Volunteer in Ecological & Environment Conservation

Project Summary: This exciting program offers the opportunity for volunteers to work in the Alto Choco Reserve. Due to geographical isolation, this area has largely been under developed. This isolation leaves farmers at the mercy of middlemen in order to get their crops to market. In addition, until the recent discovery of metallic minerals, the government had little interest in this region. Thus, basic services such as roads, health centres, schools, water and sewage disposal are deficient at best and nonexistent for many residents.

However, since the discovery of copper and gold, the government and trans-national corporations are selling mining as the cure for the areas ills. In a region characterised by poverty and lack of jobs, their promises (employment, schools, health clinics, roads) are very attractive. But those promoting mining do not mention the short-term nature of mining projects, nor the long-term environmental devastation that can result from mining projects.

In response to this threat, residents have founded organizations to assure the conservation of forests and the long-term well being of communities through the creation of sustainable economic projects.

Where the placement is based

This project is located next to Intag; there are 2 local communities in the area Pucará and Santa Rosa. The reserve provides modern living conditions and facilities on the western slopes of the Andean cordillera. It is a unique area rich in culture and bio-diversity. This area is home to an extensive portion of the Andean cloud forest, a seriously threatened ecosystem.

Why the placement needs volunteers

The communities you will be volunteering within are attempting to set an example to other communities by demonstrating that it is possible to enjoy a high standard of living without harming the environment. Our volunteers play an integral role by becoming involved in their conservation efforts and coming up with new and innovative ways to develop their community in an eco-friendly manner. You will also have the chance to live and breathe this alternative lifestyle as an active member of the community.

Program Requirements

This project is geared towards volunteers interested in environmental issues and the conservation strategies and efforts that are currently occurring in Ecuador. A back ground in environmental studies would be useful but not necessary to enroll on this project. You should be prepared to become involved in physically demanding work such as construction, reforestation, planting etc.

Your role as a volunteer

As a volunteer on this placement, you may and in some cases will become involved in the following activities:

Environmental Education with the community: Different activities with the children in the reserve and schools.

Reforestation and tree nursery: Reforestation activities, there are about 90 hectares in the reserve for reforestation. Of this, only 42 hectares have already been reforested.

Collecting seeds within the reserve: Trying to germinate collected seeds, cleaning weeds from the nursery.

English Teaching: Teaching English at the schools in the community and to the group of communitarian foresters.

Botanical Garden: Identifying species found in the botanical garden; there are about 60 species of orchids and a similar number of bromeliads. Our volunteers role will also involve accompanying project personnel on walks within the reserve to observe and collect plant species not found in the garden.

Rehabilitating and marking old trails: Within the reserve, volunteers help rehabilitate and mark established trails that are overgrown with plants. Volunteers can also become involved in creating and maintaining new trails.

Crafts women of Cabuya: To collect different plants and foliage with the women. This serves to make different tincture for fibre. To help in the preparation of the Cabuya thread, which is the thread that women use for their crafts.

Bamboo paper: Cutting bamboo, transporting it and storing it at a storage station for use in future projects. Such projects involve alternative energy generation with bamboo and the manufacturing of handmade bamboo paper.

Creation of handmade products: These activities are taken with the artisan women association of Santa Rosa and Pucara communities. The handmade products are made with cabuya, a commonly found plant in this area.

Program Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8 hours per day.

Project dress code

You may become involved in reforestation projects, construction and building work, so we recommend that you bring clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. Also bring a set of smart casual clothing for formal events like invitations to dinner etc.

Suggested items to be brought to project

• Bug spray - eco-friendly (malaria does not exist in the area but there are mosquitoes which can be annoying)
• Flashlight / Torch
• Wellies / rubber boots
• Heavy duty working gloves
• Eco-friendly soap (for washing clothes)
• Trekking shoes
• a full list will be provided with your uVolunteer project pack upon completion of application.

Accommodation

Volunteers have the choice of living with a family within the indigenous community or being housed approximately 20 minutes away from the community in a volunteer dorm located in the Tropical Rain forest project. The volunteer dorm has 4 shared rooms and is located inside the reserve. Meals are prepared and served by women from the community who are a part of the cooking group. On Sundays everyone takes part in the community's work.

Activities and excursions around project location

The Intag zone has great natural bio-diversity including primary forest, ecological reserves, crystal clear rivers and lakes, and beautiful views. With the favorable conditions of this environment, volunteers can participate in activities including relaxation, recreation, sports, adventures, investigation, and share with the local people in their everyday culture and community work.

• The primary attractions include:
• Subtropical forest
• Natural landscapes
• Rivers, waterfalls, lakes, thermal pools
• Archaeological museum
• Organic agricultural production of coffee, beans, sugar cane and fruits
• Natural fiber and embroidered handicrafts and clothing
• Personal hygiene products derived from native plants