Sri Lanka – Environmental Conservation Program

The volunteer program is in and around the Galle District, a region known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant local communities. The district is home to a variety of ecosystems, including coastal wetlands, rainforests, and coral reefs, as well as historic sites such as the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unawatuna Beach, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous beaches, is less than 100 metres away from the volunteer villa. You can find opportunities for surfing, diving, snorkelling, beaching, and more nearby.

As a volunteer, you will have a role in preserving and maintaining Sri Lanka’s natural environment. You will work closely with local conservation teams and other volunteers on various projects, such as:

• Mangrove reforestation | Identifying areas where mangrove trees have been depleted and planting new trees. You will also help with maintenance tasks, such as watering and weeding, to ensure the trees can grow successfully.
• Organic farming | Assisting with planting, harvesting, and maintaining organic crops alongside local farmers. You will learn about natural fertilizers and pest control methods, and help with tasks such as composting and crop rotation.
• Waste management education and guidance sessions | Taking part in educational sessions to learn about proper waste management practices, such as recycling and composting. You will then work with local communities to implement these practices and raise awareness about the importance of waste reduction.
• Building EcoBricks | Collecting non-biodegradable waste and filling plastic bottles with the waste to create EcoBricks. You will then use these bricks for construction projects, such as building benches, walls, or other structures.
• Planting new seeds | Working in the nursery to plant new seeds and caring for them until they are ready to be transplanted into the field. This involves tasks such as watering, fertilizing, and monitoring for pests and diseases.
• Maintaining the nursery | Assisting with maintenance tasks such as weeding, pruning, and transplanting seedlings. You will also monitor the health of the plants and take steps to prevent and treat any issues that arise.
• Making organic compost | Collecting organic materials such as leaves, grass, and food waste to create compost. You will learn about the benefits of composting and how to create high-quality compost that can fertilize crops.
• Monitoring crop growth | Monitoring the growth of crops and identifying any issues that may arise, such as pests or diseases. You will work with local farmers to develop solutions to these issues and ensure that the crops are healthy and productive.
• Building organic fences and other maintenance tasks as necessary |Helping with maintenance tasks such as building organic fences to protect crops from animals, repairing irrigation systems, and performing other tasks as needed to ensure the success of the farming project.
• Coral reef restoration | Working with local experts to build artificial coral reefs using eco-friendly materials. You will learn about the importance of coral reefs and how they support marine life, and help to restore damaged reefs to their natural state.

Please note that the volunteer work tasks are dynamic and seasonal, and may vary depending on the current needs of the conservation projects. Participants should be in good physical condition as the project involves a significant amount of fieldwork, including activities such as planting, digging, and carrying equipment. The work can be physically demanding, especially in the heat and humidity of the Sri Lankan climate. However, the work is not overly strenuous and volunteers work at their own pace.

Internet: Each volunteer may use up to 5 GB of Wi-Fi in the volunteer house during their stay.

Laundry: Laundry services are available for an additional fee.

 Accommodations: Depending on availability, volunteers will be placed in one of two main program houses located about 100 meters from one another. Except for separate bedrooms and dining areas, all volunteers will have equal access to all facilities, including the common features across both properties.

• Main Volunteer House: The main volunteer house is the hub for all volunteer programs and activities. This main house offers single-gender rooms in a volunteer villa overlooking the beach and Indian Ocean. The villa has 11 bedrooms with fans, 11 bathrooms and showers with hot water. Rooms are shared with a maximum of 4 volunteers per room. There is also a private pool on site for all volunteers to make use. The house has eco-friendly features including solar heating panels. There may be up to 52 volunteers in the house at a time. Private rooms (single or double) and AC rooms are available for an extra fee.
• Secondary Volunteer House – beachside: The property is located right across the road from Unawatuna Beach and about 100 metres from the main House. It has 12 spacious bedrooms of varying sizes with attached en suite bathrooms each with air-conditioning facilities (most rooms also have attached outdoor balconies). There is also a separate dining area, small garden, lounge, terrace and a large program office with permanent staff onsite. Private rooms (single or double) and AC rooms are available for an extra fee.

Food: The in-house chefs use fresh, locally sourced ingredients to prepare three delicious meals per day. Tropical fruit is available at all times, and there’s a salad bar set up during most lunches and dinners. With advance notice, they can accommodate vegan, nut-free, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets. Plus, tea, coffee, and filtered water are available throughout the day for your refreshment.

• Online ETA entry visa. We will send you the full instructions following the application.
• Minimum age of 18. Also suitable for 16- and 17-year-olds with parental consent.
• Police clearance form
• Proficiency in English

As a volunteer, you will have access to various activities, such as weekly evening yoga sessions, weekly movie nights, monthly bike tours, monthly special Sri Lankan BBQ, and a Buddhist temple visit. The volunteer villa is located less than 100 metres from Unawatuna Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka. You can enjoy activities such as surfing, diving, snorkelling and beaching in the vicinity.

Adventure Tour (Highly Recommended):
If you’re interested in additional travel adventures, there is an Adventure Tour available for an extra fee. This tour includes a seven-day itinerary with a game drive, waterfall visits, a long train ride through tea gardens and local villages, an overnight stay at a riverside eco-lodge, visits to Sri Lanka’s most famous Buddhist temple in Kandy, a village walk, a visit to Sigiriya Lion Rock, a local market visit, and a trip to Negombo Beach.

Additional Recommendations:

• Wildlife safari at Yala National Park or Udawalawe National Park (instead of elephant safari)
• Rainforest hike to Sinharaja Forest Reserve (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Surfing lessons at nearby beaches
• Scuba diving (PADI certification available)
• Whale watching (during the season)
• Cooking classes
• Galle Fort visit (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)