Ecuador Conservation Project, Volunteer Conservation Work in Ecuador

  Ecuador

• Galapagos Islands: 
Galapagos Islands

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

Description: Ecuador is one of the region's most ecologically diverse countries with rain, cloud and dry forest, mangroves, etc. but many natural habitats are being destroyed by deforestation and desertification. This exciting program offers the opportunity for volunteers to work in the midst of the most spectacular Ecuadorian biodiversities. Our unique conservation volunteer projects help to support and develop some of the most precious natural habitats on the planet. Volunteers in this project play an integral role by becoming involved in the local conservation efforts. As part of the project you will have the chance to live and breathe a new lifestyle as an active member of the community devoted to conversation.

The principal aim of this project is designed to broaden awareness of environmental issues; this is the conservation of eco-systems and cultural diversity, environmental education and sustainable development projects. You as volunteers will be contributing significantly to the success of protecting this ecological and biological reserves and sustainable use of natural resources. Your help is needed in the preservation, investigation, environmental education and management of the Ecuadorian flora, fauna and landscapes.

These conservation projects in Ecuador are located in various locations throughout this spectacular country such as Andes, Ecuadorian Coast, Amazonia and even Galapagos Islands.

Responsibilities
Your work will vary depending on the needs and the length of your stay. Nevertheless, volunteers with an interest in general conservation are welcome to collaborate in great variety duties such as:

Tree nursery
This project is focused to the development and maintenance of the tree nursery on the national parks or reserves that produces to reforest it. The main task in this project is:
- Collecting tree seeds within and around the reserve
- Planting seeds and caring for seedlings (irrigation, liberation, etc.)
- Installing fences and creating nursery beds

Reforestation
The biological reserves or national parks count with several acres for reforestation. The work to be done in this area is:
- Clearing to be reforest
- Preparing areas for planting
- Planting tress install
- Maintaining reforested by weeding, etc.

Conservation Education
The main goal of this project is to teach to the communities that live inside of the park the importance of native flora and fauna, specifically how native plants can be used to increase their productivity in a sustainable way, allowing them to value their surrounding and the richness of nature.

For several years, staff of the park and volunteers have been implementing environmental education classes mostly directed to local children because they are the ones will be working the land in the future.

A series of activities such as the following are available:
- Continuing classes on the importance of natural resources
- Vacation classes on recycling and crafts with local seeds.
- Theatre activities during the celebrations of Arbor Day and Earth Day (annually).

Organic Agriculture
This project enables volunteers to gain a greater understanding of organic agriculture and other methods of non contaminating sustainable agriculture. There are no chemicals used at all for anything - all fertilizers are organic, and the pesticides are made of chili peppers and jalapeno peppers.

Volunteers at this project can participate in general activities related to agriculture such as sowing seeds, pricking, planting, weeding, pruning, compost making, harvesting, pest control and recycling organic waste among many others.

Highlights:
- Discover a world of plenty and beautiful nature
- Help to preserve the nature
- Enjoy volunteering and experiencing the Ecuadorian forest and jungle

Qualifications:
No prior experience or specific qualifications in conservation are required from volunteers wishing to join this project in Ecuador, only a willingness to share their time and work with nature.   However, beginner to intermediate knowledge of Spanish is recommendable as well as individuals who are enthusiastic and interested in issues related to the environmental conservation in undeveloped countries. You should be prepared to become involved in physically demanding work.

Cost in US$: Cheap and very affordable

Experience Required: no

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

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 3 or more

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

ELEP - Experiential Learning Ecuadorian Programs's Mission Statement: Our mission is to promote international understanding through educational and cultural exchange between Ecuador (Latin-American) and the rest of the world, to help people to gain hands-on practical experience, acquire knowledge and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world, accomplishing these goals through our Volunteer, Internship and Spanish Study Programs. Therefore, ELEPs commitment is to contribute to intercultural and learning experience opportunities and development of the people, companies, organizations and communities through our programs

Year Founded: 1999