BICA - Bay Islands Conservation Association

The Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization founded in 1991 by the people living in Bay Islands in order to initiate and coordinate efforts in protecting the Islands’ fragile natural resources. BICA’s operation and projects are funded through the support from local individuals, businesses and at times through national and international agencies. BICA at the moment has two chapters – one in Roatan and one in Utila.

BICA Utila

Since its formation, BICA Utila has been instrumental in initiating many conservation project: management of the Turtle Harbor Wildlife Refuge and Marine Reserve, protection of sea turtles, protection of coral reefs through installation of buoys, first garbage collection on the island, beach cleaning actions, environmental education in local schools, developing of codes of conduct for divers, monitoring of whale sharks.

In its long and eventful history, BICA Utila worked with many partners-local and foreign, provided assistance to many students and researchers from all over the world, worked as a partner to international organizations working on the protection of coral reefs. But, as it always was, BICA’s main job is to work with the local community to protect their small piece of paradise so that many future generation will be able to enjoy it and make living from its resources.

Mission

• To protect and encourage rational use of the fragile ecosystems of Utila.
• To promote sustainable development through sustainable use and management of the natural resources of Utila.
• To promote awareness of the importance and richness of Utila´s ecosystems through the involvement of the community and environmental education.

Programs

• Monitoring and management of reefs, particularly dive sites.
• Management of protected areas.
• Environmental Education.
• Coordination with other environmental organizations.
• Communication and promotion of environmental issues.
• Management of the Information Center.

Why BICA Needs Volunteers

BICA has several ongoing initiatives and needs volunteers to provide help with fulfilling the aims of these projects. Utila is blessed with many rare and valuable ecosystems in addition to an array of endangered flora and fauna, however all this is under threat from the pressures of increased tourism. Put simply, as a not for profit NGO BICA could not achieve its’ ambitious goals without the help of committed and enthusiastic volunteers.

What kind of skills do you need to be a volunteer?

You need to have an interest in nature, enjoy working with people and be flexible, hardworking and enthusiastic.

What kind of skills do you need to be a volunteer?

You need to have an interest in nature, enjoy working with people and be flexible, hardworking and enthusiastic.

Your role as volunteer

Two types of volunteers are accepted into the program: Research Assistants and Environmental Educators.

Research Assistant: Volunteers must be undergraduate or graduate level, at least 23 years old. These volunteers will be able to select to work on BICA’s office management, manage database of dive sites, take part in patrolling and monitoring of reefs, develop communication materials, work in our Information Center, providing information to tourists on Utila environment and tourist attractions etc. Knowledge of Spanish language is useful but not crucial.

Environmental Educators: Volunteers must be undergraduate or graduate level, at least 23 years old. These volunteers will be working on environmental education programs with local schools, organize field trips, workshops to local community, beach and underwater clean-ups, reforestation, fish houses build-up and many other activities. Good knowledge of Spanish language is very important.