Reforestation and Ecosystem Restoration Internship in Peru

This internship offered a rich learning experience about the local ecosystem and the impact of climate change on flora, particularly how grazing practices affect the environment. I appreciated the balance between desk work and field work, which kept the experience engaging and varied. However, I do wish there had been more participants in my program, as working with a team would have made the workload more enjoyable and manageable. Overall, the mix of field and desk tasks provided a comprehensive understanding of conservation work, making it a valuable experience.

I’m grateful for this experience, where I learned a lot about the dry forest ecosystem and was able to contribute to both reforestation and water & sanitation (WATSAN) projects. While the reforestation tasks could feel repetitive, the WATSAN projects had a clearer timeline, which added variety—I'm thankful Diego, the Director of the program, gave me the opportunity to work on both. The local food has been fantastic, and trying different Peruvian dishes was a highlight. I was also fortunate to be here when all four directors were around. Diego’s presence added a passionate energy to the work, while Jesús, the Volunteer coordinator program, did a wonderful job organizing outings and encouraging us to participate in local events, creating a welcoming and engaging atmosphere. The trips to places like Piedritas were amazing, and it would be great to see those continue as they add so much to the experience. On the downside, the frequent turnover of volunteers made it challenging to form lasting connections, and finding personal space could be difficult. It would be great to add more outdoor spaces with hammocks for relaxing. Overall, this internship offered a rewarding mix of impactful work, cultural immersion, and community, making it a unique and memorable experience.

Working in the program under Diego's supervision was a rewarding experience. I was mostly the only intern in the department, which gave me the opportunity to take on a lot of responsibility. I collaborated with Alejandro on gathering and analyzing data from locals to understand their perspectives, ensuring accuracy in our conclusions. One of my key responsibilities was managing the grass and seedlings in our small nursery during planting days. My favorite part was leading the reforestation efforts next to EcoSwell, where I organized other interns into teams for tasks like collecting mulch and compost. I enjoyed motivating the group each morning, and seeing everyone’s smiles by the end of the day was incredibly fulfilling. Planting days allowed me to share my knowledge with others, explaining the importance of compost and other environmental practices in a way that connected everyone to the work. I also had the chance to support Diego in preparing a presentation, and it was inspiring to contribute to a meaningful project. Additionally, collaborating remotely with Brinda, an online intern based in England, added a unique dimension to my experience. Overall, this internship allowed me to take on leadership roles, connect deeply with conservation work, and contribute to projects that made a positive impact on the community.