Belize Audubon Society (BAS)

Activities: Multiple Program Types
Country: Belize

Since its formation in 1969 the Belize Audubon Society (BAS) has been Belize's foremost environmental organization protecting Belize's precious natural resources.

We are the oldest conservation organization in Belize!

Did you know that the oldest protected area in Belize and in Central America is Half Moon Caye Natural Monument and that BAS manages it along with eight other key conservation areas? We invite you to explore the nine protected areas the way nature designed them and to help us

Since its formation in 1969 the Belize Audubon Society (BAS) has been Belize's foremost environmental organization protecting Belize's precious natural resources while educating the public about their value and sustainable use. BAS has grown from an all-volunteerorganization with 55 charter members to a Society of over 1,400 members and a staff of more than 40 dedicated professionals.

Volunteering and Internships

The Belize Audubon Society (BAS) has had a long history with volunteers. After the formation of the Society as a chapter of the Florida Audubon Society in 1969, the Belize Audubon Society’s members became very active in environmental education, protected areas management, advocacy and birding field activities.

For the first fifteen years of existence, the BAS was the only environmental organization in Belize operated solely by volunteers and through a close working relationship with the Government of Belize, worked to preserve Belize’s precious natural resources.

Volunteers and interns are placed under the following programs:

Protected Areas Management
Biodiversity Research and Monitoring
Environmental Education
Community Outreach
Finance and Administration

Volunteers

If you have a deep passion for conservation, you’ve come to the right organization! Our volunteers come with experience from varied backgrounds from all over the world and across Belize. Some volunteers are recruited by partner organizations; however, the majority apply as individuals. We receive applications from both Belizeans and non-Belizeans interested in volunteering. Volunteers have the opportunity to better understand our work through various programs. Other opportunities include exposure to new cultures, professional development and exploring new activities.

People who have worked in developing countries, community development, teaching, tourism development, art, small business development, conservation or park management fit well into our volunteer program. Volunteers interested in working at our marine protected areas are required to have dive certification, adequate diving experience and an interest in marine research. Those interested in volunteering at our terrestrial sites should be open to rustic accommodations, harsh jungle environment, strenuous labour and be physically fit (for hiking and labour intensive activities).

In order for the experience to be beneficial for both the volunteer and BAS, we require that non-Belizean volunteers work for a minimum of 3 months. Certain volunteering opportunities may require a longer duration based on the needs of the organization. Volunteers are expected to cover all their personal expenses.

Interns

The objective of our internship program is to enable the intern to provide service to Belize Audubon Society as well as fulfilling their degree criteria, whilst gaining work experience in their program of choice. Internship opportunities with BAS are focused on our main programs mentioned above. They must be affiliated with an established institution or University. Based on the intern’s qualifications, they will be placed in the relevant program.