Conservation Project in Ecuador

  Ecuador

• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Intag

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Flexible, year round

Description: The Intag zone, part of Ecuador's Choco Bioregion, is labeled as one of ten most important biological hot spots in the world according to the World Wildlife Fund and the World Bank. There is a huge diversity in plant and animal life including Andean bears, deer, antpitta, toucans, and beautiful orchids. This zone contains a large indigenous population and is among one of the poorest in Ecuador. There is also a large threat to the region given the many mining companies vying for its precious minerals. At the reserve, activities include reforestation, investigation and environmental preservation, native nursery and botanical garden upkeep, projects with bamboo, and working with craftswomen to develop income generating goods.

The Conservation Project is located in Intag, a cloud forest reserve about 4 hours north of Quito. All volunteers will be met at the airport in Quito, given an orientation and overnight stay, and then taken to the bus station the following day to travel to Otavalo and on to Intag.

Accommodation during the project is on site in a rustic lodge housing up to 15 people. It has all basic amenities, excluding electricity. All meals are prepared together with family and other laborers at the reserve and are included during your stay.

Highlights:
- Communal housing and three meals daily
- Support of friendly, experienced staff in the US and in Ecuador
- Comprehensive accident and medical insurance
- 24 hour emergency support

Qualifications: Depending on the volunteer's knowledge and experience and what help is needed, duties include helping to develop quality organic agriculture, animal husbandry and forestry practices, helping with research on plant and animal species, helping with the use of waste produced on the reserve, managing recourse of Andean bamboo, making hand made paper out of bamboo, and responsibly harvesting forestry resources.

Experience or education in biology, ecology, conservation, or environmental studies is helpful, but not required, depending on the duties the volunteer will be expected to perform. An intermediate level of Spanish is required. Spanish lessons are available prior to the volunteer project in Quito for an additional fee.

Cost in US$: Starts at $900

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Greenheart Travel volunteers are flexible and open minded people interested in an authentic cultural exchange experience.

Age Range: 18 and over

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Greenheart Travel's Mission Statement: Greenheart Travel is a division of the Center for Cultural Interchange. Founded in 1985, the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural understanding, academic development and world peace. Greenheart is CCI's way of promoting the health and welfare of the earth and its people through cultural exchange, ethical travel, responsible consumerism, and community service.

Year Founded: 1985