Calling for three volunteers, three months work in the Colombian Caribbean coast with Calipso Foundation for Reef Conservation Efforts(C FORCE)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: the volunteers will participate in basic experiments of social, educational, and ecological programs that will be offered part of a long-term reef restoration research project.

As such a project has a range of different demands, the foundation wishes to test the programs described within the project proposal for the year 2013.

Within that period of time the participants will have two weeks training in SCUBA (coral gardener course description available on the website) and informal education programming and implementation. For the rest of the period volunteers will be expected to plan and participate in at least four classes/activities with the local community per week and SCUBA gardening activities depending on the necessities of the underwater nursery in the park.

Requirements: SCUBA open water or equivalent international certification (dive experience of minimum 15 dives), traveling insurance, academic degree in biology/sociology (or related fields), patience and commitment to the foundations programs and objectives.

Advantages: Spanish language, SCUBA instructor certification, experience in: environmental education programs, social work,volunteers and tourism programs.

Cost: 2000$ U.S.

Includes: accommodation and food (local kitchen, three good meals a day), coral gardener course with NAUI international certification (advanced certification can be included within that program for no extra charges), at least 20 dives in the best sites of the area, at least one diving safari in Tayrona National Park, orientation and experience in educational work and environmental activities, meeting with the local fishermen community of Taganga, involvement in social/cultural investigation, familiarity with the beautiful area of Taganga and Santa Marta. At least one weekend a month there will be a group retreat to a different natural site.

Apart of the programs requirements, volunteers will have the opportunity to go on low-cost tours offered through the foundation’s social network or general orientation of safe destinations for short traveling in the region.

Interested candidates should send short CV to cforcefoundation@gmail.com including any question you may have about the program. Farther information about us is available in www.fundacioncalipso.org

Candidates with high profile match can ask for help in the financing of the volunteer programs explaining the reason for that request.

The program will start at the beginning of October and will last till the end of the year. Participants that prove capable will be considered as paid personnel for the programs of 2013.

Come and learn about reef restoration needs with us!

How to catch Lion Fish

There are many ways to catch this fish in the Caribbean areas. We are trying many techniques, including one simple. The simple way consists in bring a big transparent plastic bag underwater, and gloves. The idea is to push the fish to come into the bag. The first time that we try was dissapointing, because the fish knew all the time our personal intentions. So the catch was not that easy. With the help of two divers we could catch two lion fish. Inside the plastic bag the fish fight a lot and became very agressive. You need to work very carefull; in fact the spines of the fish can hurt you from the bag.

Coral Species Restoration in Tayrona National Park

SCOPE

The Scope of the project includes the creation of an environmental stakeholders group focused on the preservation of marine ecosystems, specifically coral species in Tayrona National Natural Park, located near the city of Santa Marta. Tayrona National park has great environmental importance because of their rich marine species. The ecosystems present in Tayrona are classified as some of the most productive, diverse, complex and valuable in the world.

As this program develops and expands, greater human inputs will be required to effeciently grow and implant coral specimens. We currently accepting recreational divers as partners to help us operate and maintain the coral garden. Through this program we offer a variety of interesting and fullfilling opportunities to divers. Opportunities include learning about environmental degration in marine environments, getting hands on experience in a unique field and gaining further experience and dive time. As the course grows, our intention is to develop this program to offer a holistic approach to community based environmental stewardship.

Volunteer in Coral Conservation Program

This is an opportunity for people that like to support a conservation program and also scuba Dive. Calipso Dive Center and Tayrona National Park in Taganga Colombia are running a midwater marine nursery to recover species of corals around the marine area, control lion fish, educating the local fisherman and monitoring the coral reef. We are looking for volunteers that want to help on the project. The cost of the volunteer program include dives, food and homestay in Taganga and in the field area. So, if you are looking for more information visit: www.calipsodivecenter.com.co or ask in this forum

Description
The volunteer will:
Help in the control of the lion fish
Monitoring the status of the coral reef in Tayrona National Park
Help in the maintenance of the midwater coral marine nursery in Gayraca Bay
Taking data of coral growth
Help in the cleaning of the Gayraca Beach and underwater cleaning up
Educate the local fisherman about conservation and restauration
Scuba diving almost everyday (almost 40 in a month)
Scuba diving in special places in Tayrona National Park, a unique program for calipso divers
Having camping inside the park without the stress of many people
Helping in the conservation of the Coral ecosystem
helping in the erradication of the lion fish

http://www.calipsodivecenter.com.co/