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Help to Save Wildlife & Nature in Sri Lanka. 😊

5.0
(23 reviews)23

The experience

The reforestation effort in Hiyare Rainforest, located near Galle in Sri Lanka, is an environmental conservation initiative aimed at restoring degraded forest land and protecting one of the region’s most valuable ecosystems. This rainforest is an important biodiversity zone that supports endemic plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals unique to Sri Lanka’s wet zone forests.


What you offer

16 hours of help per week

Animal Care: Help look after and take care of animals.

Social Work: Help with volunteer work in local projects and communities.

Farming: Plant crops, sow seeds and help in outside tasks.

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens

Additional fee required

Amount: € 45 Per day

Fee pays for: Benefits for travelers, Materials for volunteer activities, and Donation to project

Description: Volunteers pay a fee because programs have real costs: accommodation, meals, training, airport pickup, local staff support, project materials, transport, and administration. These fees keep projects running sustainably and ensure communities receive consistent help without financial strain while supporting your experience and impact.


What you get

3 days off per week

Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Team Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other people.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Discounts on Tours: Get discounts for tours and excursions around town.

Discounts on Accommodation: Get discounts for your stay in other hostels.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Free Tours: We’ll take you on tours and rides around town. For free!

Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Certificate: Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely


Requirements

Beginner English or Beginner German

Between 18 and 40 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers


What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa


Program Details

The reforestation effort in Hiyare Rainforest, located near Galle in Sri Lanka, is an environmental conservation initiative aimed at restoring degraded forest land and protecting one of the region’s most valuable ecosystems. This rainforest is an important biodiversity zone that supports endemic plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals unique to Sri Lanka’s wet zone forests.

🌱 Purpose of the Reforestation Project
The main goal is to reverse damage caused by deforestation, illegal logging, invasive species, and past land clearing. Reforestation helps:
Rebuild native forest cover
Restore wildlife habitats
Improve soil fertility and prevent erosion
Protect watershed systems that supply clean water
Stabilize the local climate and increase carbon absorption


Activities & Shift

Participants and conservation teams typically engage in structured ecological tasks such as:
Planting native tree saplings selected by forestry experts
Maintaining nurseries where seedlings are grown before planting
Removing invasive plant species that threaten native vegetation
Mulching and watering young trees to improve survival rates
Monitoring growth and recording ecological data
These activities are carefully planned to ensure ecological balance rather than random planting, which can sometimes harm natural ecosystems.


Rules

1. Respect Nature
Do not damage plants, trees, or wildlife.
Do not remove natural items such as seeds, leaves, or stones.
Stay only on designated trails and work zones.
2. Follow Staff Instructions
Always listen to project coordinators and forest guides.
Do not begin tasks without guidance.
Safety instructions must be followed at all times.
3. Environmental Responsibility
No littering — carry all waste back with you.
Avoid plastic use whenever possible.
Use water responsibly.
4. Safety First
Wear proper clothing: closed shoes, hat, and suitable outdoor attire.
Inform staff immediately if you feel unwell or injured.
Do not wander alone into forest areas.
5. Work Ethics
Be punctual for activities.
Participate actively and cooperate with team members.
Respect local culture and community values.
6. Wildlife Protection
Do not feed animals.
Maintain quiet surroundings to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Photography is allowed only where permitted.
7. Respect the Community
Be polite and respectful to locals and fellow volunteers.
Avoid inappropriate behavior, loud noise, or disruptive conduct.