Natucate
Volunteering Seychelles Cousin Island – Lisa
Lisa travelled to the Seychelles with us to help support nature and species conservation on beautiful Cousin Island. Learn more about her wonderful time.
Profile
Name: Lisa
Age: 28
Project: Species conservation on Cousin Island/Seychelles
Location: Cousin Island/Seychelles
Duration: Beginning to mid-November 2019 – 12 days
Rating
Support from the Natucate team:
Arrival:
Project partner:
Accommodation:
Volunteering in the Seychelles – Feedback: Seven questions for Lisa
1) Could you give us a short overview of your tasks in the project?
Everything revolved around the Hawksbill turtles during my visit, as they come to the island in November and lay their eggs. Several patrols were run daily to see turtles coming ashore.
Apart from that, we also monitored birds and tortoises. We have also removed invasive plant species and supported daily tourist tours.
2) What were the biggest challenges for you during the project?
My body needed a few days to get used to the different climate. In the beginning the heat was not easy for my body, but it gradually became better. In the first days we got a lot of information which we could (or had to) use in the field.
3) Was there something you liked most? Or something you remember particularly negatively?
Each day was a little adventure because you never knew exactly what was going to happen. Whether you encounter one, two or more turtles on patrol. Unfortunately, the mosquitoes were especially bad, because it rained a lot in summer – but you get used to it.
4) Did you have certain expectations before you travelled to the project?
I didn't have certain expectations, I just wanted to work in nature. Chrissy also told me we might not see turtles. The first day, we saw two of them right away. That was wonderful.
5) Have you done anything in your free time that you can recommend to future participants?
I had a lot of conversations with the others and was snorkeling.
6) Can you estimate how many additional costs you had on site?
I spent about 60 € on food (two weeks).
7) Here is still place for other suggestions or reports from you:
In retrospect, I am really amazed at how relaxing working can be. The work was exhausting, but every day we went to bed with a smile on our faces. Even weeks after the volunteer work I am relaxed and like to think back to Cousin Island. I am proud to have made a contribution to species conservation – again and again with pleasure.
