 Conservation
and Environmental Volunteer Project in Ecuador
Ecuador is one of the region's most ecologically
diverse countries with rain, cloud and dry forest, mangroves,
etc. but many natural habitats are being destroyed by deforestation
and desertification. This exciting program offers the opportunity
for volunteers to work in the midst of the most spectacular
Ecuadorian biodiversities. Our unique conservation volunteer
projects help to support and develop some of the most precious
natural habitats on the planet. Volunteers in this project
play an integral role by becoming involved in the local conservation
efforts. As part of the project you will have the chance to
live and breathe a new lifestyle as an active member of the
community devoted to conversation.
The principal aim of this project is designed
to broaden awareness of environmental issues; this is the
conservation of eco-systems and cultural diversity, environmental
education and sustainable development projects. You as volunteers
will be contributing significantly to the success of protecting
this ecological and biological reserves and sustainable use
of natural resources. Your help is needed in the preservation,
investigation, environmental education and management of the
Ecuadorian flora, fauna and landscapes.
These conservation projects in Ecuador are
located in various locations throughout this spectacular country
such as Andes, Ecuadorian Coast, Amazonia and even Galapagos
Islands.
Volunteer Responsibilities
Your work will vary depending on the needs
and the length of your stay. Nevertheless, volunteers with
an interest in general conservation are welcome to collaborate
in great variety duties such as:
Tree nursery
This project is focused to the development
and maintenance of the tree nursery on the national parks
or reserves that produces to reforest it. The main task in
this project is:
- Collecting tree seeds within and around the reserve
- Planting seeds and caring for seedlings (irrigation, liberation,
etc.)
- Installing fences and creating nursery beds
Reforestation
The biological reserves or national parks
count with several acres for reforestation. The work to be
done in this area is:
- Clearing to be reforest
- Preparing areas for planting
- Planting tress install
- Maintaining reforested by weeding, etc.
Conservation Education
The main goal of this project is to teach
to the communities that live inside of the park the importance
of native flora and fauna, specifically how native plants
can be used to increase their productivity in a sustainable
way, allowing them to value their surrounding and the richness
of nature.
For several years, staff of the park and volunteers have been
implementing environmental education classes mostly directed
to local children because they are the ones will be working
the land in the future.
A series of activities such as the following
are available:
- Continuing classes on the importance of
natural resources
- Vacation classes on recycling and crafts with local seeds.
- Theatre activities during the celebrations of Arbor Day
and Earth Day (annually).
Organic Agriculture
This project enables volunteers to gain
a greater understanding of organic agriculture and other methods
of non contaminating sustainable agriculture. There are no
chemicals used at all for anything - all fertilizers are organic,
and the pesticides are made of chili peppers and jalapeno
peppers.
Volunteers at this project can participate
in general activities related to agriculture such as sowing
seeds, pricking, planting, weeding, pruning, compost making,
harvesting, pest control and recycling organic waste among
many others.
Skills/Qualifications
No prior experience or specific qualifications
in conservation are required from volunteers wishing to join
this project in Ecuador, only a willingness to share their
time and work with nature. However, beginner to intermediate
knowledge of Spanish is recommendable as well as individuals
who are enthusiastic and interested in issues related to the
environmental conservation in undeveloped countries. You should
be prepared to become involved in physically demanding work.
Project Location
Our project is located in Mindo, Ibarra,
Puerto Lopez, Cuenca, Amazon Region and Galapagos.
Accommodation and Meals
During the stay in the program, volunteers
will live with a carefully screened host family which will
provide with a single, clean, modest, comfortable and safe
room as well as local meals three times a day. No lunch on
Sundays.
Dates, Duration and Application Deadline
The project runs all year-round for 2-12
weeks in length and start every Monday so volunteer should
arrive 1 or 2 days early. Volunteers choose their own start
dates. Applications are accepted up to 2 weeks prior to departure
or start date.
Pick-up/Meeting
Volunteer will be met outside the airport
terminal by an ELEP representative holding a placard with
your name on it. Please provide us your flight information
up to 2 weeks prior departing from your home-country so that
a punctual pick-up/meeting can be arranged.
Price
Application Fee: $ 100
Volunteer Program Cost: 420 for 2 weeks. Every extra week
is $ 105 ranging up to $ 1500 for 12 weeks.
Special Offers:
Application fee: $ 100
$ 650. 1 weeks of Spanish lessons + accommodation/meal
+ 3 volunteer project
$ 1100. 2 weeks of Spanish lessons + accommodation/meal +
6 volunteer project
$ 1600. 4 weeks of Spanish lessons + accommodation/meal +
8 volunteer project
What's Included
- Meeting you at Quito Airport
- Transfer to your accommodation
- Full pre-departure support
- Local in-country support
- Orientation
- Accommodation
- Food
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