Volunteers Needed: Andean Conservation in Peru

  Peru

• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Dates: See website for dates

Description: Help conserve a vital portion of Peru's ecosystem when you volunteer with our Andean Conservation Project. Peru is one of the most biologically diverse nations on the planet. Peru's geography includes the second-highest mountain range on earth, the world's driest desert, wind-swept beaches and the sprawling Amazon jungle. To add to this natural wealth, the Incas and other pre-Colombian civilizations left an abundant archaeological record and an enduring indigenous culture. But such riches are difficult to maintain. Deforestation and other habitat destruction runs rampant. Much of Peru's native wildlife is endangered. Meanwhile, indigenous cultures are fading and important traditions are lost from one generation to the next.

Our project in Peru works with several organizations to help conserve Peru's profound natural and cultural treasures. As a volunteer, you can help reforest sections of the Amazon Rainforest, conserve native Peruvian animal species or help an isolated Andean village harvest and protect its vital potato crop. Whichever you choose, you will help defend Peru's fragile natural and cultural heritage.

Highlights:
As a volunteer you will:
* Conduct timber audits in search of likely reforestation sites
* Help reforest land
* Help harvest potatoes with indigenous Andean villagers
* Document and help conserve seed stocks for native farmers

Qualifications:
* Must be at least 18 years old
* Must be physically fit to perform certian duties
* Spanish language skills helpful, depending on project

Cost in US$: See website

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Volunteer Adventures makes it easy to live your dream of volunteering. Anyone can volunteer, as long as you have the desire to help others and an open mind.

Age Range: 18 and older

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Peru Independently

Volunteer Adventures's Mission Statement: The mission of Volunteer Adventures is to create and promote volunteer opportunities that improve the lives of others and the environment in which we live. We seek to achieve this goal by connecting worthy local projects with volunteers around the world. Many local organizations are doing great work in their communities, but don't have the resources required to recruit international volunteers. Volunteer Adventures serves as the link between these organizations and the volunteers needed to make these projects a success. All volunteer programs depend on the skilled coordination of a variety of elements: enthusiastic volunteers, meaningful work, organized projects, and supportive staff. It is our goal at Volunteer Adventures to orchestrate this process for you. We use our global experience and resources to provide volunteer experiences that bring pride and satisfaction to everyone involved.