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San Cristobal Biological Reserve

Habitat and Location

The San Cristobal reserve is located in the highlands of San Cristobal Island, in the Galapagos chain, on a 200 hectare site where there is still native vegetation. The native vegetation consists of Miconias, ferns and other native herbacious species.

The objective of the station is to develop the technology to reconstruct native habitat in the highlands on San Cristobal, and to serve as a centre for similar projects in the highlands on other populated islands in the Galapagos chain. The remaining native highland forest on these islands is limited due to farming and the introduction of invasive species from the mainland. The reserve has a Plant Conservation Center for the production of native plant species for this work.

In addition the Station is working collaboratively with local landowners to develop clean agricultural alternatives for the production of vegetables and fruits to sell to local restaurants and hotels. Due to the extensive importation of products from the mainland, invasive species are entering the Galapagos on a daily basis.

Volunteers will work on both the habitat restoration and agricultural components while at the reserve. In addition Station staff will lead volunteers on various destination hikes throughout the reserve and nearby locations to explain the ecological and human dynamic of Galapagos. The San Cristobal reserve is still developing in terms of infrastructure and therefore volunteeers should expect to be involved in manual labour such as construction of new facilities and clearing the bush for new hiking trails.

Costs

The higher price for this reserve reflects the increased cost of living on the Galapagos, due to their isolation. Volunteers are also required to pay for their flights to the Islands (approximately US $420) and a $100 USD Galapagos park fee in cash upon arrival at the airport; this is charged to all visitors to the island.

• Cost for 2 weeks - US $702
• Cost for 3 weeks - US $902
• Cost for 4 weeks - US $1097
• Cost for 5 weeks - US $1277
• Cost for 6 weeks - US $1447
• Cost for 7 weeks - US $1622
• Cost for 8 weeks - US $1792
• Cost for 9 weeks - US $1972
• Cost for 10 weeks - US $2137
• Cost for 11 weeks - US $2317
• Cost for 12 weeks - US $2487

Accommodation

Basic accommodation is provided with comfortable single and bunk beds with sheets, pillows and mosquito nets provided. There is no hot water, but there is sporadic electricity and surprisingly nice external showers and flush toilets.

Volunteer Activities

Activities include clearing land of invasive plant species in the wildlife corridor established on the Reserve, digging and planting new gardens, recognizing and collecting seeds from native plants, identifying and tagging native plants, making fertilizer, construction of volunteer housing, and repair and maintenance of the Reserves water supply. Volunteers work around 5-7 hours each day.

Free Time

In their spare time, volunteers can go to the beach, bushwalking, and hang out with the reserve staff. On weekends you can go and stay in town (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno) at a hostel for around $10/night. There are plenty of restaurants and good bars to go to at night. You can also take day snorkelling and island tours.

Number of Volunteers

The San Cristobal reserve currently has a maximum of 29 volunteers.

Spanish Requirements

You can get by without knowing Spanish, but the more you know the more you will gain during your time on the reserve from being able to converse with the local people.

To apply for this program, click here.

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