Conservation Work in Ecuador

  Ecuador

• Galapagos Islands: 
Galapagos Islands
• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
San Cristobal

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: multiple dates year round

Description: Despite being the smallest country in the Andean highlands, Ecuador is certainly making the most of the space it has. If it's not covered by dense jungle, then it's jam-packed full of wildlife reserves, unexpectedly beautiful beaches, swarms of indigenous animals or picture-perfect colonial architecture. This leading conservation project works hard to preserve the tropical forest and wildlife in the beautiful cloud forest. Conservation work in Ecuador involves a variety of activities, including jungle hikes, reforestation activities and weekend visits to local villages. If you get a taste for the country you can stay longer than four weeks and enjoy rotations among a variety of reserves, one of which is on the Galapagos Islands!

*Project details:
We currently provide volunteers to several reserves across Ecuador: three in the cloudforest on the mainland and one on San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands. All the reserves are part of Ecuadorian non-profit, non-governmental organisations. We have also recently joined with a coastal conservation project based in Parque Nacional Machalilla that focuses on eco tourism and reforestation.

*Why the project needs volunteers:
With deforestation being Ecuador's largest environmental problem, a huge effort is now being made by both national and private reserves across the country to preserve what remains.

Much of the work at these reserves is dependant on having the necessary labour. That is not to say that it would not get completed without i-to-i volunteers, but it would certainly take much, much longer!

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights:
* Playing your part in conserving these areas of outstanding natural beauty and importance
* Living the 'rural' life - you'll never want to be in a city again!
* Learning about this fascinating country from the inside

Qualifications: What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
General fitness and lots of enthusiasm is definitely needed for all the reserves. Volunteers also need to be ready to take on any tasks that may be required of them, and to get dirty in the process!

Your role as a volunteer:
While there are a large number of conservation activities that are broadly similar across the reserves, each has its own unique aspects. Typical examples of work that could be required at the specific reserves are as follows:

    * La Hesperia: Sustainable agriculture, reforestation, collating biological inventories, community integration, and COB eco-construction are all typical activities at this project. You will also get involved in educational activities and eco-tourism and will have the opportunity to participate in hikes and workshops, as well the opportunity to teach English to local children and project staff.
    * Alto Choco: Native tree nurseries, reforestation, botanic garden, environmental education in community schools, organic orchids.
    * San Cristobal: Habitat restoration and agricultural components, various hikes to a nearby lagoon, native forests, beaches, and local villages to explain the ecological and human dynamics of Galapagos. Opportunities to work on group research and monitoring projects will also be developed.
    * Trees nurseries, reforestation, Organic Farm, worm projects, feeders, Orchid Garden, Eco Tourism, environmental education with the school and community, Ecotourism, Health Campaigns in the Community.

Cost in US$: USD 1260.00 for 1 week, USD 220.00 for every week thereafter

* Accommodation: Shared rooms in cabins or guesthouses.
* Food: All meals (not included at weekends, budget approximately US$20 per week)
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

When you go on an i-to-i volunteer program we want you to have the best possible time abroad, so we include these important services.

Before you depart we offer:
- detailed information on your project and country
- fundraising advice and support
- visa instructions
- vaccination recommendations
- advice on health, safety & culture shock
- English teacher training course (TEFL)
- contact details to pass along to your family

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 17-80

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

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Year Founded: 1994