Jack Ropers Conservation Project in Costa Rica with GVI

GVI - Why did you decide to go on a GVI program?

Jack - I was drifting about in life to be quite honest, not sure what I wanted to do, even though my fundamental passion was the natural world. I was working, dabbling in a bit of travelling, and even gained a BTEC in Music Technology, until I decided I wanted get back to my main interest, the natural world. I thought I could get some experience in conservation, whilst fitting in some travelling, and my opportunity came when I discovered the GVI website. With its vast amount of projects and expeditions, I only had one choice but to attend an open day to learn more. All the staff were extremely helpful and really narrowed down my choices to accommodate my aspirations, and I was soon jetting of to Costa Rica for a ten week wildlife expedition.

GVI - What were your initial reactions when arriving on the project?

Jack - Even though I had done some research into the general area I was to be living in, I decided not to hold any expectations. However, when I arrived onto the canals on Tortuguero, I was amazed with what surrounded me. The journey to Caño Palma biological station was an experience in itself, cruising past miles and miles of glorious rainforest, and its inhabitants of tropical birds and basking reptiles. On my arrival at Caño Palma I was enthusiastically greeted by all GVI staff, and immediately felt at home in the rainforest.

GVI - What was the best thing about your trip?

Jack - It's extremely difficult to narrow down all the great aspects off my GVI experience to just a single factor. However, I would have to proclaim that the skills and knowledge I gained volunteering with GVI was the greatest benefit I left with, closely followed with the amazing people I met, the environment I lived in and animals I encountered.

GVI - What do you feel you gained from going away with GVI?

Jack - I immediately achieved an understanding on what I wanted to do in life, and gained the confidence to go out and do it. I took away a great appreciation toward conservation, and with all the skills and knowledge I learned with GVI, I have carried that appreciation into my direct future.

GVI - Is there a particular memory or interesting story you can tell us?

Jack - Trekking along the Tortuguero beach, on the weekly survey fittingly named "Jag Walk", we were collecting data on Jaguar predated Sea Turtles. As it was the height of the Green Turtle nesting season, there was certainly a lot of unfortunate individuals that did not make it back to the sea, thanks to one of the Tortuguero Jaguars. When we stumbled across what would seem to be yet another Green Turtle succumbed to a fatal Jaguar encounter, we were taken back when we noticed the sea dwelling reptile take a gasp of air. Lying on its back, trapped under a large piece of driftwood, we realised this turtle had been unfortunate enough to somehow slip on the log, and slide into the well placed ditch underneath. It the heat of the day we were racing against time to dig the creature free, and flip her over. After some heroic teamwork, we able to see the exhausted female waddle back to her seas, to return once again.

GVI - Why would you recommend GVI to your friends?

Jack - I would recommend GVI to anyone because it caters to all people, and looks after its volunteers from the moment they arrive in the country, until they leave. I would further recommend GVI as I am a great believer in its work, and the fact that it could not survive without its volunteers and all their support, which results in its volunteers leaving their projects or expeditions with a great sense of satisfaction.

Jack Roper's placement was arranged with GVI