The mission of Yotvata Hai-Bar (Wildlife Preserve) Nature Reserve is to establish reproduction groups for populations of wild animals that are mentioned in the Bible; but have disappeared from the landscape, as well as for other endangered desert animals. The reserve is dotted with Acacia trees and includes a variety of desert habitats: an Acacia forest, a salt marsh, and sand dunes. The reserve has three parts: a three-acre penned-in open area, where herds of herbivorous animals live in conditions similar to those in the wild; the Predators Centre, where reptiles, small desert animals, and large predators are on display; and the Desert Night Life Exhibition Hall, where night and day are reversed so that visitors to the reserve can observe nocturnal animals during their active hours. Long-term volunteers are needed to join the Israel Nature & Parks Authority (NPA) staff with its on-going conservation and animal care work at the Wildlife Preserve.
Volunteer Tasks and contribution
Volunteers will become an integral part of the NPA staff at the Wildlife preserve and other nature reserves in the southern region of the Arava and Eilat. Duties include: Feeding animals and cleaning habitats, maintenance, observations and data collection, accompanying & assisting park rangers, field work and constructing enrichment facilities. Long-term volunteer may be asked to lead short term workcamps of 6 volunteers at the preserve.
Project Dates
the project begins on the first Sunday of each month from the 01 June 2008 01 march 2009; a minimum commitment of 8 weeks is required.
Minimum Requirements
• Age above 18
• Keen interest in nature conservation and field work
• High level of independence and flexibility
• Full travel and health insurance
• Conversational English
• Physically fit
• Good health
• letter of motivation is required
Available places
2 international volunteers at any given time.
Language
English
Accommodation
International volunteers will stay in a shared apartment in the centre of Eilat with the Israeli National Service volunteers. Apartment includes: rooms suited for 2 people, beds, bathroom, shower, and fully equipped kitchen.
Participation fee
€190
Price includes
· • Administration
• Accommodation
• Professional training & supervision
You should take in to account...
· • Flights to Israel and transportation to project
• Food (around 5 – 10 Euros per day)
• You are required to purchase full travel and health insurance
• Personal expenses (i.e. alcohol, clothes, etc…)
Nearest airport
Eilat Airport. Volunteers may also arrive by bus from BenGurion Airport, Tel Aviv.
Meeting point
Eilat Main Bus Station, full details will be sent upon application
How do I register?
Stage 1: If you would like to join this project, please complete the application form and submit it to GoEco.
Stage 2: Once we receive your application form, GoEco will evaluate your suitability for the project that you have chosen. At the same time, we will check the availability of dates. (When completing your registration form, it is advisable to indicate a second and third choice in case your first choice is fully booked or the dates requested are not available). Once GoEco receives confirmation of your acceptance to the project, we will notify you immediately by email.
Stage 3: Once you have been accepted on a project and we have answered any additional queries that you may have, you will be asked to transfer the participation fee of €190 in order to reserve your place within 7 days. This payment is non-refundable.
Stage 4: After receiving your deposit, GoEco will send you a Disclaimer
form and a Declaration form as well as a file containing all the relevant information about the project, including recommended ways to reach the site. You should return the two forms, duly signed, by mail to our office. Only upon the receipt of these forms, will we be able to complete the registration process.
General note: It is important for you to know that during the registration process and the duration of the project, the GoEco team is always on hand to answer your questions and offer any assistance needed.
