Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteering in Sri Lanka

• Nesting Site Monitoring: Assist in monitoring nesting beaches for turtle activity. Record data on nesting behaviour, nest locations, and nesting success rates. Implement measures to protect nests from natural and human-related threats. 

• Hatchling Release: Participate in the release of hatchlings (baby turtles) into the ocean. Ensure the safe passage of hatchlings from the nest to the sea. Monitor and document hatchling behaviour and survival rates. 

• Beach Cleanups: Engage in beach cleanup activities to remove debris and litter from nesting beaches. Create a safe and clean environment for nesting turtles and hatchlings. Raise awareness about the importance of keeping beaches clean for marine life. 

• Education Outreach: Assist in educational outreach programs aimed at local communities and schools. Deliver presentations and workshops on turtle conservation and environmental stewardship. Foster a sense of environmental responsibility and inspire conservation action among community members.

Throughout their placement, they're not tourists in Sri Lanka; they'll be residents. Sharing a house, room, and facilities with teammates, living with a local family provides the chance to truly immerse themselves and become integral to the community. The homestay, situated in the same area where they work, offers basic but comfortable accommodations during the week.

The homestay is located in an attractive environment, prompting volunteers to venture out on Friday afternoons to spend weekends embracing culture and comfort. 

Whether they fancy scaling some of the world's most impressive cultural sites, the weekend holds endless possibilities, while their homestay family enjoys well-deserved time off with friends and family.

Homestays also include breakfast, lunch, and dinner during weekdays and dinner on Sundays. During, the weekend they can enjoy as they wish, being an opportunity to explore various local restaurants.

Volunteers can feel free to explore the wonders of Sri Lanka during their weekends, where they'll encounter breathtaking beaches, landscapes, waterfalls, mountains, and more. While we don't organize activities during this time off, our local staff members and coordinators are ready to provide invaluable assistance in arranging travel around Sri Lanka, (a natural paradise in Asia.)

For those staying with host families, there's the opportunity to engage in various rituals and cultural activities that are part of Sri Lankan home life. Wander through streets and markets, embark on hikes or cycling adventures, and connect with local residents to deal deeper into their culture and traditions. 

Some must-visit places in Sri Lanka include Nuwara Eliya and its Tea Plantations, Colombo city area, Mirissa, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Great Adam's Peak, Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth, Galle with its Dutch Fort, Whale Safari, and Yala National Park (home to the Asian Elephant and Leopard).

Upon volunteers' arrival in Sri Lanka, they will be welcomed by a seasoned team of in-country field staff. This dedicated team consists of mature, educated, and socially respected individuals with a strong commitment to humanitarian work, boasting extensive experience in collaborating with international volunteers.

The main point of contact for volunteers will be the in-country coordinator. This individual takes charge of organizing airport transfers, arranging accommodations and meals, providing a comprehensive orientation covering culture, safety, and service work, facilitating introductions to host families and project staff, and conducting periodic visits and calls to monitor progress. Volunteers are encouraged to reach out to the coordinator at any time for questions, concerns, or advice, and the coordinator will gladly offer assistance.