Description

As one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world, Ecuador is the ultimate playground when it comes to conservation.

AMPED's conservation projects consist of many private and public reserves, national parks and NGOs based in the Andes, Pacific Coast, Amazonia, and the Galapagos Islands. Whether it is tree nursery, reforestation, conservation education, or organic agriculture they cover every facet of environmental sustainability.

Because of the various areas of concentration, volunteers' responsibilities will vary as follows:

Tree nursery - This project focuses on the development and maintenance of tree nurseries to aid reforestation efforts in national parks. The main tasks for this project are:

* Collecting tree seeds within and around the reserve
* Planting seeds and caring for seedlings (irrigation, liberation, etc.)
* Installing fences and creating nursery beds
* Reforestation
* The biological reserves or national parks offer several acres for reforestation. The work to be done in this area includes:
- Clearing land for reforestation
- Preparing areas for planting
- Planting tress installations
- Maintaining reforested plants and trees
- Conservation Education

The main goal of this project is to teach the communities that live inside of the park the importance of native flora and fauna, specifically how native plants can be used to increase their productivity in a sustainable way, allowing them to value their surroundings and the richness of nature.

For several years, park staff and volunteers have conducted environmental education classes for local children in order to educate them about how to properly care for the land and other natural resources.

Activities such as the following are possible:
* Hosting classes concerning the importance of natural resources
* Vacation classes about recycling and craft making with local seeds
* Theatre activities during the celebrations of Arbor Day and Earth Day (annually).
* Organic Agriculture

This project enables volunteers to gain a greater understanding of organic agriculture and other methods of non-contaminating sustainable agriculture. The project is chemical free. All fertilizers are organic, and pesticides are made of chili and jalapeno peppers.

Volunteers at this project can participate in general activities related to agriculture such as sowing seeds, pricking, planting, weeding, pruning, compost making, harvesting, pest control, and recycling organic waste among many others.

Highlights

Authentic cultural immersion experience as participants reside with local host families in addition to having daily interaction with locals in the community and at their project site.

Participants volunteering in Quito and Puerto Lopez receive 2 hours of FREE Spanish Monday-Friday for the duration of their stay, up to 120 hours.

Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years of age. While it is not required, basic Spanish is recommended as it will allow participants an opportunity to become more immersed in their assignment.

Intern Types

• Admin (Recreation, Parks)
• Botany
• Forestry
• Horticulture
• Agronomy

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Starting at 559

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Includes project set-up arrangements, three meals/day (except Sundays) airport pick-up, host family accommodations, laundry service, orientation, and 24/7 emergency in-country staff support. Spanish lessons are only available in Quito and Puerto Lopez. Participants will also receive information regarding their placement prior to their departure. Placement information, will include in-country contact information, alternative accommodations for delayed arrivals, currency exchange, phone and internet communication, laundry, etc.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

While participation is not limited to this demographic, the average age is 18-26. Participants that are flexible and open minded when it comes to cultural differences, ways of life, and work pace are those that tend to benefit most from their experience abroad, as do those that demonstrate initiative with regard to recommending and implementing changes to improve the project and to assist the staff.

Age Range

18 and over

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Resume
• Transcript

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-4 weeks

Year Founded

2008