What inspired you to work for your organization?
First, I am interested in the conservation of natural surroundings, due to our country having a lot of natural resources that are extracted every day without consideration of endemic species of flora and fauna. For me this is a big demonstration of care about the environment, the future of Ecuadorians, and our world. Now, the work of the organization creates opportunity to conserve these areas by making people aware, such as the owners of lands, the national and local authorities, and the citizens. This happens through projects such as environmental education, reforestation, monitoring of native species, volunteering programs, and more.
Classifying of endemic plants with the reforestation team in the nursery garden
Why do you do what you do?
I was born in a little town where the principal activity is farming and I know the difficulties of developing economically. The only way is to move to a big city like me. So, the people in this little town sell their lands for extracting, deforesting the areas for farming and more. The work that I do helps both nature and the people through changing their minds and understanding the importance of their natural areas. Also, they get another perspective of using their lands, like for things like ecotourism and sustainable farming, for earning money and respecting nature.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is when I am resting in the house after having a hard day with the volunteers because I can think over all the new experiences that I got in the day, such as the faces of surprise and happiness of the volunteers when they learn something new, reach a mountain, or finish an activity. I enjoy remembering the interaction between the volunteers and the workers, I love the moments of reflection of the volunteers when they are understanding the reality of another people. And, especially because I can evaluate my mistakes and achievements of the day to improve them the next day.
Monitoring of migratory birds in the Highland of Buenaventura Reserve
What are some current projects you are working on?
I am in charge of the volunteers so we work in all the projects that need support. It depends on the season, so mainly the projects include monitoring (observation, listening, checking, and listing) of migratory birds, threatened birds, mammals of the zone, and my favorite is monitoring nest-boxes of the "El Oro" parakeet, the endemic bird of this region. These activities are guided by the rangers. With the reforestation team, we work monitoring the growth of the endemic plants in the field, classifying the plants in the nursery garden, and other activities. In the months of less bird activity, we help clean the routes for birdwatching and engage in environmental education in the nearby towns.
What makes your organization special?
My organization is involved especially in bird conservation, with almost 50 years of regional endemic work. So, we have species that only can be seen here. Also, since the reserves were created, some new species have been discovered.
Monitoring of red mask parakeet, a threatened species
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
Our organization is located in Ecuador, a country with exceptional biodiversity, and also, Ecuador is considered a safe country. Plus, the price is competitive against other organizations, especially for young people, and we offer the opportunity to participate in projects in direct contact with nature, which is not allowed for tourists.
What hopes do you have for the future for your organization?
My organization needs a lot of support to continue with its work, so I hope that it obtains more economic and social support to continue with the projects, and to expand the borders of the nature reserves to conserve more endemic species and protect the threatened. I hope more people know about us and our mission in order to feel more involved in this hard work.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope that our participants, through this experience, can feel the hard work that the organization does in spite of limitations like money, the national and local policies, the social thinking, and our situation of being an "undeveloped" country.
Free day visiting the petrified forest Puyango
How do you help support participants?
I am in charge of the participants during their stay, so prior to their arrival I plan activities with the rangers and the people involved. When they already are in the reserve, I support them with information in order to make their adaptation easier, and if they have some need, question, or issue. Finally, I am in charge of accommodation, food, and especially their wellness.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
It is important to ask everything that you want to know about the place, the town, or the country that you will visit no matter if the question is simple, because it’s better to resolve all your doubts before confirming the trip in order to avoid inconveniences.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means to enjoy the good experiences that you get, learn through the bad experiences, expand your thinking through social coexistence, learn about new cultures (like their customs, life style, and thinking), build new relations, and know more about ourselves.
