Volunteer with turtles in Ghana

Global Vision International

There are three types of sea turtle nesting on the beaches in Ghana: the Olive Ridley, the Leatherback and the Green Turtle. All of these turtles are endangered species, and it is very important that we protect these fascinating creatures from the dangers they face. The Ghana Wildlife Society is worried that “given the current rate of killing the turtles, they will soon be extinct.” Volunteers will play an extremely important role in the protection of turtles and in the long term conservation Ghana’s wildlife.

The volunteers’ responsibilities are diverse, but will include beach patrols, collecting eggs and releasing hatchlings, research, and educating locals on the importance of protecting their wildlife from extinction. The conservation area is a five kilometer stretch of palm fringed beach. Female turtles emerge from the sea at night to lay their eggs on the beach, which leaves them in a vulnerable position. Volunteers will patrol the beach to monitor turtle nesting and to prevent the female from being disturbed whilst laying.

The project is located in a coastal fishing and farming community in the most south-westerly part of Ghana. Volunteers stay in simple dormitory huts, the camp is a relaxed beach-side environment where volunteers can unwind after a day of working on the Turtle project and meet new friends. Volunteer placements start on the first Saturday of each month.