Organization Name: Sos Nicaragua
Contact: info@sosnicaragua.org
Website: Sos Nicaragua
Tell Us About Your Organization
Sos Nicaragua was born after more than 10 years of research in Latin America towards conservation tourism. The intention was to bring positive change when visiting and make this approach accessible to everybody.
Sos means ‘You are’ in the spoken tongue. The intention of the organization’s name is an invitation to take action as you explore the beautiful destination of Nicaragua. SN connects with local initiatives on the ground that drive your sustainable impact further. The result is a meaningful travel experience where you make a difference as you explore.
The purpose of SN allows you to take the future of a destination into your own hands. Explore with purpose and maintain the countries beauty. It’s important that generations in the future can experience and appreciate the same sense of wonder Nicaragua brings upon its travelers.
Location
Nicaragua is a destination that attracts the more adventurous volunteers. Ethically, it is rich in diversity thanks to its colonial Spanish influence, so if you are fluent in the language it’s a great place to connect even further with the culture as you volunteer.
Sos Nicaragua is headquartered in Leon, the second-largest city in the country. Unlike San Juan del Sur which is more tailored to tourists, Leon has a more youthful energy to it as it’s a popular university town. It’s a great destination to be based as a volunteer for a couple of months.
A lot of SN turtle conservation projects lie a quick 20-minute drive away so you are close by to beaches too. It’s got some great waves. If you fancy taking up a new sport in your spare time then this is a great spot for trying surfing!
Vision and long term objective
The Mission of Sos Nicaragua is to contribute to the construction of a society that is more aware of the environment, and committed to the social and environmental problems of our time. SN is promoting solidarity tourism and active participation of both tourists and locals in initiatives oriented toward social and environmental welfare.
As per the vision, SN is already recognized as an organization in Nicaragua that is committed to tourism in social and environmental matters. The organization is continuously committed to improving the local livelihoods whilst ensuring sustainable management of natural resources.
Who We Are
Sos Nicaragua is made up of a team of international and locals on the ground working towards a shared common goal. Most importantly within the team is the shared sense of values that we look for when recruiting volunteers. The values of SN are the following:
- Travel – Dedicated toward transforming tourism into a propeller for long-term sustainability projects.
- Learn – Create a platform for environmental education and nurture local environmental awareness.
- Support – Local and international conservation efforts in Nicaragua.
Sos Nicaragua is breaking the mold when it comes to combining tourism and conservation projects. By using tourism as a way to support conservation, SN is creating a hybrid system that achieves community development and conservation objectives, all whilst generating income for the local economy.
How can people help/volunteer with you?
Volunteering with SN is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with a grassroots community-based organization. Here your contribution really makes an impact. There are five ways in which you will volunteer with the organization:
Wildlife Conservation
One of the main interests of SN is working in sea turtle conservation. Your work will go toward protecting one of the most endangered species of turtle, the Eastern Pacific sea turtle hawksbills.
Habitat Restauration
You’ll conduct relevant research and collect data on reforestation efforts. You’ll play a direct role in educating local communities on the importance of conservation, coastal protection, and wastewater treatment.
Sustainability
You’ll develop key skills by gaining experience on eco-friendly projects. You’ll be recycling, eco-constructing, and working with organic agriculture on a daily basis.
Community Development
Nicaragua is at the forefront of trash-free coastlines. You’ll work with our team leaders to educate locals on the risk of marine litter so that we can become one step closer to tackling the ocean plastic crisis.
Environmental Education
One of the greatest goals of SN is working to make permanent changes. You’ll work side by side with the local community, understand their challenges and collectively find a solution. The intention is that these solutions are both friendly to the community and the environment. It’s one of the most rewarding experiences of all.
If you’re interested in volunteering with Sos Nicaragua, you should be willing to take on manual work, handle wildlife and work unusual hours outside of the typical 9-5. You’ll be working under pretty basic conditions, but that’s part of the charm of immersing yourself in a new culture! You must be over the age of 18. We strongly advise you are covered with the relevant medical insurance before traveling to mitigate any risks.
Aside from that, Sos has no real requirements for volunteering with our organization. We believe that every individual can bring a unique skill to the table. As long as you are passionate about our mission and drive, there is no doubt that you will thrive and make a difference in our cause!
What makes you the proudest about your organization?
Sos Nicaragua is changing the way we see tourism. When you join them on an expedition or even as a volunteer, you are joining a force for change that is directly addressing the most challenging conservation questions in the country.
SN brings people together to address a greater need. As pioneers of a better way to travel, it’s an exciting project that is certainly rewarding if you decide to volunteer in this stunning destination!
If you’d like to join Sos Nicaragua on one of their many exciting projects, get in touch using the email above.
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