Description

This volunteer project is located in a Forest Reserve, about 7 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean and about 3 kilometers from a small agricultural community. The project works to protect one of the last remnants of tropical rainforest and cloud forest along the coast of Ecuador. The project site is contained within one of the most endangered and spectacular ecosystems on earth.

The Forest Reserve is part of the Choco-Manabi Biological Corridor, which has been designated as one of the most bio-diverse and endangered ecosystems on earth. The forest filters and moderates rainfall in the region, thus sustaining the local rivers, and protecting and enriching the soil. The forest is threatened by logging and pasture clearing. If deforestation continues, the local human communities will lose access to fresh water and fertile soil.

The rainforest and the cloud forest also harbor a tremendous range of endangered species, including 5 species of predatory cats, 2 species of endangered monkeys, and countless numbers of birds, amphibians, and insects. Only 2% of native forest remains in coastal Ecuador, and this project is trying to preserve the last remnants of the original forest. The project has an immediate, regional objective of preserving the endangered forest, and there is a long-term, global objective: to help prepare the future leaders of the sustainability movement. With this project, we consider ourselves the vanguard, and we want to share this opportunity and experience with others, so that project participants can return home, or visit other parts of the world, and spearhead their own sustainability projects. The global community needs, and yet lacks, leaders with experience is sustainability. If this seems like something you would be interested in, then we would like you to join us.

The Reserve's target is to obtain 100% food self-sufficiency within 10 years. So far, we have reached 15% of target. The project is also a testing ground for appropriate technology, such as off-the-grid renewable energy, water treatment and management, organic pesticide production, etc. Working with the nearby community, we are experimenting with reforestation of land previously-cleared for cattle pastures, and with establishing eco-tourism alternatives.

Highlights

* Volunteer Activities:

Help from volunteers has been a big part of our success so far, but there is a lot more work to be done. Daily projects include: harvesting semi-wild oranges and bananas in the cloud forest, tending to the seedlings in the nursery, preparing soil, enrichment planting of native hardwoods in degraded patches of the forest, helping build a clay oven, trail design and maintenance, producing chocolate from home-grown cacao, harvesting and processing coffee by hand, etc. Among some of the past projects are a slow-sand water filtration system, a inventory of wild butterflies, development of a rocket stove, establishment of a tree nursery, an analysis of renewable energy feasibility, a worm-compost system, building a terraced ornamental garden, a short documentary film, and others. Frequently, you will be working alongside members of the local community, a warm group of people who have a tremendous amount of fun working with visitors from different countries. As an example of the rich interaction with the surrounding forest, you will hear howler monkeys every day! And if you venture into the forest quietly, you will see the howlers and many other wonderful creatures.

* Amenities/Food:

Full room and board are offered in the project's Bamboo House. Despite the fact that the Bamboo House is in the middle of the forest, it is quite comfortable: beds with good mattresses and mosquito netting; a full kitchen; an outdoor shower; a bathroom with a spectacular open-faced view of the river valley; 10 hammocks strung along the balcony and the living area; and waterfalls right in our backyard. We cook together, and we eat fresh, healthy, and abundantly, with no meat.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

4 weeks: 320 USD

Program Fees Include:

- Airport pick up
- three meals per day
- accommodation

After 4 weeks, each additional week is 25 USD, for up to 8 additional weeks (12 weeks total).

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

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.