Since its inception Rainforest Biodiversity Group’s conservation efforts have been supported through its volunteer program. A pioneer project for Rainforest Biodiversity Group (formerly Friends of the Great Green Macaw) was our reforestation designed to rehabilitate the habitat of the Great Green Macaw by planting trees that are important food and nest sources for this macaw. Volunteers assisted local landowners with the buying and planting of thousands of trees in northeast Costa Rica from 2001 to 2003. Volunteers also worked to increase the use and understanding of organic agriculture, permaculture and agroforestry through the development of experimental organic gardens and orchards on local farms.
Today volunteers are still working with local landowners in Costa Rica, assisting them in developing their land for eco-tourism. The landowners we work with are the owners of the private reserves within the Costa Rican Bird Route. These newly created reserves are the remote sites of the route and are at varying stages of development as eco-tourism sites.
Read an excerpt from the journal of volunteer David Kramer who volunteered at the Costa Rican Bird Route site, Bosque Tropical del Toro, earlier this year.
RBG is looking for people with an interest in volunteering in Costa Rica year-round. Work will vary depending on the site but will center around three main themes:
We are looking for individuals who are able to commit to a minimum of three months to a given site. Ideally we would like to place two volunteers at each site, and couples are welcome to apply. Volunteers must have Spanish speaking skills, some experience in any of the areas mentioned above, a spirit of adventure and a serious interest in having an effect on rainforest conservation and sustainable tourism development. Volunteers should be able to work independently as well as with others in order to fulfill their responsibilities. Free room can be provided by all of the sites, but not all of them can cover food costs for the volunteers. At these locations, volunteers should expect to pay $50/ month to their host for food costs. Accommodations will be rustic. There may or may not be electricity, and hot water at the site. All other expenses are the responsibility of the volunteer. A stipend will not be able to be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to have health insurance as Rainforest Biodiversity Group will not be responsible or cover any injuries or health needs. Please view the CDC website for updated travel precautions.
If you would like to be a part of this exciting project that will preserve important rainforest habitat, please send a cover letter explaining your interest, your experience, your Spanish language level and the dates you are available along with a resume to Raquel Gomez, Costa Rican Bird Route Coordinator at Raquel@costaricanbirdroute.com. Please also visit the website for the Costa Rican Bird Route (www.costaricanbirdroute.com) for more information on the CRBR.
RBG is also in need of assistance in the US. We are seeking people to assist with:
If you are interested in volunteering with our organization in other capacities, please send an email to us at info@rainforestbiodiversity.org. Subject: Volunteer / Intern.
