Kaya Environmental Volunteering in Bolivia

  Bolivia

Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Every Monday

Description: If you are an outdoors adventurous type and conscious about the problems facing the earth then an environmental project is for you. Our projects from around the world range from forestry development, ecosystem preservation, national park development to botanical research. Not only will you be involved in education and research but also hands on activities within national park development and maintenance of ecosystems. '

Forestry Development in Bolivia:
This project is designated to cover deforested areas along the route of the gas duct from Bolivia to Brazil. You will have the opportunity to work on maintenance in a variety of Bolivian plants and, if you have knowledge of marketing, advertising, or business, then you can work on promoting their products as well. The project supervisor is a committed agronomist who is eager to welcome volunteers with an interest in environmental conservation.

Ecosystem Preservation in Bolivia:
Located outside the city, the Santa Cruz Botanical Garden preserves native and endangered plant species, and showcases Bolivia's wealth of biodiversity. Its 186 hectares (450 acres) of subtropical plains and woodland have been divided into separate ecosystems including a dry forest, cactus park, palm forest, tropical forest and lagoon. This volunteer project is perfect for people who enjoy the outdoors and want to try their hand at tropical conservation.

Highlights: Everything in Bolivia is 'the highest in the world' - the mammoth Lake Titicaca, its capital La Paz, the silver mines of Potosi. Bolivia is the highest and most isolated country in South America characterized by extreme differences in climatic and environmental conditions - from the soaring ice-capped Andean peaks to the dry salt flats to the steamy Amazon jungles. Its beauty does not just lie in its geography but is reflected in vibrant indigenous cultures, colonial cities and ancient civilizations.

The people of Bolivia are some of the poorest in South America, yet are also known to be some of the most welcoming, making it a travel-friendly country.

The Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats:
This is the largest salt flat in the world covering an area of 10,582km2. It holds around 10 billion tons of salt and half of the world's lithium. Its vastness is unbelievable as it stretches off into the horizon and touches the sky.

Cordiellera Real:
Marvel at the most imposing mountain range in Bolivia, with 6 peaks reaching over 19,000 ft. One of the least-trekked areas of the Andes, it contains a high concentration of active wildlife including condors, bears and the occasional puma. There are treks for various levels of experience.

Lake Titicaca:
Standing at the base of the majestic Andean mountains, 12,500 ft. above sea level, is the vast and imposing Lake Titicaca. This giant body of water spans across Bolivia and Peru and is the largest lake in South America. Along its banks are ancient ruins and indigenous villages to explore.

Each member of Kaya staff have worked, traveled, studied or volunteered abroad, and many staff have visited and volunteered in our projects knowing firsthand the country and nature of the program placements. For this reason, there would be no worries for the participants.

Qualifications: Experience and passion for working in the community and interacting with the people are needed. Participants must also possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the place's culture.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.

Age Range: Must be more than 18 years old

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

Participants Travel to Bolivia Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement: Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.

Year Founded: 2008