Biological Research and Sustainable Living in Mindo

  Ecuador

• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Mindo

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: 5-8 weeks
Dates: throughout the year

Description: BioMindo is a private non-profit initiative focused on environmental conservation, located in a beautiful cloud forest valley on the western slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes. Sustainable living based on the principles of permaculture (organic agriculture, bamboo construction, biological grey water cleaning system, solar collectors etc.) and researching Mindo's biodiversity allows BioMindo to support effectively the conservation process.

Despite a long history of conservation efforts in Mindo there is still a lack of detailed knowledge about the biodiversity of the area and any understanding of the complex interactions between the creatures living in the cloud forest. To address this knowledge gap, BioMindo was born.

The project is working to provide the necessary information to allow an understanding of the true magnitude of the biological diversity.

Additionally, the project aims to create a model of sustainable life based on principles of permaculture.   All the constructions of the project are realized with local and rapidly renewable materials. For instance, bamboo, palm leaves, clay, stone and recycled bottles.                                 

Possible work options for volunteers include opening (interpretative) trails in the forest, inventory of biodiversity, bamboo construction, organic gardening and permaculture, improving local eco-friendly tourist attractions or working in the juice bar run by BioMindo.

Highlights: Being a volunteer with BioMindo offers you to learn about nature and a sustainable lifestyle but also gives you the opportunity to enjoy Mindo's tourist attraction as waterfalls, Zip lines, Tubing, Birdwatching, Orchid Garden and to get in touch with the local community.
Quito is only 2 hours away and the closest beach about 4hours (by bus).

Qualifications: Volunteers need to have a great interest in the conservation of nature and be open for a sustainable lifestyle. Biologist and (nature) photographers are welcome but also volunteers who are not specialized in these topics, but are interested in permaculture, alternative technologies and the outdoors.

Couples, families, vegetarians are welcome. A basic level of Spanish is helpful but not necessary (we also speak English, German and French), Spanish classes can be arranged.

Cost in US$: 250$ each month / 70$ each week

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide 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:

• Disciplinary Clearance Form
• Other

BioMindo's Mission Statement: BioMindo is a private, non-profit initiative which combines a sustainable lifestyle with environmental conservation in Mindo and its surroundings.

Year Founded: 2007