Amigos de Iracambi: Saving Forests, Changing Lives

  Brazil

• Southern Brazil: 
Rosario da Limeira

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: flexible

Description: Work with us on the cutting edge of conservation and sustainability to make the conservation of the Rainforest more attractive than its destruction.

One of Conservation International's top five global biodiversity hot spots, the conservation of the Atlantic Rainforest is in a critical condition. For over 500 years this rich source of biological wealth has been under attack, and despite government measures to preserve it, deforestation continues. Local smallholders are caught in a vicious circle of poverty whereby they are forced to cut more forest to enlarge their unproductive croplands in order to feed their families.

But all is not lost! Amigos de Iracambi is one of a number of small non profits working to conserve the priceless resources of the forest while improving the economic situation of the local people. Our researchers and volunteers work with the local community to better understand the factors that lead to forest degradation and restoration-saving forests, changing lives.

Our current programs focus on:

Managing natural resources:
participatory rural assessments of local land use, biological inventories, monitoring biological indicators,GIS.

Restoring forests:
forest corridors, agroforestry, forest nursery.

Generating sustainable incomes:
payment for environmental services, medicinal plants, community based ecotourism.

We are looking for enthusiastic, flexible, self-motivated people who really want to make a valid contribution to our endeavour.

We have an international outlook but a local output and we welcome people from around the globe to join us and help us do our part.

Highlights: The Iracambi Atlantic Rainforest Research and Conservation Center is located in the Atlantic rainforest in the State of Minas Gerais, 7 hours from Rio de Janeiro.

Qualifications: We have a number of ongoing projects:

GIS: Land-use mapping of the forests around Iracambi, with a view to rehabilitation of forest and linking up forest islands and GIS survey database maintenance;

Hydrological Monitoring: collecting samples and data from the hydrologic basin to contibute to on-going monitoring efforts (we provide training, however having a background in hydrology or ecology is extremely helpful)

Trail maintenance: trail clearing and signposting.

Reforestation: Depending on the time of year, planting trees or maintaining the land around recently reforested areas.

I.T.: we need people who can help maintain and improve our website and networked computer system.

We also have a research centre and are happy for researchers to come and set up a project - ideally one that fits in with our research priorities of forest restoration, land use planning, income generating alternatives and community engagement. In the past we have had people doing research in a number of different areas: flora and fauna, ecosystems, socio-economic research and so on. The Atlantic Rainforest is little studied so there is great potential for original work, and work which can be applied immediately.

Other; we are always willing to consider applications from people who have the time and enthusiasm, but may not - yet - have the skills.

The usual volunteer stay is 3-6 months but this is always negotiable depending on our current projects and availability of accommodation.

Cost in US$: See Below

Volunteers: R1,200 per month. This includes full board and lodging in shared accommodation. Housing upgrades (when available) are an additional R200/month.

Does not include liquor, cigarettes or local transport. Volunteers interested in the homestay program may apply upon arrival.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Adaptable, enthusiastic and energetic: many are high-school leavers taking time off before entering university, others are students taking time out from college. Some professionals taking a break from their jobs come too. Most do not have any previous conservation skills but soon pick them up.

Age Range: over 18

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

Participants Travel to Brazil Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 2-4

Application Process Involves:

• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Amigos de Iracambi's Mission Statement: Working with the community to make conservation of the rainforest more attractive than its destruction.

Year Founded: 1999