Overview
Volunteer on Wildlife Projects in Belize

This wildlife volunteer program takes volunteers to work on a variety of research projects in a number of locations and National Parks around Belize, Central America. As a volunteer, you will be involved in helping with the practical conservation of national parks and archaeological sites, as well as in research, education and helping with maintenance tasks such as conducting manatee surveys, assessing jaguar populations and running environmental field courses.

The volunteer program starts with a five day orientation course, which will provide you with the basic skills needed at the placements, as well as information on living and working in Belize, cultural awareness, and general health and safety issues. Then placements of 4 weeks and upwards are available with various conservation organizations

View Film Footage, images, blogs, stories from the field, video diaries and more at the programs media centre

Loved the whole time here – don't want to leave! I learnt some amazing things about the country and wildlife, conservation in general, and made some great friends who will stay with me.

Hannah Kidd, Volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

Our project partners are working towards the sustainable future of the natural resources for the people of Northeast Belize, through conservation, research, education and sustainable development. The volunteer programs are wide-ranging and focus heavily on engaging interest and participation in conservation activities – both at a local level, and by working with NGOs and government agencies.

Highlights

Having an in-depth orientation upon your arrival to learn about Belize and the volunteer projects GVI runs there; being involved in worthwhile conservation initiatives; contributing to research and education in stunning locations and National Parks in Belize; and you may be working with manatees or assisting research projects at the Blue Hole a world famous scuba diving site.

Location

The project base (where the orientation course and some of the placements take place) is based just outside the village of Sarteneja – a lobster fishing village in the North Eastern corner of Belize, which is located about three hours drive from Belize City. Placements with the Belize Audubon Society and the Institute of Archaeology are in a number of other locations around Belize.

Field Conditions

Most of the time, volunteers will live in basic, shared cabanas, so you should be prepared for some rustic conditions and basic living! All accommodation has cold running water (but no hot), and some have solar electricity. Laundry can be done in a bucket on-site. All meals are prepared by volunteers on a Rota basis.