General Requirements:

• Volunteers and interns are required to be 18 years or older at the time of their placement.
• Enthusiasm and commitment to the protection of the natural environment are necessary.
• A good understanding of English is essential, and potential volunteers will only be considered for participation if they are able to communicate in English,on at least an intermediate level.
• Applicants must carry a valid health insurance policy, or equivalent, for the duration of their placement. Proof of cover must be provided.
• The minimum period of the volunteer project placement is 2 weeks, however long-term participation is highly encouraged, please look at our internship program.
• The minimum period of the internship project placement is 4 weeks, however interns are encouraged to stay longer to gain the most out of the experience.
• Participants must be prepared to work under hot summer conditions daily.
• Flexibility is a must, as conditions or required tasks, and shifts can change at short notice depending on the month and number of volunteers/interns available.
• Volunteers and interns must be prepared to experience communal life, living and working in shared accommodation, and operating as members of a small team.
• The ability to live and cooperate with people from different cultures and backgrounds is essential.
• Volunteers and interns are trained and supervised by Project Leaders and experienced members. They must be prepared to participate in every aspect of the work.
• Shifts at the center are allocated on a weekly schedule and include managing our information center and gift shop to welcome and educate visitors for a minimum of 4 hours a day.
• Volunteers are expected to behave civilly and responsibly at all times, whether on or off duty. Unsociable, inappropriate or risky behaviour, or failure to follow the coordinators’ instructions, will not be tolerated and may result in expulsion from the project.

Physical Requirements:

It is essential that you accurately evaluate your own ability to meet the conditions detailed below in order to safeguard your health and safety, and ensure that you can participate fully and effectively. The following are a list of conditions you need to be aware of and to consider before committing to the project:

• While there are no extreme physical conditions or psychological demands, you should be confident enough to walk at least 3-5 km (2-3 miles) of beach and/or uneven forest trails for up to 3 hours at a moderate pace.
• You must be able to wake up early for our 7 am morning surveys which involve walking on sandy beaches and forest paths.
• Phobias to snakes and insects will pose a problem, although encounters with snakes in the wild are unlikely.
• If you are allergic to insect bites, bees or wasps please come prepared with appropriate medication or epi-kit.
• To avoid dehydration and other heat-related conditions, you are advised to stay hydrated and monitor your well-being.
• Minor injuries or scrapes due to falls or tripping over obstacles on unsealed paths can occur while working.
• Allergies or phobias to domestic pets will be problematic. There are resident domestic and farm animals living in and around the volunteer and intern accommodation.
• Volunteers and interns will spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, often exposed to the elements. Appropriate skin and sun protection is highly recommended.
• Temperatures in the height of summer – July and August – can go beyond the average highs of 40°C (104°F). If you are sensitive to heat or strong sun, consider participating in the project outside of peak season.
• Submission of a medical clearance form is required from all volunteers and interns wishing to participate in the project.