Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation

What services does your organization provide?
The Cano Palma Biological Station is active in many research and conservation projects throughout the year. These include current activities such as marine turtle monitoring and conservation, herptile monitoring programs, resident and migratory bird monitoring, large mammal and primate monitoring. The station is accepting researchers and volunteers interested in these and any other relevant programs.

Do you have any age requirements?
Volunteers to the Cano Palma Biological Station are able to assist researchers in the monitoring programs. Volunteers must be physically able to participate in the monitoring programs and be able to commit a minimum amount of two consecutive weeks at the station to volunteer.

Do you require language proficiency other than in English?
Fluency in spanish is highly recommended

What time commitment(s) are you expecting from a volunteer?
Minimum of two weeks, but it is recommended 4 weeks to gain the full experience of volunteering at the station.

Are there any specific skills and experience required?
It is highly recommeneded that volunteers have a basic understanding of biology but it is not necessary. Experience working in or visiting a tropical climate will be beneficial.

What type of volunteer positions are typically available?
Volunteers at the station will assist with the current and active monitoring programs that are running at the station during the time chosen to volunteer. Different monitoring programs are active at different times throughout the year.

Is there any training provided for volunteers?
The first week at the station is designated as the training week where volunteers will learn the basic skills necessary in order to assist with the monitoring programs.

What are the typical volunteer activities occurring at your organization?
Volunteers typically assist project coordinators in locating the study animals and then assist with the data collection dependant upon the protocols set in the monitoring program.

How will a person benefit from volunteering with Canadian Organization for Tropical Education and Rainforest Conservation?
Volunteers are a highly valuable benefit to the station as the many monitoring programs require as much assistance as can be found. Volunteers in turn can leave the station having gained the wonderful and rewarding life experience of helping to work towards the conservation of some of the most endangered animals found today.