Description

Coral reefs are among the most productive and bio-diverse ecosystems on the planet. Despite the importance of the coral reef ecosystems, very little is known about their status and condition in our country The National Park (Ecuadorian south coast) protects the areas with the highest abundance of coral along the coast of Ecuador. These coral reefs are constantly threatened by human activities.

The main goal of this program is to evaluate the importance of coral reefs in the Ecuador. Furthermore, the program works to protect the reefs by relating their status with human activities such as fishing, etc. The Project was developed in cooperation with the National Park (PNM). It focuses on three main conservation alternatives in order to protect the reefs:

- Placing mooring buoys to avoid the use of anchors over the reefs
- Collecting data to create maps with location and characteristics of the corals; and restoring reefs by resetting broken corals into the reef.
- Cleaning-up beaches and underwater areas to protect marine life from human trash and garbage, and providing information about the major sources of pollution of the area.

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.

Qualifications

Open water diver certification (Certification can be obtained with us; please look at Extra Diving costs). Please notice this project does not include diving every day.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 450 per month

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodation in a volunteers house in Puerto Lopez (shared bedrooms, water, and kitchen)
* 3 meals per day (in restaurants or in the volunteer house)
* Volunteer certificate

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.