Conservation in Peru

  Peru

• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Manu National Park

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: Manu is a biosphere reserve located between Madre de Dios and Paucartambo, Cusco. Before it became an area protected by the Peruvian government, the Manu National Park was self-preserved thanks to its inaccessibility. The park remains fairly inaccessible by land to this day. The park encompasses all of the ecological zones that exist in the Amazon Basin, covering an altitudinal gradient between 150 and 4200 meters above sea level. Because of this topographical range, it has one of highest levels of biodiversity of any park in the world.

Volunteer programs are focused on educating local population as well as visitors in order to promote the development of sustainable natural resources and preserve local ecosystems. Volunteers will collect and monitor data on fauna and flora, assist in reforestation projects, learn and participate on the ethnobotanic project, learn techniques for organic cultivation, take care of the orchid's garden, work on the opening and maintenance of walking trails, give lessons to children and local residents on environmental problems and awareness as well as basic English skills.

If you have a background in an applicable field of science, you may apply for a resident naturalist position at Manu Learning Center. In addition, applicants are encouraged to submit a proposal to conduct their own research and develop their own projects.

Highlights: Our volunteer programs in Peru give you the opportunity to explore the incredible richness of Peruvian music, art, food, dance and ceremony while simultaneously helping improve the lives of people in need. Through the process of providing solidarity and support to needy populations in Peru we are confident you will find your own life enriched by the experience.

Considered a hotspot in terms of the planet's biodiversity, Perú is a MUST for nature lovers, ecologists, and conservationists. Almost 80% of the world's recognized ecological zones can be found in Peru, as well as 28 of its 32 climates. According to figures from the World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Peru has some 2,937 known species of amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles. Also, up to 250 varieties of trees have been found in a single hectare, and overall, more than 15,000 species of plants exist in the Manu region.

Qualifications: - Spanish Language Skills at the intermediate level

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: starting at US$ 1,175 for 4 weeks

Airport Pickup: Volunteers will be met at the airport upon arrival.

In-country Staff Support: ELI's partner organization in Peru has years of experience working with visitors to Ghana. The coordinators are very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

Accommodations: Volunteers will stay with a local host family where they will be provided with a room and breakfast and dinner each day. By living with a family, volunteers will learn about the day to day rhythms of Peruvian life first hand as well as sample traditional meals not usually available in restaurants.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range: 18 - 75

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

Participants Travel to Peru Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement: ELI, a registered non-profit organization, partners with organizations from around the world that make a difference in their communities. We work closely with these groups to ensure ELI volunteers get meaningful experiences at reasonable prices.

Year Founded: 2001