Description

This volunteer project is located in the north of Quito, near Otavalo, in the Cloud Forest Reserve (situated on 2,500 hectares). This project is two fold: 1) provide refuge for the Andean bear and 2) help in reforestation efforts.

The Andean bear lives in Ecuador's subtropical forest at altitudes between 500 to 14,000 feet. While it is the only South American bear, the Andean bear is remotely related to seven other bear species from around the world. This bear is considered a vulnerable species and has been spotted on the Reserve and in close-by farm fields.

In this area, deforestation has also occurred. This is due to the extraction of hardwoods from the area. Through this reforestation project we are trying to reclaim the vegetation cover and expand the forest zone. By reconstituting the vegetation cover we are able to prevent erosion while improving the quality of the soil in a natural way. We are also trying to recuperate various trees species and increase flora diversity with mixed plantations. There are about 90 hectares in the reserve for reforestation. Of this, 42 hectares have already been reforested.

The objective of this volunteer program is to conserve the Andean bear in locations where field surveys are being completed in the Cloud Forest Reserve. The volunteers will follow paths already established or they may even open new paths, monitoring evidences of Andean bears (and wild pumas) in the Reserve. This information is then registered into a database. Another tasks include the planting of feed lots within the Reserve in order to help keep bears from wandering outside of the protected area, constructing 24 ft. observation towers within the feed lots for photography, film, and data collection, maintaining cages for the rehabilitation of bears and constructing a sanctuary for rescued bears held in captivity, or rescued from illegal traffickers or zoos that are in bad condition.

The Andean bear eats feed, bromeliads and corn, therefore, in this volunteer program; participants will also clean different areas inside the Reserve in order to sow corn (including providing care for those areas and preventing the overgrowth of corn).

The volunteer work that still needs to be done includes: cleaning new land to be reforested, preparing areas for replanting, transplanting, cleaning prepared areas and collecting seeds for the seed bank. Reforestation efforts occur mainly during the winter, while volunteers spend the summer time on irrigation maintenance. Nevertheless, the caring of the trees that have already been reforested is very important throughout the whole year. Also, volunteers collect and maintain various species of plants for the forest nursery and botanical garden which are essential for the reforestation work. This work allows the volunteers to gain a deeper understanding about the development and characteristics of the flora species of the zone.

Highlights

Eco Volunteer UP Foundation is a non-profit organization which is recognized legally by Ecuadorian Government. We offer volunteers real immersion in the various Ecuadorian ecosystems, and real opportunities for learning and sharing the Ecuadorian cultures, costumes and traditions.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 65 per week

Program Fees Include:

Pick up airport, accommodation in shared rooms, light with candles, hot shower, three meals per day from Monday to Friday prepared by the lodge's cook, the meals are not included on weekends but the kitchen can be used by volunteers. If they stay at the weekends they can buy and prepare their own food.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Eco Volunteer UP Foundation's Mission Statement

We are a non-profit organization which is legally recognized by the Ecuadorian Government. Volunteers with Eco Volunteer UP have the choice of many worthy programs, such as vulnerable orphanages, institutes for children with disabilities, street children and local indigenous communities. There are volunteer programs located in and around Quito, the capital of Ecuador, as well as programs located in the Cloud Forest and its communities close to Quito, the Ecuadorian Amazon, the Galapagos Islands and other key places around Ecuador. We offer volunteers real immersion in the various Ecuadorian ecosystems, and the unique opportunity for learning and sharing about Ecuadorian cultures, costumes and traditions.