Introduction
Corcovado Foundation’s Eco Community Development Program located in Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula, Puntarenas, supports local families in making more sustainable use of their land. Volunteers in the program learn about and assist with a variety of regenerative practices that aim to improve food security, protect water resources, and restore biodiversity affected by human activity and climate change.
In addition to working on environmental initiatives, the program involves collaborating with local children through educational environmental groups. These activities teach them about the land, local wildlife, daily life practices, water and waste management, and both local and global cultures. Educational excursions are also arranged, helping them explore different cultures, as well as diverse ecosystems and species. Furthermore, a safe, supportive space is provided where the children can strengthen their academic skills.
Current status of restoration
Between 2021 and 2024, a total of 4,023 trees were planted on 4 hectares of pasture with local and international volunteers. Additionally, the 100% trees planted in 2023 and 2024 were tagged and biometrically collected, with a total of 20 tree monitoring trips conducted. A 300% increase in the richness of animal species present in the restoration area has been recorded.
What this position involves
By becoming a volunteer, you can understand the PURA VIDA essence, living in a rural and authentic experience, combining nature and culture near the most biologically intense place on earth due to its exuberant biodiversity. We need all hands on deck, and as a team, volunteers will learn about ecosystem restoration and help us in the following activities:
Ecosystem Restoration (The Bonn Challenge)
Our Ecosystem Restoration Team changes landscapes to change the future. As a team volunteer, you’ll learn about ecosystem restoration and help:
- Plant plants that attract pollinators
- Plant trees and help with the tree nurseries
- Collect seeds and plant 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 lands every day. Regenerative agriculture helps local families achieve more sustainable use of their land. As a team volunteer, you will learn about regenerative agriculture and help:
- Make compost and prepare organic fertilizers
- Help build and prepare planting beds
- Prepare and spread rainforest microorganisms
- Plant medicinal and aromatic plants
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 for children, youth, and adults.
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 the beautification of the community
Where are you going to live and work?
The program takes place throughout the Drake Bay area, comprised of small towns like Los
Angeles, Caletas, Los Planes, El Progreso, and Agujitas. Our operations center is in the community of El Progreso. Accommodation is at the Corcovado Foundation Biohostel. There you will be able to share experiences and get to know better the community and the culture of Drake and the people of the community, as well as the volunteers of different nationalities that we have at that time. You will stay in a mixed dorm with single beds and a shared bathroom. Note that the accommodation is standard. You will have a semi-private room, hot water, a shared bathroom, and a kitchen. You will receive three delicious daily meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can bring your own snacks if you require more meals a day.
Requirements
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Language Skills: You need to speak Spanish (basic level) or English (intermediate level)
- Passport photo, medical travel insurance policy, and fill out the volunteer registration form
- Good physical condition
- Respectful with communities and staff
- Volunteers must be friendly and communicative
- Be empathic and able to work in a team
Free time activities
As a volunteer, you will enjoy two free days each week, during which you may choose to take advantage of the facilities at the Environmental Center. In addition, you will find available, for a reasonable price, local tours, such as dart frogs, waterfalls, and night bug tours. The tours’ income helps local farmers maintain their forests’ standing. There are also free local activities, such as beach walks and bike rides, and the chance to go on long hikes to socialize with other volunteers and travelers.
How to apply
If you are excited about this volunteering position, please email your motivation letter and CV to us as soon as possible, along with any questions you have pertaining to this position.
Please also complete the Volunteer Registration Form and send it via email at least 2 weeks before your arrival. Besides the volunteer form, we will need you to send a copy of the passport and a copy if the insurance document.
You will receive a confirmation email and a comprehensive Volunteer Orientation Manual with detailed transportation information, what to bring, and what to expect.
