WHALE-WATCHINGRESEARCH INTERSHIP IN THE GULF OF TRIBUGA, PACIFIC COAST OF COLOMBIA. BACKGROUND: R&E ocean community conservation, is anon-profit, non-governmental foundation focused on the research andconservation of marine species, running an ongoing study of responsible whalewatching and cetaceans conservation in the pacific Coast of Colombian. Thisproject aims to obtain baseline information on whales and dolphins speciesoccurrence, behavior, and whale-watching guidelines compliance and education inorder to obtain scientific data to support conservation measures and informmarine management policies. R&E volunteers are dynamic,flexible, adaptable, hard-working individuals who are willing to contribute tothe foundation and support on-going activities, while experiencing fieldwork atsea, learning data collection, processing methodologies, learning communicationskills and interrelationships with stakeholders and local communities and beinga part of team of researchers and marine biologists. All team members andparticipants share accommodation, house tasks, knowledge and experience in anfriendly and multicultural environment. WHERE: Pacific coast of the Gulf of Tribuga, Nuqui, Choco -Colombia WHEN: The field season lasts from mid-june to end mid-october 2024. The minimum internship attendance is 1 month. WHAT DO WE LOOK FOR INOUR VOLUNTEERS? -Passion for Nature: If you arepassionate about the ocean and marine life, this volunteering is for you! -Commitment: We are looking forcommitted volunteers who are willing to learn and actively contribute. -Respect for Wildlife and thecommunity: We value respect and admiration for whales and dolphins. Alsorespect among your fellow teammates and the large part of community that wework with. We want our volunteers to be ambassadors for conservation. - Flexibility and Adaptability:Our volunteers should also possess a flexible and adaptable mindset, capable ofadjusting to changing circumstances and environments. As we operate in dynamicand sometimes unpredictable ecosystems, the ability to adapt to new situationsand approaches is invaluable. Whether it's adjusting to varying weatherconditions or modifying project plans to accommodate unforeseen challenges,flexibility is key to successful conservation efforts. FIELDWORK: The field trips are conducted in local cetaceanswatching boats. Fieldwork is dependent on weather conditions, operators willingnessand the tourists in the zone. The field days can be intense and hard,especially in the peak of whale season but are fulfilling and good fun. The volunteers will be trained to: - Conduct on-board surveys ofmarine species occurrence; - Log sighting encounters on ahandheld GPS; - Access and collectenvironmental data; - Collect data on behavior, groupsize, species, etc.; - Collect photos tophoto-identification, acoustic recording; - Conduct training for grade 11 students at the localschool on the importance of responsible whale watching; Supervise students atthe airport of Nuqui. - Share knowledge about conservation, environment,marine fauna to the different grades of the local educational institution. - Provide information to touristsabout responsible whale and dolphin watching regulations, ecology andconservation DATA ANALYSIS: The data obtained in the field will be enteredinto established databases and spreadsheets, photo-identification analyses andacoustic recordings will be carried out periodically. INTERNSHIP FEES: R&E ocean community is a non-profitorganization that relies on donations from our volunteers, partners, andconservation-minded people like you so that we may continue our importantresearch and education programs. This internship requires a monetarycontribution which is used to off-set the cost of accommodation and running anon-profit. For more information oninternship fees or the volunteer program for the 2024 season, please contact: marcela.hernandez@oceancommunityconservation.org Included in the fee is: - Accommodation in Nuqui; - Transportation to/from field; - All meals (breakfast, lunch,and dinner); - Fieldwork; - Theoretical capacitation. - Distinctive Wardrobe Not included in the fee is: - Transportation to/fromNuqui-Choco; - Meals in restaurants; - Free time activities; - Personal insurance (allparticipants should have health and/or travel insurance); - Others personal expenses. INTERNS ARE EXPECTEDTO: - Be above the age of 20; - Have a mature attitude towardsmarine mammal research and environment; - Be autonomous and flexible; - Be able to live and work in aninternational team and mainly outdoors at sea; - Be able to work in extremeconditions - Speak Spanish; - Participate for minimum 1 month. BENEFITS OFVOLUNTEERING -Unique Experience: You will havethe opportunity to be close to these amazing creatures and learn from expertsin the field. -Positive Impact: Your work willhelp protect whales and dolphins for future generations. -Connection with Nature: Immerseyourself in the beauty of the ocean and the Pacific coast while contributing toits preservation. INTERNSHIP APPLICATION: You can apply on R&E oceancommunity website here < Ocean CommunityConservation > or Send us an e-mail to: marcela.hernandez@oceancommunityconservation.org, with the subject Volunteerprogram R&E ocean community with your CV and motivation letter. We will send you a confirmationemail with the availability and all the other details. Applications will be acceptedduring all season. However, early application is recommended dueto limited vacancies. Ann Carole VallejoExecutive Director and Lead ResearcherMSc. Nordic Marine Ecosystems and ClimateR&E Ocean Community Conservation Foundation Oakville, ON, Canada, L6M 5H5t: +57 (300) 281-0324Wapp: +1 (289) 885-3930Email: carole.vallejo@oceancommunityconservation.orgwww.oceancommunityconservation.org The content of this e-mail isintended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it isaddressed. If you have received this communication in error, be aware thatforwarding it, copying it, or in any way disclosing its content to any other person,is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error,please notify the author by replying to this e-mail immediately. Please consider the environmentbefore printing this email or it's attachments.