Environmental Conservation in Ecuador

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito
• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Ibarra

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Winter 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months, 1-2 years and over 2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Year Round

Description: Volunteers are needed at a cloudforest conservation project in northwest Ecuador. For 25 years traditional farming practices have given way to destructive methods such as the slash-and-burn technique for clearing land. The conservation is trying to improve the quality of life in the local farming communities, using a combination of traditional farming methods and new Agroforestry techniques to maximize crop yields in a sustainable manner.

Volunteers assist with outdoor projects such as tree planting, weeding, creating fire breaks, erosion prevention, nursery development, clearing trails, and there are some possible opportunities for research, environmental education, and agroforestry studies.
During the late spring and summer, they have positions working with children and doing environmental education, and they periodically run courses in permaculture, nutrition, and other related fields for their volunteers and paying guests.

Highlights: This cloud forest conservation is a non-governmental organization and is working on soil conservation/regeneration, and environmental/natural resource education in several rural communities of northern Ecuador.

Professional scientists and students who are interested in advanced research projects or internship positions are also most welcome for periods no less than 2 months. Areas in which research or internships can be set up:
agricultural engineering; agroforestry; alternate energy sources; ecotourism; fauna; flora; fruit and plant cultivation; mental health; nutrition development; permaculture; pollution river basin management; psychology; reforestation; soil recovery; tropical forestry; water turbine engineering.

For couples, there exists the possibility of a six-month stay at one of the two stations, to manage the area. In this case a good knowledge of Spanish is requested as well as the will to live quite isolated surrounded by a beautiful landscape.

Qualifications:
- Motivated Volunteers
- Minimum Age:18
- Minimum Stay: 2 weeks
- Basic Spanish

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: $750 plus $280 per month plus travel expenses

Experience Required: yes

Basic Spanish is preferred.

Typical Volunteer: Typically our volunteers are gap year students aged 17-25. Volunteers placed by our organization are eager, outgoing, take initiative and are dedicated to international and local service work. Our volunteer placements are geared towards the backpacker traveling lifestyle.

Age Range: 18-35

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

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

LEAPNOW: Transforming Education's Mission Statement: Leapnow's primary purpose is nothing less than transformation and positive change on the planet. We aspire to keep our work on the cutting edge of human evolution. We feel that we can have the most positive impact on the world by working in the area of education- which ideally is all about transforming and expanding the consciousness of our students. Cultural immersion, study and work abroad are our main vehicles for learning about one's self and the world.

Year Founded: 1993