Bio-Cultura Reforestation

  Guatemala

Rural Areas

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: all year

Description: Volunteers are needed all year round to work in our tree nursery, the organic/permaculture vege garden, for planting trees, and developing projects like recycling, and environmental education programmes. Volunteers can choose the length of time they wish to work with us- from a few hours to months. There is no cost to volunteers, we wish to develop good relationships between peoples, and work to help the natural world. There are many opportunities for volunteers to rent a room or hotel, or we can arrange a home-stay with local Mayan families. San Pedro is an established tourist destination with many restaurants, hotels and bars, but for volunteers who wish to avoid this aspect, we can recommend sites to stay, eat and visit well away from crowds. Spanish Language classes available with experienced teachers.

Highlights: Working alongside Tzutu'jil-Maya to restore the balance between the environment and human beings. Growing and planting trees with the knowledge your work will help all peoples. Learning skills and sharing knowledge with both local people and other volunteers. Gaining an insight into Mayan village life, while participating in positive tourism. Work with others who care for the environment on the beautiful shores of Lake Atitlan, under the volcano of San Pedro. Swimming, hiking, fishing and many other opportunities available.

Qualifications: Qualities needed for this volunteer position are a love of our natural world, an interest and respect for other cultures and all people, patience, and willingness to work alongside others. No experience is necessary, but skills in tree nursery work, reforestation, and gardening are appreciated. Many other skills are also useful, such as promotion, website upgrading, office skills, etc. Spanish Language is very helpful, but otherwise English is sufficient.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Someone who cares for the environment, and is willing to do a variety of tasks including sowing, planting, watering, weeding, making compost. Typically the volunteer is happy to work in a small group, and sometimes on their own once the task is understood. Our volunteers are interested in learning about Mayan culture and worldviews, and show respect for differences. Some volunteers have existing skills and help us develop our many project ideas, which is much appreciated!

Age Range: Any age. Children must be supervized.

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Guatemala Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Other

Bio-Cultura Reforestation's Mission Statement: To care for the local environment around San Pedro Laguna, and rescue our Mayan culture. Our first priority is reforestation, but we also have a permaculture vegetable garden to demonstrate chemical-free farming. We wish to reconnect our people with the traditional values of caring for our Mother Earth, and so we involve local people and children in our projects, as well as promoting positive tourism through offering volunteer opportunities to visitors.

Year Founded: 2006