Volunteer in Ecuador

  Ecuador

• Galapagos Islands: 
Galapagos Islands

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: On going

Description: The Global Volunteer Network currently offers volunteer opportunities through our partner organization in Ecuador. Volunteers have the opportunity to participate in the programs of six different biological reserves, which contribute to to biodiversity conservation, community development and sustainable use of natural resources.

Ecuador is a country of many geographical contrasts, extending from the Amazon rainforest of the Oriente and the high altitude forests of the Inter-Andean region, to the forests and beaches of the northern lowlands and the Galapagos Islands. Biological reserves are located in each of these different regions, many in extremely threatened areas, where the land in the reserve is among the last remnant of an area high in biodiversity.

The principal aims of the reserves are the conservation of eco-systems and cultural diversity, environmental education and sustainable development projects, and research that promotes the improvement of the quality of life of people living in the zones of influence of its activities. The volunteer program is intended to provide practical experience for people interested in contributing to our partner's conservation activities and project, and volunteers work on a variety of projects under the supervision of the resident researchers, environmental education instructors and administrative staff of each reserve.

Highlights: All volunteers will participate in maintenance and development of the infrastructure of these stations, as well as the activities listed below. Volunteers are not tourists and are expected to work full days like all other employees of the station. Interns should be able to undertake strenuous and sometimes tedious labor in a hot tropical climate under primitive living conditions.

The following activities are available in the Ecuador reserves, although what is available varies between reserves and some activities are dependent on season:

Plant Conservation: collecting seeds, reforestation, medicinal plant garden development, nursery work, and clearing areas of invasive species.
Community Work: teaching English in local schools, environmental education and community visits.
Sustainable Income Generation: implementation of sustainable agriculture and aquaculture projects, crafts and agro-forestry.
Supporting Local Research: assisting in collecting data for local research
Wildlife: monitoring projects with birds and bears.

The San Cristobal reserve is located in the highlands of San Cristobal Island, in the Galapagos chain, on a 200 hectare site where there is still native vegetation. The native vegetation consists of Miconias, ferns and other native herbacious species.

The objective of the station is to develop the technology to reconstruct native habitat in the highlands on San Cristobal, and to serve as a centre for similar projects in the highlands on other populated islands in the Galapagos chain. The remaining native highland forest on these islands is limited due to farming and the introduction of invasive species from the mainland. The reserve has a Plant Conservation Center for the production of native plant species for this work.

In addition the Station is working collaboratively with local landowners to develop clean agricultural alternatives for the production of vegetables and fruits to sell to local restaurants and hotels. Due to the extensive importation of products from the mainland, invasive species are entering the Galapagos on a daily basis.

Volunteers will work on both the habitat restoration and agricultural components while at the reserve. In addition Station staff will lead volunteers on various destination hikes throughout the reserve and nearby locations to explain the ecological and human dynamic of Galapagos. The San Cristobal reserve is fairly new (established in 2003) and therefore some of the work will involve manual labour such as construction of new facilities and clearing the bush for new hiking trails

Qualifications: Program Requirements
* Be 18 years or over
* Have no major health problems
* Be moderately fit

* A basic level of Spanish is required for all reserves. If you do not know any Spanish you can choose to attend a 2 week Spanish course in Quito prior to volunteering, arranged through our partner organisation.

*Although there are no restrictions on the nationality of volunteers that wish to participate in this program, you need to be able to obtain your Entry Visa independent of the volunteer organisation.

Cost in US$: Please see website for details.

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-65

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Global Volunteer Network's Mission Statement: The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a private, Non Government Organization (NGO) based in Wellington, New Zealand. Our incorporation number is WN/1194442. Our vision is to support the work of local community organizations in developing countries through the placement of international volunteers. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.

Year Founded: 2000