Costa Ricaenjoys a large numbers of visitors due to its lush vegetation and exotic wildlife.  Eco tourism continues to grow and the government is outpacing the rest of the world with its announcement that Costa Rica will be the first country in the world to be carbon neutral by 2021.  Local and international interest continues to grow in their groundbreaking free volunteer programs to preserve and maintain their environmental treasures.  With over 25% of the countries , landmass contained in national parks or protected areas it is one of the most environmentally conscious places in the world to volunteer.

Although Costa Rica accounts for less than .1% of the earth’s landmass, it contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity.  National parks, protected reserves, and private sanctuaries guard against development and poaching.  Volunteers create and maintain trails to facilitate movement through the rough and often overgrown terrain.  They also scout for caves and other interesting natural features when planning the creating of hiking trails for eco tourism.  Imagine the excitement of discovering an unknown waterfall or geological feature.  Volunteers also teach English so that local native tour guides can lead visitors along the scenic paths explaining as they go.  The ability to speak the second language also opens up numerous other employment opportunities.

In areas that have experienced erosion due to deforestation or poor agricultural practices, volunteers help to stabilize the land and reintroduce foliage to prevent future erosion.  Residents are given training in sustainable farming practices with a focus on crops that will take well to the particular soil, moisture, sunlight, or other local considerations.  Food crops are often the primary source of food, but with adequate production and farming methods this can quickly become a means of income for small farmers.  Setting up shop in village markets to sell excess produce is frequently the only source of income a rural family may have.  This income can be increased with better seed stock, fertilization information, and crop rotation practices.  Depending on season and location, volunteers may also be accepted to help harvest local crops like vanilla or coffee beans.

The land and the plant life aren’t all that receive interest in Costa Rica ; animals gather plenty of attention and support.  Volunteers assist researchers by documenting the quantity of specimens found, eating habits, and habitat preferences of monkeys, birds, and plenty of other critters.  These statistics help researchers determine the health of the general animal population and find the best places to reintroduce animals back into the wild.  Help is needed caring for injured animals that are rescued from traffickers and poachers.  Too often a parent is killed and the young aren’t old enough to care for themselves.  This work isn’t just playing with exotic animals; veterinarians and veterinary assistance are needed to assist with life threatening injuries.

You aren’t the only one who wants to volunteer for free in Costa Rica , what could be more fun than standing on a moonlight tropical beach watching over thousands of baby turtles as they race over the sand toward the sea.