Kaya Environmental Volunteering in Ecuador

  Ecuador

• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Guayaquil

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.

Malecon 2000 Environmental Project in Ecuador

Teach the next generation of Ecuadorians about recycling, waste management and global warming so they will grow up protecting the rich ecosystem where they live. Kaya is working with the Malecon 2000 Foundation and base this program at a facility along the estuary, where local schools bring classes on field trips to learn about conservation and recycling. This placement is ideal for people interested in environmental education as well as project planning for classes in contemporary global environmental issues. Volunteers can function as aides for this project assisting in the activities and teaching of the children.

Botanical Conservation & Research in Ecuador

Help preserve the local botanical species in a research area where scholars from different parts of the world conduct specialized projects. Developing a protected forest and an educational environment, along with a museum of local plants, are the top functions of this program. Volunteers work as part of teams on various projects that include field trips and educating children on the different plants native to this area. Volunteers may also get involved in the research currently taking place in the area. There is a team leader to report to on a regular basis.

Land Preservation & Cultural Studies in Ecuador

Work with a program devoted to preserving local wildlife and plants, and to keeping the indigenous culture thriving. This placement is in Puyo, located on the Amazon plain a 4-hour bus ride from Quito. The homes and vegetation of Puyo remain in their original state as they were before the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest. The volunteer will reside with a local family in Puyo and enjoy an enriched cultural immersion ideal for anyone studying Anthropology or Cultural Studies or anyone interested in learning about a fascinating culture. Also in the region are schools and ecological conservation projects that volunteers could be involved in. Volunteers should be aware that the living conditions remain basic and primitive.

Highlights: Nowhere else on earth will you find so much natural diversity - and all the fun that accompanies it - in such a small country. In one day's drive you can journey from the Amazon Basin across glaciated Andean volcanoes, down through tropical cloud forest and arrive at a seaside village on the Pacific coast, where the water is warm.

Traditionally the impoverished have resided in rural areas but with rapid urbanization over the last 25 years, the urban population in poverty has risen from 1.5 million to around 3.5 million. Some of the characteristics of poverty in urban and rural areas are low educational achievement, informal sector employment, and rented, instead of owned, housing.

Mount Chimborazo:
Mount Chimborazo is an inactive volcano and is the highest peak in Ecuador at 20,565 ft. It is also the farthest point on the planet from the Earth's core. It is a day's climb to the summit from base camp and the awesome towering ice-capped peak is a major incentive to reach the summit.

Paragliding in the Andes:
View the spectacular views of the Ecuadorian Andes through the thrilling experience of paragliding. Carry out a tandem flight and no experience is required. The best places to paraglide are Crucita beach, Pichincha Mountains and the cliffs above Canoa.

Andean Biking:
Ecuador is a premier mountain biking destination with its diversity of biking terrain and scenery. From Quito there are a number of rides ranging from snow-capped Andean volcanoes, cloud forests and jungle upon hundreds of miles of traffic-free trails.

There are great projects doing great work but with more funds and staff so much more could be done. You can offer so many things to Ecuadorians. Volunteers can engage in numerous activities with the men, women and children.

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 Ecuador 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