Description

If you are an outdoors adventurous type and conscious about the problems facing the earth then an environmental project is for you. Our projects from around the world range from forestry development, ecosystem preservation, national park development to botanical research. Not only will you be involved in education and research but also hands on activities within national park development and maintenance of ecosystems.

*Organic Farming and Environmental Education on the Ecuador Coast

A unique project working to develop an Organic Farm. The farm was set up in 1994 and is situated in a beautiful valley on the mid coast of Ecuador. The farm holds a pertinent role in developing alternatives for the local Ecuadorian communities and has long been championing the use of biogas, solar power, new composting systems as well as developing local techniques such as worm culture, water recycling, reforestation, permaculture as well as organic farming techniques and environmental tourism. Incredibly, most of the locals at the farm only consume what has been produced on site, being a first in the area on so many counts.

*Ecotourism and Conservation in the Mindo Cloud Forest

Volunteers at this foundation contribute to its mission of biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of natural resources in Ecuador. This project encourages and promotes the active participation of local communities and groups in all its ecotourism, conservation, research and community development programs.

*Fair Trade Development and Agroforestry Internship in the Amazon Rainforest

Volunteers will work primarily in our diverse nurseries of organically managed tree and fruit species, and assist our technicians and engineers in the creation and maintenance of organic agroforestry plots, including routine weeding and maintenance (always a challenge to stay on top of in the regenerating rainforest) and composting management. All volunteers also partner with our field technicians to visit individual family farms, participate in cultural exchange events and guayusa tea ceremonies, and have the opportunity to develop their own research projects in areas such as agroecology, environmental management, development studies, international relations, botany or Fair Trade, among many other disciplines.

*Environmental Conservation on Biological Stations in the Galapagos Islands

A premiere biological preservation foundation is committed to research and habitat restoration in natural areas deemed the most at risk by international conservation organizations. Despite its small land mass, Ecuador is renowned for its megadiversity due to its variety of life zones. And none are so famous as the magnificent Galapagos Islands, where Darwin first developed his theory of evolution.

*Environmental Conservation on Biological Stations in the Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Biological Station was founded in 1986 through the creation of a conservation, research and education centre to host scientists and students interested in preserving tropical rainforest. The Station now conserves the environment in initiatives such as the monitoring of rare and endangered bird and monkey species and reforestation. This is alongside helping the local communities by seeking to produce alternative food sources and income, providing an educational farm for the community, implementing botanical garden and agroforestry extension programs and by experimental silviculture.

*Environmental Conservation on Biological Stations in the Andes

This premiere biological preservation foundation is committed to research and habitat restoration in natural areas deemed the most at risk by international conservation organizations. Despite its small land mass, Ecuador is renowned for its megadiversity due to its variety of life zones. Volunteers have 3 locations to choose from in the Andes. Although the locations are different, the aim of the Stations remains the same: to conserve the natural environment, work towards sustainable development, educate the community about conservation and ecology and to promote economic activities that are environmentally friendly, while also beneficial for the local communities.

*Environmental Conservation on Biological Stations on the Ecuador Coast

This premiere biological preservation foundation is committed to research and habitat restoration in natural areas deemed the most at risk by international conservation organizations. Despite its small land mass, Ecuador is renowned for its megadiversity due to its variety of life zones. The mission of this project is to promote the conservation of Ecuador's biodiversity through scientific research, environmental education programs, community development and sustainable management of natural resources. In this coastal region - in which there are two locations to choose from - this program focuses on mangrove restoration and biomarine species, with other project options that involve direct interaction with the local community either in schools, hospitals or in the cacoa cooperatives.

*Preserve the Rainforest and Local Culture in an Ecotourism Project in the Amazon

This revolutionary Ecotourism project advocates environmental sustainability through education. Specifically, proceeds from the low impact Ecolodge, located in the heart of the Amazon, fund a rural Technical High School that focuses on relevant curricula in six productive areas (see below) to teach indigenous students how to create local livelihoods that conserve their endangered Amazon homeland.

Highlights

Nowhere else on earth will you find so much natural diversity - and all the fun that accompanies it - in such a small country. In one day's drive you can journey from the Amazon Basin across glaciated Andean volcanoes, down through tropical cloud forest and arrive at a seaside village on the Pacific coast, where the water is warm.

Traditionally the impoverished have resided in rural areas but with rapid urbanization over the last 25 years, the urban population in poverty has risen from 1.5 million to around 3.5 million. Some of the characteristics of poverty in urban and rural areas are low educational achievement, informal sector employment, and rented, instead of owned, housing.

*Mount Chimborazo:
Mount Chimborazo is an inactive volcano and is the highest peak in Ecuador at 20,565 ft. It is also the farthest point on the planet from the Earth's core. It is a day's climb to the summit from base camp and the awesome towering ice-capped peak is a major incentive to reach the summit.

*Paragliding in the Andes:
View the spectacular views of the Ecuadorian Andes through the thrilling experience of paragliding. Carry out a tandem flight and no experience is required. The best places to paraglide are Crucita beach, Pichincha Mountains and the cliffs above Canoa.

*Andean Biking:
Ecuador is a premier mountain biking destination with its diversity of biking terrain and scenery. From Quito there are a number of rides ranging from snow-capped Andean volcanoes, cloud forests and jungle upon hundreds of miles of traffic-free trails.

There are great projects doing great work but with more funds and staff so much more could be done. You can offer so many things to Ecuadorians. Volunteers can engage in numerous activities with the men, women and children.

Qualifications

Experience and passion for working in the community and interacting with the people are needed. Participants must also possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the place's culture.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please visit the website for more information.

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodation: Shared room in a rustic cabin with cold showers and dry composting toilets
* Airport pick up
* Escorted travel from Quito to Fatima
* Training: Pre-departure preparation pack, On-site Orientation and Project induction provided
* Support: On-site coordinator providing 24 hour support
* Local SIM card: All volunteers are given a local SIM card to use in their mobile phones. The network of the SIM is Porta and your phone must be unlocked to be able to use it
* Activities: Staff help organise evening and weekend activities.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.

Age Range

Must be more than 18 years old

This Program is open to

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

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

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement

Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.

Year Founded

2008