Volunteer on Elephants, Leopards, Turtles and Teaching in Sri Lanka

  Sri Lanka

Galle,  Hambantota,  Kandy,  Matale,  Matara,  Nuwara Eliya

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: SLWCS projects offer great opportunities for regular people to get involved in actual field research, in-situ conservation, community development and capacity building programs. We have been working with volunteers since 2000 and they have helped us immensely in fulfilling our goals and objectives. SLWCSs strong community and government institution ties, logistical capabilities and experience in in-situ research also enables us to effectively partner with trained individuals and groups from universities and conservation groups in conducting research and community development programs.

* Paying Volunteer programs for untrained individuals/groups.

We have a well established paying volunteer program for in-experienced but interested individuals from 2 weeks to 3 months.

Our program is called SciEscapes - which is dedicated to responsible travel to unique Sri Lankan destinations to aid in research for conservation of sri lankan wetlands, jungles and archeological ruins.

- Research and Conservation help our field scientists research the movement patterns of elephants, the effectiveness of electric fencing, do base-line surveys of communities, leopards, birds and other biodiversity. See some updates from the field here and our archives for reports from past volunteers.

- English for Conservation teach English in rural villagers to give local people more opportunities by building their capacity and value in the workplace.

* Independent Volunteers - For skilled and partially funded individuals/groups.

Independent volunteers have joined us since 2003 to help initiate and sustain various projects aimed at helping us achieve our long term mission and vision. We have a need for individuals with the relevant background and experience to work on both our existing and planned projects around Sri Lanka. Unless otherwise discussed and mentioned individuals who apply must be at least partially funded and be willing to commit at least 1 month in Sri Lanka plus necessary time before and after the project in completing the identified objectives.

1. Engineers/Computer Scientists
a. Design and implementation of elephant ID system using facial recognition software.
b. Design of low cost and transportable elevated hides/watch huts
c. Design of small scale power plants using non-polluting fuels (wind, solar, mini-hydro, dendro etc)

2. Web/Graphic Designers (work can be done without coming to Sri Lanka)
a. Re-design and/or maintenance of SLWCS website and promotional materials for the society.
b. Design of promotional materials for the society (calendars, pamphlets, banners etc)
c. Design of educational material about Sri Lankan Natural History.

3. Hikers/Outdoorpeople
a. Exploration and GIS mapping of a little studied and relatively remote mountain forest system in Central Sri Lanka.

4. English Teachers
a. Trained teachers who can handle teaching English with use of a translator in remote project sites with little outside support and rudimentary facilities.

5. GIS Professionals (6 months plus commitment on stipend basis or less on volunteer basis)
a. Development of GIS and Remote Sensing capacity.
b. Conservation priority setting at macro and micro scales. Developing both complex raster-based arithmetic models and very simple, yet effective, methodologies for priority setting.
c. Gap analysis to identify areas containing endangered species that are not protected.
d. Project monitoring. Are conservation activities having the desired effect on land use?
e. Participatory land use planning and community mapping. Satellite imagery and GIS derived maps are often valuable tools as well, particularly for illustrating that deforestation is occurring and forest resources are finite.
f. Patrol planning. Using GIS to maximize patrol efficiency via explicit spatial planning.
g. Ecological research. There are a number of simple and relatively inexpensive ways to use - GIS to map wildlife (and human) distributions.
h. Land use/cover change monitoring. Land cover change analyses can be conducted to measure habitat change.
i. Field Scouts Program. By integrating data collected by field scouts into a GIS, the scouts can see how there data can be used to make maps. This can help encourage participation and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment among scouts.

6. Biodiversity Studies.
a. MSc thesis or higher level students who want to study biodiversity in Sri Lanka in collaboration with SLWCS with permission from relevant government institutions.

7. Veterinarians
a. We get many requests from vets to come and help but we do not have any programs for such people. However there is a big need for this in the areas we work. As a 1st stage we need a volunteer to develop a program structure and possible funding sources.

Highlights: Our programs are designed for the inquisitive traveler who is looking for an authentic life experience. This tour is developed to let individuals be a part of the conservation movement in Sri Lanka. Our goal is to broaden peoples' understanding of the country and its wildlife, while allowing people to be involved in this unique experience collaborating with international and local scientists while you learn about the endangered wildlife and support community development. As a member of one of our teams you will work with individuals from our partner organization, SLWCS and contribute to important, often groundbreaking research.

Highlights of the Sci Escapes Research Programs include:
* Help identify various species and monitor animal behavior for ongoing research projects.
* Gather ecological data to develop management strategies to conserve endangered species and their habitats
* Help to conduct biodiversity surveys to develop list of species and maps to identify critical habitats for wildlife.
* Work on community development and outreach programs to channel benefits from tourism and science to local communities
* Go birding to observe nearly 450 species of birds, which includes 26 endemic species, including the gorgeous Sri Lankan Blue Magpie
* Spend time in tree huts observing elephants, interviewing villagers and surveying crop damages to resolve human-elephant conflicts
* Take a day off and laze on the beach or travel to isolated fishing hamlets along the coast and observe whales, dolphins and elephants within minutes of one another.
* Take a day off and laze on the beach or travel to isolated fishing hamlets along the coast and observe whales, dolphins and elephants within minutes of one another.

Research programs available for participation will vary depending on the time of year and conservation issues that are being addressed. Some programs could be concluded or halted due to seasonal weather. Alternate project sites are always available so please request information prior to making your booking.

Qualifications: No previous experience is necessary.

Cost in US$: 250

Pre-Departure:
- Full volunteer briefings via email
- Field Reps: SLWCS has a great team of ex-Volunteers who are only too happy to talk about their personal experiences
- Expedition / Project Field Training Material
- A website for detailed information that is frequently updated on the society's work in Sri Lanka . We will be sending you detailed project information, our risk assessment, travel suggestions etc as well after you sign up for a slot.

In the Field:
- Welcome and Orientation session
- Food, Accommodation and transportation
- 24 hour emergency phone line in the USA and Sri Lanka .
- Fully comprehensive on-site training
- Training materials
- You will always have the full support of the SLWCS, Escape Tourism and their partner groups/agencies staff.

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 17+

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Sri Lanka Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 2

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society's Mission Statement: The Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society (SLWCS) is the first organization established outside of Sri Lanka with the sole purpose to conserve the dwindling biodiversity of Sri Lanka. Experiences over the last decade have led the SLWCS to work towards a new model of sustainable conservation, one in which all stakeholders are involved in the decision making processes and ultimately share the benefits from the work done. Presently, our efforts include: Assessments (Sociological, Economical, and Ecological) of the diverse habitats of threatened species, landscapes, and communities Implementation of projects for the protection of biodiversity in priority areas, development of ecological awareness in Sri Lanka and internationally. Additionally, we strive to promote cooperation between government institutions and local communities in order to find strategic long-term solutions.

Year Founded: 1997