Volunteer with turtles on this GVI project in Vanuatu as a part of vital sea turtle conservation program. Experience the turquoise waters and golden sands of Vanuatu, voted the ‘happiest place on earth’ in 2006 by the New Economics Foundation. This grassroots effort to protect sea turtles is run by the inhabitants of Tasiriki village on Moso Island. The long-term nesting survey was started in 2006 in conjunction with Wan Smolbag and GVI. Joining this project will also give you the opportunity to try your hand at some other activities that occur in the village, such as reef surveying, teaching at the village school and cooking local food. In your spare time you can snorkel on tropical reefs, learn to dive or just sit and ‘storian’ with your new friends in the village.

*How this program makes a difference*

The Vanua-Tai (meaning ‘Of Land and Sea’) Natural Resource Monitors are a national network of community members working within their communities to institute bans on the harvest of turtles and their eggs. Coordinated by Wan Smolbag Theatre in the capital of Port Vila, this network has been growing in size and accomplishments since it’s inception in 1995. One community involved in this effort, Tasiriki Village, is located on the shores of Moso Island. Home to what may be a nationally significant nesting beach and foraging grounds for Hawksbill turtles, the people of Tasiriki are interested in learning more about the turtles they co-exist with and ensuring they are still there for future generations.

Highlights:

• Live with the ‘happiest people on earth
• Contribute to turtle population research
• See nesting turtles and hatchlings
• Explore the stunning beaches and forests

Please visit the GVI website for more information on this program: http://www.gviusa.com/projects/Oceania/Vanuatu/volunteer-turtles-vanuatu/home