Volunteers
Due to insufficient funding, Bacalar Chico NP/MR is under-staffed. To resolve this problem a volunteer program has been set up whereby a maximum of four volunteers at a time for a minimum period of three months can assist with small conservation related projects. The volunteers will also be given time off to travel about Belize to go site seeing.
Goals of Volunteer Scheme
- Long term volunteers for Bacalar Chico NP/MR.
- A worthwhile, educational experience for students while working to assit with the protection of this World Heritage Site.
Requirements of Marine Reserve
- Long term commitment of AT LEAST 3 months.
- Initiative & enthusiasm
- Mature volunteers- at least 19 years of age. Preferably first or second year students.
- Prepared to be treated like staff.
- Flexible and prepared to do their fair share of all domestic chores.
- Preferably interested in the environment / marine biology, but not expert.
- No illegal drugs.
- Divers or artists useful.
Typical Time Frame
Week 1 - Orientation.
Weeks 2-3 - assigned project.
Week 4 - Week off / travelling time.
Weeks 5-7 - Continue work on assigned project.
Week 8 - Week off / raveling time.
Weeks 9-11 - Continue work on project.
Week 12 - Depart from Bacalar Chico.
NOTE: YOUR STAY CAN BE LONGER.
N.B.
Post-placement travelling time is optional an its length is entirely up to the volunteer, however, total working time must be at least 10 weeks.
Volunteer Job description
Volunteers are required to remain at Bacalar Chico for 21 days of each month. The fourth week is a week off and the volunteer is free to leave Bacalar Chico to travel. Arrangements will be made to pick up and drop off the volunteer to and from San Pedro only.
All Volunteers are subject to the same rules as staff and are required, on request, to perform any reasonable tasks that is assigned to staff members. Otherwise, volunteers participate primarily in two programs: Education and Surveys.
Education
- Creating and maintaining interpretive signs within BC.
- Creating displays for the two visitor centers.
- Assist in the design and improvements of recreational activities.
- Assist with the preparation of brochures, news articles and quarterly news letters.
Surveys:
- Assist biologist and ranger in collecting marine and terrestial biological and phsysical data*
- Accompany rangers on surveillance patrols within the National Park and the Marine Reserve
- Assist the biologist with analysis of the data
* After you apply to volunteer a specific project plan will be sent to you at least three months prior to your arrival.
Other Work
- Assist with maintenance of the field station and its facilities
- Participate in staff meetings