Location: Various locations around Ecuador. You can choose.

Duration: Minimum 2 weeks commitment.

Cost: $480 USD for 2 weeks placement + $105 USD for each additional week. Includes all food and accommodation, airport pickup/drop off, in-country orientation & 24 hour support .

Travel: You will be met at Quito International Airport and taken to the Project HQ by a project representative. You will given 1 week orientation, and then taken directly to your placement.

Work: Reforestation, Conservation Education and Organic Agricultural Practice

Introduction

Ecuador is one of the region's most ecologically diverse countries. However many of these natural habitats are being destroyed by deforestation and desertification. This program offers you the opportunity to work in the midst of some of the most spectacular Ecuadorian biodiversities.  You can choose to work in the Andes, Ecuadorian Coast, Amazonia and the Galapagos Islands (see the Environmental Conservation in the Galapagos islands project).

This 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. 

The principal aim of this project is to broaden awareness of environmental issues; the conservation of eco-systems and cultural diversity, environmental education and sustainable development. You will be contributing significantly to the success of protecting these ecological and biological reserves through the sustainable use of natural resources.

Your help is needed in the preservation, investigation, environmental education and management of the Ecuadorian flora, fauna and landscapes.


Daily Life

Your work will vary depending on the day to day needs of tthe project, and the length of your stay. 
You could get involved in the following projects;

Tree nursery

This project is focused to the development and maintenance of tree nurseries in ther various national parks or reserves  in which we work.  The main tasks include;
- Collecting tree seeds within and around the reserve
- Planting seeds and caring for seedlings (irrigation, liberation, etc.)
- Installing fences and creating nursery beds

Reforestation

Many of the Biological Reserves and National Parks in Ecuador often require reforestation.
You will be;
- Clearing areas to be reforested
- Preparing areas for planting
- Planting saplings
- Maintaining reforested area by weeding, etc.


Conservation Education

This project seeks to teach to the communities living inside various National Parks of the importance of native flora and fauna,. Specifically how native plants can be used to increase farming productivity in a sustainable way, thereby increasing their  inherent value whilst increasing biodiversity.

For several years, staff of the park and volunteers have been implementing environmental education classes mostly directed to local children, who will be the  future cultivators of the land.

Current projects include;
- Continuing classes on the importance of natural resources
- Holiday 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  - 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.


Accommodation

You will live with an Ecuadorian host  family who will provide a comfortable single room, three daily meals (break fast, lunch and dinner) and a weekly laundry service. All the host-families have been carefully selected by the Project Provider.

You will be received as a member of the family and will be involved in the daily activities of that family, offering you the chance of putting into practice and improving your language skills whilst gaining special insight into Ecuadorian society.

All the host families reside in short walking distance or bus ride away, in quiet and safe residential sectors of the city and close to everything such as supermarkets, cafe-internet, medical centers, post offices, shopping malls, bars, restaurants, educational centers, libraries, cultural places, historical downtown, dance clubs, bus stations, airport, etc.

Requirements

All are very welcome on this project. However, if you do have any previous experience you are particularly encouraged to apply.

* Min age 18
* Minimum 2 weeks commitment - 40 hours a week.
* Basic to Intermediate Spanish (Lessons available)
* Full travel & medical insurance
* Necessary vaccinations
* Necessary flights & visas

NO commission is added to the cost of this project by Global Nomadic. We ask instead for a flat placement fee of £125 per project (paid securely via Paypal). We offer full pre-departure support, ongoing email assistance and a full range of discounts with our selected partners.

Send us an email enquiry to find out more, or click the 'Join this Project' button below if you are ready to get involved.