MARINE CONSERVATION & CORAL REEF RESTORATION

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MARINE CONSERVATION & CORAL REEF RESTORATION - Become a skillful ecological diver and help protect the beautiful caribbean marine environment

Program Description
Embark on an exciting diving internship, progressing to "Open Water Diver" and "Coral Reef Conservation" training with PADI. Already an Open Water Diver or equivalent? Get a 200 Euro discount or AOWD certification. Upgrade options available for Rescue Diver, Dive Master, and specialties. Gain valuable diving skills while protecting marine life. Contribute to marine conservation without prior experience. Leave with professional certifications and unforgettable memories from a stunning marine environment! Samaná Bay is a breeding ground for humpback whales and a vital fishing ground. Tourism impact on coastal-marine ecosystems raises concern. Unregulated tours and hotel developments threaten biodiversity and reproductive sites for whales and turtles. Las Terrenas hosts vital ecosystems like mangroves, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs. Deforestation and contamination damage resilience, increasing vulnerability to tropical storms.

Volunteer placement or internship
Our program offers flexible commitment options for volunteers, ranging from a minimum of 4 hours daily up to to 40 hours per week - you decide! If you're joining as an intern, we understand that your school or university may have specific requirements. Please inform us in advance about your internship criteria, enabling us to tailor a personalized work plan to suit your needs. Share your expectations and goals with us, and we'll work together to ensure you achieve them. We are happy to give students academic credit or provide a report outlining the learning outcomes and deliverables achieved during the internship.

What to expect
With the Open Water Diver International Diploma and the coral reef conservation specialty training, you'll have the skills to dive up to 18m deep and actively participate in marine conservation along Las Terrenas' coast. After acquiring the necessary training, starting from the second week of your internship, you'll engage in various marine conservation activities. These include working on projects related to coral nurseries, conducting scientific monitoring of mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, as well as raising awareness in the community about environmental importance and waste management. Seaborne diving activities are subject to weather patterns and sea conditions, making the work dynamic and rewarding, albeit demanding. Physical fitness is crucial, but no Spanish language skills are required to make a meaningful contribution to marine protection. This program offers an excellent opportunity to become a passionate, qualified diver while actively contributing to the preservation of the marine environment.

Holidays

Christmas Holidays from December 16 until January 06, 2025.

Attention: Volunteers are welcome to stay at our Volunteer Guesthouse during Dominican Christmas and new year holidays! Even though working and business life comes to a halt through this two week period when the whole country is celebrating Christmas, our volunteers are welcome to celebrate Christmas and new year together with us and the Dominican people!

Activities can include but are not limited to

• Gain all important diving skills and certifications as part of marine conservation project
• Regular theory and practice classes as well as studies and research on marine conservation related subjects
• Explanation of the conservation project and ecology of the species Acropora cervicornis (staghorn coral)
• Training in monitoring and elaboration of baseline for the mangrove of seagrass project
• Demonstration of cleaning and routine maintenance techniques of aquatic coral nurseries
• Assist actively with the monitoring of coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrasses
• Help with conservation awareness raising activities through Workshops, Movies, etc.
• Assist with the maintenance, protection and restoration of aquatic coral nurseries
• Assist with the elaboration of Beach profiles and the elaboration of their baseline
• Submarine Beach Cleanings, regular beach and river cleaning up

Requirements
No experience or Spanish skills required. Ideal participants interested in diving and marine conservation, proactive, and willing to learn. Bring your personal wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins or borrow from us. Rest of scuba gear provided. Five flexible working days per week. Non-diving conservation and educational activities included. Adaptability, responsibility, commitment, and patience expected. Work is rewarding and varied but demanding. Physical fitness is important, no Spanish required.

Availability
Starting dates are flexible

Time Commitment
A minimum time commitment of 2 weeks is required and can be extended up to one year

Placement Location
Las Terrenas

About your Placement Location
The Aldeas de Paz Foundation is based in the charming coastal villages of Samana and Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic. Samana, in the north-eastern corner, has about 15,000 inhabitants and is renowned for its safety, tranquil atmosphere, and beautiful beaches. The community values social responsibility and exudes a secure, small European town vibe. The Dominican Republic's countryside is widely recognized for its peacefulness, making it one of the safest regions in the Caribbean. When you join our program, you'll experience a welcoming and secure environment while contributing to meaningful projects in this picturesque part of the world.

Accommodation
Discover our sought-after volunteer guesthouse apartments in Samaná and Las Terrenas, offering convenience, safety, and scenic beauty. Standard accommodation includes shared rooms for bonding with fellow volunteers from diverse backgrounds. Choose from double, single, or homestay options to immerse in local culture. Enjoy free wifi and access to a washing machine. Collaborate with volunteers worldwide for a rich cultural exchange and lifelong friendships. Join us in creating a respectful and supportive community, ensuring a personally rewarding volunteering experience. Be part of this meaningful journey and leave with unforgettable memories and lasting friendships.

Travel Logistics
Volunteer safety is our top priority. Upon your arrival at the airport, our friendly English-speaking driver will be there to greet you and help with your transit to the bus terminal. They'll ensure you have a direct and comfortable bus ticket to Samana, your placement location (approximately 2 hours). Once you arrive, our dedicated staff and fellow volunteers will warmly welcome you and escort you to your accommodation.

Costs & Benefits
At Aldeas de Paz, we are committed to affordability and financial transparency with our open book policy. Our minimum contribution starts at just €180 per week (after the second week). This inclusive package covers Spanish language classes, comfortable accommodation in fully equipped guesthouse apartments, a dedicated program donation, personal welcome service, airport pick-up, bus transfer, bus fare, and a free transfer to your placement location.

This is included:

• Airport welcome service & transfer to your placement location
• Fully equipped Accommodation in Las Terrenas or Samana depending where you will be placed
• Free WiFi & access to washing machine
• Free regular Spanish lessons throughout your placement
• Placement introduction, certificate & student credit
• Open Water Diver" or "Advanced Open Water Diver" and "Coral Reef Conservation" training
  (Professional Diving equipment is provided but you are welcome to bring your own personal wetsuit as well as mask, snorkel and fins which (can also be locally lend or purchased )
• Full support and 24/7 backup from local staff
• Information about adventure packages & in-country travel

Special Offer
Enjoy free Spanish language classes for volunteers and interns, emphasizing practical communication skills. Develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities naturally, similar to learning one's mother tongue. From day one, you'll use Spanish in real-life situations with role-plays, situational dialogues, and work projects complementing the basic syllabus. Beyond the classroom, immerse yourself in the Spanish language and Dominican culture for a continuous learning experience.

Program Highlights

• Immerse in the vibrant Dominican lifestyle, embracing the rhythm of Caribbean music
• Master Spanish fluency through free classes and embrace daily life with locals.
• Fuel your passion for learning and boost your career with international experience.
• Create unforgettable memories with weekend excursions alongside fellow participants.
• Relish the stunning beaches of Samana, conquer Pico Duarte's peaks, and explore Santo Domingo's historical colonial town.

What makes the Dominican Republic and Samana unique?
Samana, a captivating peninsula in the northeastern part of the Dominican Republic, boasts breathtaking beauty. With its lush coconut trees extending into the sea, it feels like a secluded island. The town of Samana is a picturesque and tranquil port, where friendly locals engage in tourism, agriculture, and fishing, all accompanied by the lively rhythms of Merengue, Bachata, and Salsa music. A two-kilometer-long Malecon (seaside promenade) offers delightful strolls day and night, leading to a variety of charming restaurants and bars, perfect for relaxing evenings. Surrounding the peninsula, you'll find hundreds of fantastic beaches, ready to be explored on day trips or weekend getaways. Embrace the Dominican lifestyle, enjoying the soothing rhythm of Caribbean music in this idyllic destination!

Contact Information
Project/charity name: Fundación Aldeas de Paz
Address: Samana, Dominican Republic
Whatsapp: +1 829 7055 123
E-Mail: mail@peacevillages.org
Webpage: https://www.peacevillages.org/endangered-species-conservation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook/AldeasdePaz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AldeasDePaz
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AldeasDePaz
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Peacevillages