Conserve the rich Biodiversity in Mindo, Ecuador

  Ecuador

• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Mindo

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: Finding the most bio-diverse place in Ecuador is a bit like finding the most idyllic beach in Thailand; a hard job but well worth the effort! In Mindo, forests reach up the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano, wispy clouds surround tree-less plateaus and bright hues of tropical vegetation giving way to picturesque waterfalls. Such is Ecuador's dramatic elevation that every hundred metres brings another new habitat and species. You'll have plenty of time to explore this ecological reserve while you're here but your main purpose will be to help conserve these beautiful surroundings and the wildlife that they support. Tasks are as varied as the location and range from creating an orchid garden, building feeders for butterflies and maintaining trails to providing environmental education in the local community.

*Project details:
This is a focused opportunity to work on one of the most important ecological reserves in Ecuador. Mindo has suffered severe deforestation from the past century and it is extremely important to develop tree nurseries with native species and reforest with these species. Mindo is part of the protected 48,000 acre Mindo - Nambillo reserve.

The forest stretches over the slopes of Pichincha volcano, at altitudes from 1,400 to 4,700 meters (4,600 to 15,500 feet) and covers diverse ecosystems ranging from the cloud high, treeless plateau or "paramo" through subtropical forest to tropical jungle. The steep slopes also give birth to myriad waterfalls, many of which have never been even named, just an example of nature's undiscovered treasures that await you there! Cloud forests like Mindo have high humidity, cool temperatures, and an abundance of wildlife and plants, particularly ephiphytes, varieties that grow on other plants. Mindo is considered the heaven for bird watchers, but also it appeals to photographers, and explorers for its outstanding panoramic view. Mindo is considered to be one of South America's best bird watching sites, it has been named by Birdlife International as the first Important Bird Area (IBA) in the Americas in 1997, due to its exceptional flora, fauna, and botanical abundance, unique in species, considered vital for the development of ecological tourism. One key fact to take note of is that every 200 meters or so drop in altitude means a change in the species of birds that live in Mindo.

*Why the project needs volunteers:
With deforestation being Ecuador's largest environmental problem, a huge effort is now being made by both national and private reserves across the country to preserve what remains. Much of the work at these reserves is dependent on having the necessary labour. That is not to say that it would not get completed without i-to-i volunteers, but it would certainly take much, much longer!

Highlights:
* Getting stuck in and your hands dirty in working to preserve this awesome part of the world
* Exploring the reserve - stunning
* Getting to know your hosts and learning all about the challenges facing Ecuador's flora and fauna

Qualifications: What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
General fitness and lots of enthusiasm is definitely needed for all the reserves. Volunteers also need to be ready to take on any tasks that may be required of them, and to get dirty in the process!

Your role as a volunteer:
* Trees nurseries: Collect seeds, weed, etc.
* Nursery: Collection of seeds in cloud forest inside the reserve and try to germinate collected seeds
* Reforestation: Clean land to be reforested, prepare areas for replanting and transplanting
* Organic farm: Build a organic vegetable garden, cleaning it, maintenance of the garden
* Worms project: Create boxes for the worms, and general maintenance of the project.
* Feeders: Build feeders for birds and butterflies
* Orchid garden: Build an orchid garden
* Ecotourism: Mark and maintain trails, rehabilitate and remark old trails, mark reserve boundaries
* Environmental education with the school and community
* English classes (optional)
* Health campaigns in the community

Cost in US$: USD 985.00 for 1 week, USD 220.00 for every week

* Accommodation: Shared room at project
* Food: All meals (not included at weekends, budget approximately US$20 per week)
* Airport Pickup: Included on arrival date. Ask us for details if you're arriving early!
* Training: In-country orientation and Online TEFL course
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994