Description

Work with us on the cutting edge of conservation and sustainability to make the conservation of the Rainforest more attractive than its destruction.

One of Conservation International's top five global biodiversity hot spots, the conservation of the Atlantic Rainforest is in a critical condition. For over 500 years this rich source of biological wealth has been under attack, and despite government measures to preserve it, deforestation continues. Local smallholders are caught in a vicious circle of poverty whereby they are forced to cut more forest to enlarge their unproductive croplands in order to feed their families.

But all is not lost! Amigos de Iracambi is one of a number of small non profits working to conserve the priceless resources of the forest while improving the economic situation of the local people. Our researchers and volunteers work with the local community to better understand the factors that lead to forest degradation and restoration-saving forests, changing lives.

Our current programs focus on:

* Managing natural resources: participatory rural assessments of local land use, biological inventories, monitoring biological indicators, GIS, agroforestry, forest corridors and maintaining and expanding our forest nursery.

* Developing sustainable communities: developing alternative income sources, such as payment for environmental services or ecotourism.

* Researching ecosystems: fauna and flora (botanical, fauna, and species and behavioral studies) inventorying and surveying species and bio-mapping using GIS, monitoring forest cover, growth, species competition, and stream ecology.

At Iracambi there's a wide range of things that need doing, if you're committed, as we are, to working with local communities to ensure a sustainable future while caring for our extraordinary forest. You can get involved in hands-on activities such as forest patrols, trail work, seed collecting, helping out in the forest nursery, planting trees (at the right time of year,) monitoring forest growth, education outreach, open days. In addition we always need special skills in IT, database and information management, data collection for our GIS, design and production of educational and PR materials, plant photography to expand our virtual herbarium...

Got a better idea? Make us an offer - we're listening!

This year, in August, we're offering a course on Sustainable Development - a rare opportunity for you to see what the conflicting demands of economic development and environmental conservation mean to a rural community in Brazil. You'll find details on our site.

Come for one month, come for three, bring your boots, bring a sense of adventure and come find out for yourself what it's really like on the front line of conservation and development. You may never be the same again.

Highlights

Iracambi Rainforest Research Center is located in one of the world's top five biodiversity hotspots - Brazil's Atlantic Forest. It's an area of patchwork forest and smallholder farms, mountains and abundant water. It's a soft landing in the rainforest, a welcoming local environment with plenty of opportunity for hiking, camping, mountaineering swimming in natural rock pools, horseback riding, playing soccer with the Brazilians (don't ever hope to win!) singing, dancing, learning capoeira, and sharing in a way of life that is very different, yet essentially the same.

Brazil has excellent public transport, so, with a little planning, you can spend long weekends on the beach, in the Wonderful City of Rio de Janeiro, exploring the historic towns of Ouro Preto and Mariana, or just loafing about in a hammock and watching the parrots.

Qualifications

We have a number of ongoing projects:

GIS: Land-use mapping of the forests around Iracambi, with a view to rehabilitation of forest and linking up forest islands and GIS survey database maintenance;

Hydrological Monitoring: collecting samples and data from the hydrologic basin to contribute to on-going monitoring efforts (we provide training, however having a background in hydrology or ecology is extremely helpful)

Trail maintenance: trail clearing and signposting.

Reforestation: Depending on the time of year, planting trees or maintaining the land around recently reforested areas.

I.T.: we need people who can help maintain and improve our website and networked computer system.

We also have a research centre and are happy for researchers to come and set up a project - ideally one that fits in with our research priorities of forest restoration, land use planning, income generating alternatives and community engagement. In the past we have had people doing research in a number of different areas: flora and fauna, ecosystems, socio-economic research and so on. The Atlantic Rainforest is little studied so there is great potential for original work, and work which can be applied immediately.

Other; we are always willing to consider applications from people who have the time and enthusiasm, but may not - yet - have the skills.

The usual volunteer stay is 3-6 months but this is always negotiable depending on our current projects and availability of accommodation.

Intern Types

Languages

• English
• Portuguese

Cost in US$:

See below

Cost Includes:

• Housing
• Food
• In-country staff support

Program Fees Include:

Researchers and Academic Practicum: (geared at undergraduate and graduate students fulfilling an academic requirement), R1,400/month. This includes full board and lodging in newer houses, use of research facilities for individual projects, and supervision/support as required by the academic institution.

Volunteers: R1,200 per month. This includes full board and lodging in shared accommodation. Housing upgrades (when available) are an additional R200/month.

Does not include liquor, cigarettes or local transport. Volunteers interested in the homestay program may apply upon arrival.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Adaptable, enthusiastic and energetic: many are high-school leavers taking time off before entering university, others are students taking time out from college. Some professionals taking a break from their jobs come too. Most do not have any previous conservation skills but soon pick them up.

Age Range

over 18

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 2-4

Application Process Involves

• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

one week

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Amigos de Iracambi's Mission Statement

Working with the community to make conservation of the rainforest more attractive than its destruction.

Year Founded

1999