Corcovado Eco Community Development

We’re putting words into action:

For 2021, the Corcovado Foundation has aligned with United Nations objectives to prevent, stop, and reverse the degradation of global ecosystems. Our new programs are action-based initiatives for ecosystem restoration and regenerative agriculture. Foundation volunteers learn and support local community in various regenerative practices and improve food security, protect water supplies, and restore levels of biodiversity compromised by human and climate disruption

With this program, you will do a combination of activities that include the following: forest restoration, regenerative agriculture, and community activities.

Be the difference the world needs.

Ecosystem Restoration (The Bonn Challenge)

Our Ecosystem Restoration Team changes landscapes to change the future.

The Bonn Challenge began in 2011 as a global initiative to bring 150 million hectares of degraded and deforested landscapes into restoration by 2020, and 350 million hectares by 2030. Costa Rica is one of the nations that pledged land for this purpose and this year, the Corcovado Foundation is joining the challenge to hit the 350 million mark.

About the Work

As a team volunteer, you’ll learn about ecosystem restoration and help:

Plant plants that attract pollinators
Plant trees and helping on the tree nurseries
Collect seeds and planting seedlings
Make perches for birds to help them disperse seeds
Place and monitor camera traps to monitor wildlife activity

Organic Regenerative Agriculture

Our Organic Agriculture Team transforms lives and land, every day.

Regenerative agriculture helps local families achieve more sustainable use of their land. You’ll show them sustainable best practices and put those new skills into action by helping us maintain orchards in schools and on farms, promote food independence, reduce water pollution, and lower carbon dioxide levels.

About the Work

As a team volunteer, you’ll learn about ecosystem restoration and help:

Make compost and prepare organic fertilizers
Help build and prepare planting beds
Prepare and spread rainforest microorganisms
Plant medicinal and aromatic plants

Regenerative farmers see amazing transformations on their land, but it is a slow process that requires a lot of work and perseverance. In the future, they see improvements in soil health and fertility, evidenced by healthier crops and improved yields. These results change livelihoods and attitudes, making life better for people, farms, and the environment in regions where regenerative organic agriculture has become the new way of farming. The local families that we will support are in the process of beginning to transform their way of farming, to become regenerative farmers, with your support, carrying out this process can be of great help, so that they can be successful.

Community Support

Drake Bay is a very isolated district, with many social and educational needs. Therefore, our program seeks to support community organizations promoting educational, sports and cultural activities, both for children, youth and adults.

Our team works in coordination with community groups to organize activities of different types that promote the sustainable development of our community.

You will be supporting different types of activities that the community needs, according to your skills or experience:

Support classes for boys and girls
Art workshops
Sports workshops
Craft workshops
Environmental education with children
Support in the beautification of the community

Join us as a Corcovado Foundation program volunteer and be the difference the world needs!

Volunteer Today!

Placements are available from: 15th January – 15th December

Minimum stay:

None.

Requirements:

Aged 16 or older, in good physical condition, with intermediate level Spanish. You must be friendly, communicative and able to work for 4 to 6 hours per day, 5 days a week. You must have a medical travel insurance policy for the duration of your stay.

Location

All volunteers will be based in the village of El Progreso, Drake Bay, on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Accomodation is in shared rooms in our Environmental Center. This vibrant community is right on the doorstep of attractions such as Corcovado National Park and Isla el Cano, as well as several pristine Pacific beaches. We recommend that volunteers travel by ‘bus and boat’ or by plane to reach the program from San Jose. More information about transportation can be found on the Volunteer Orientation Manual.

What about Free Time?

As a volunteer you will be assigned 2 free days each week, during which you may choose to take advantage of the facilities at the Center, our non profit hostel, which offers tours, activities and the chance to socialize with other volunteers and travelers.

How much does it Cost?

Please see below the rates per person expressed in US dollars:

$315 per week

*This amount covers accommodation, three meals per day and training. It does not cover the arrival and departure costs to/from the project, nor tours and other expenses.

* Ask for the daily rates and rates for stays longer than 30 days.

Important Note: There is no ATM in Drake Bay, so you should make sure that you bring enough cash for the duration of your stay.

Apply Now!

Please complete the Volunteer Registration Form and send via email to zoraida@corcovadofoundation.org at least 2 weeks prior to your arrival.

You will receive a confirmation email, along with a comprehensive Volunteer Orientation Manual with detailed information about transportation, what to bring and what to expect.