breeding grounds

 • Help with the production of compost and earthworm fertilizer
  the tasks vary somewhat depending on the season. But no matter what time you come,

   You’ll always have enough to do!

  

Workshops, accommodation and more:

 In the project we work closely with other volunteers as well as local people. There are also regular workshops where you can learn about the flora and fauna of Fila Costeña.
 Accommodation at Finca La Virgen is in a palm house. It is a simple, but sufficiently equipped twin room. There is a bathroom with shower, toilet and sink. There is only cold water - but this is unproblematic at the temperatures in the protected area of Fila Costeña. There is also a larger common area for all the volunteers who also eat together.

  

        

         Guest house with bath and cooking facilities    

 

  

 Bathroom                                     Bedroom

       
       

 

      Sleeping place in the Rangerhaus                   Community area on the veranda