Footprints that Matter

 My Sea Turtle Conservation Experience in Huidong  Where I’m Staying I'm staying at an eco-hostel near the beach in Huidong, China. It’s simple but cozy, with solar panels and recycling systems. I share rooms with other volunteers, and we all eat and work together. It’s peaceful and close to nature—perfect for a conservation experience.  The Weather The weather here is warm and humid, around 30°C during the day. There’s a nice ocean breeze and occasional rain, but nothing too strong. It’s ideal for sea turtles, especially during nesting season. The warm nights make beach patrols comfortable and beautiful.  Program Name and Purpose I’m part of the Huidong Sea Turtle Conservation Project, which aims to protect endangered sea turtles through rescue, research, and education. We support injured turtles, protect nests, and raise awareness in local communities. It’s a hands-on program with a real environmental impact. 5 Volunteer Activities I’ve Done So far, I’ve: 1. Fed tu...

  I am staying in a small hostel near the beach, which allows me to be close to the conservation area. The climate in Bali is tropical, with warm temperatures and high humidity, so it is perfect for sea turtles. Because of that, I have joined the program “Turtle Conservation in Bali,” whose purpose is to protect, rehabilitate, and release turtles back into the sea. At the moment, I am cleaning beaches, collecting trash, feeding baby turtles, repairing facilities, and planting mangroves. Soon, I will also join turtle releases, give educational talks, and help with night patrols of nests.  In order to make a positive impact, I recommend saving water to avoid waste, reducing plastics to protect the oceans, using sustainable transport to cut pollution, respecting natural habitats to protect species, and recycling to reduce waste.

I am currently staying in the Galapagos Islands, a truly magical place full of wildlife and natural wonders. The weather where I am, on the coast, is Mediterranean, with cool and rainy winters but very hot and dry summers. I am participating in the Giant Tortoise Conservation Volunteering Program, whose main purpose is to protect the Galapagos Giant Tortoises, an endangered species that plays a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem of the islands. So far, I have had the chance to do many activities that made me feel more connected to this mission. I helped protect the giant tortoises, participated in education and interaction with tourists and students alongside park rangers, and gained hands-on experience in wildlife conservation. I also immersed myself in the local culture, sharing moments with the community, and contributed to the physical maintenance of the Breeding Center to ensure a safe environment for the tortoises. In the next few days, I plan to focus on caring for and feed...

  I'm currently staying on the beautiful Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. The weather here is warm and tropical, with sunny mornings and cool nights, perfect for working on the beach. I'm participating in the Turtle Conservation Program with IVHQ. The goal of this program is to protect endangered sea turtles like the Leatherback, Green, Olive Ridley, and Hawksbill, helping more hatchlings survive to adulthood. So far, I have participated in five activities: So far, I have participated in five activities: Night beach patrols to locate nesting turtles. Collecting and protecting turtle eggs in hatcheries. Cleaning up beaches to reduce pollution. Replanting mangroves to restore ecosystems. Teaching basic English to local children. In the next few days, I plan to: Tag and count sea turtles. Assist at a local school's nutrition center. Help with light construction at a community center. Five recommendations to protect the environment: Redu...

I am staying in San José, Costa Rica, in shared housing with other volunteers from around the world. The weather is tropical—warm mornings and rainy afternoons—which makes working outdoors refreshing and fun. I joined the IVHQ Animal Care Program, whose purpose is to help abandoned dogs and cats, support shelters, and promote adoption. So far, I have bathed and groomed dogs, fed animals, cleaned cages, walked dogs, and talked to visitors about adoption. In the next days, I plan to assist with basic training, learn veterinary care, and organize a small awareness campaign. Recommendations to protect the environment: 1. Adopt animals – reduces strays. 2. Recycle – protects habitats. 3. Use reusables – avoids plastic waste. 4. Save water – it’s limited. 5. Support eco-friendly groups – they ensure sustainability. Cecilia Agustina Hernández Arce  NL.20

Wildlife and Heritage Conservation Volunteer Program in Croatia - Kuterevo When I stayed in Kuterevo, I was accommodated in a traditional local house right next to the sanctuary. I shared a simple yet cozy room with another volunteer, and although the space was modest, it had everything I needed—bedding, towels, a shared bathroom, a common area, and a kitchen where we could prepare our meals. The facilities were basic but sustainable, and one of the most interesting parts was using the ecological dry toilet with sawdust compost. At first it felt different, but I soon appreciated how this eco-friendly system really reflected the values of the sanctuary and showed us how to live in harmony with the environment. The weather was also part of the experience. Being on the Adriatic coast, I got to see how the Mediterranean climate shapes daily life. Winters were cool and rainy, with temperatures around 5–10°C (41–50°F), while the summer months were hot and dry, often reaching 26–30°C (79–86°F...