Would you like to help preserve Ecuador's cloud forests? Then why not apply for our volunteer program? You will live and work on Zoobreviven's Alto Choco Reserve or in the Mindo Valley helping with reforestation, reserve management tasks* and learning about this unique ecosystem. We do not make money from volunteers who come to stay, their work is payment enough.
We ask only that you pay a small fee (currently US$320 a month) to cover living costs and stay for a minimum of 2 weeks. The participation fee pays for lodging and 3 meals a day. Meals are not included at the weekend, but can be bought at the research station kitchen. The volunteering fee must be paid upon arrival at our office in Quito and is not refundable.
For volunteers to be able to communicate effectively we prefer volunteers to have a basic competence in Spanish, though we do no exclude English-speaking volunteers without Spanish.
Work may involve reforestation with native cloud forest trees, reserve management*, working in the botanical garden or in our organic vegetable garden. You are of course most welcome to suggest your own projects as many volunteers have in the past.
Volunteers will usually work between 7/8 hours a day with 8 days off per month. We usually work a 5 day week, though this depends on the nature of the project. Volunteers must be prepared to work in rustic conditions.
We’ve had volunteers of all ages, from a wide range of backgrounds and many different parts of the world. Time spent with us may be part of a program of study, a vacation or gap-year. As well as being a hugely educational opportunity we of course want volunteers to have fun and make new friends.
Description:
Projects
Summary of our work
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Reserve
Ornithology
Farming
Workshops and Environmental Education with Schools, Universities & NGOs
Status: Completed
Workshops and seminars, discussion and implementation of proposals for the solution of the diverse environmental problems that confront Ecuador.
In 1998, the Foundation organized 8 workshops and discussions about different forms of mineral exploitation. These workshops were conducted by Quito’s leading universities.
In the same year, the Foundation initiated a pilot plan for environmental education in the capital’s high schools. In accordance with an analysis of the target audiences, a private high school of average size was chosen and work with its primary and secondary sectors began. Through this program the Foundation has participated in educational talks, workshops and site visits with the high school.
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Research Projects, Conservation, Sustainable Management of Ecosystems and their Biodiversity
Status: Ongoing
In 1999 members of the Foundation, the Ornithological Foundation of Ecuador (CECIA), and the grassroots organization Ecological Defense and Conservation of Intag (DECOIN), designed the "Toisán Project and alternatives for conservation and community development". This pilot plan won an award from the BP Program of Conservation. The project was developed near the Toisán Corridor and in the community of Cerro Pelado, Intag Zone, Imbabura Province. It included the following elements:
Ornithology
The study of endemic and endangered native species, at three distinct altitudinal levels. Particular emphasis was given to the search for three species of scientific interest: the Yellow-eared Parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis), Giant Antpitta (Grallaria gigantea), Hoary Puffleg (Haplophaedia lugens) and Tanager Finch (Oreothraupis arremonops ).
Botanical
Study of local flora, in particular palms and epiphytes, at three altitudinal levels and compilation of a list of wild plants and their uses.
Environmental Education and Community Development
We focused on meeting with mothers, children and the general public, holding workshops to compile and disseminate information about local social and environmental problems and discussing how they could be realistically resolved. We also held environmental education workshops with children and created alternative educational tools such as puppets and masks. In addition, we conducted field trips with sports and environmental games.
With the direct participation of the community the project resulted in organic orchards at various homes and a group of women were trained to create craftwork from local resources.
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Sustainable Farming Project
Status: Future Project
A mid to long-term project to provide local farmers with alternative, sustainable methods of agriculture, forestry and animal husbandry.
Objectives:
To improve working conditions for local families
To offer environmental education and a qualification related with natural resources
To encourage sustainable usage of the countryside and revival of some traditional methods of cultivation and marketing, including exchange of products and services
To protect the ecosystems and biodiversity of the Intag Zone
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Environmental Education, Tree nurseries and Reforestation in the Alto Chocó Reserve
Status: Ongoing
In May 2000 we received funding from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Finland, together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Department of Environment of Finland.
This project involves the creation of a tree nursery of 100,000 plants and provision of training and reforestation services. The environmental education activities have been strengthened by the appointment of the local youth as park guards, training of future local facilitators and the identification of alternatives for community development. Elementary school children in the area participated in ecology clubs. As part of this project we also conducted a diagnostic plan for community participation.
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Community-based Eco-tourism Development Project
Status: Future
Already planned and we are in search of financial support.
...
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR MEDIUM AND LONG TERM IN EDUCATION PLACEMENTS, TEACHING ENGLISH, COMPUTER LESSONS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES, WE CAN ALSO OFFER PLACEMENTS IN SOCIAL AREAS LIKE:
WORK WITH CHILDREN, STREET CHILDREN PROJECT, CHILDREN WITH DISSABILITIES, ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER, ETC.
Description:
WE OFFER SHORT, MEDIUM AND LONG TERM VOLUNTEER PLACEMENTS IN THE FOUR REGIONS OF ECUADOR, THE COAST, HIGHLANDS, AMAZON AND GALAPAGOS ISLANDS,
FEES INCLUDE ACCOMODATION AND FOOD FOR FOUR WEEKS UP TO 12 WEEKS.
FEES FOR MTV AND LTV WILL BE ARRANGED WITH THE OUTGOING ORGANIZATION.
INFORMATION ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS CAN BE PROVIDED AS SOON AS YOU INFORM US ABOUT YOUR INTEREST IN OUR PROGRAMS OR VISIT PLEASE OUR WEB PAGE OR CONTACT US DIRECTLY.
THANKS
Virginia Mueses
Fundacion Proyecto Ecologico Chiriboga
Puruha Oe2-781 y Epiclachima
Ciudadela San Jose - La Magdalena
Quito-Ecuador-America del Sur
Telefax: 001-593-2660828
Phones: 593-2- 2652128 2647421
Emails: ecoproye@andinanet.net f.chiriboga@yahoo.com
web: www.ecuador-chiriboga.org.uk
Skype: fundacion.chiriboga
...
Must have a special interest for affected children and conservation.
Description:
Eco-Volunteer UP offers you unique opportunities to explore the great land of Ecuador while working for children and people in teaching, orphanage projects, health, forest placements with its flora, fauna and other community development projects.
Eco Volunteer UP Foundation is a non-profit organization which is recognized legally by Ecuadorian Government.
If you are planning to explore the real cultural and natural beauty of Ecuador, why not start your adventure by joining one of our voluntary positions, free Spanish lessons, village hiking expeditions, or sightseeing of some of the cultural wonders of Ecuador.
Program locations include the cloud forest and its communities close to Quito, the Ecuadorian Amazon, the Galápagos Islands, and other important places around Ecuador.
We offer volunteers real immersion in the various Ecuadorian ecosystems, and real opportunities for learning and sharing the Ecuadorian cultures, costumes and traditions.
Ongoing volunteer projects:
- Orphanage project
- Day care project
- Disabled Children project
- Elderly Care Project
- Community in Cloud Forest project
- Community in Galapagos project
- Community in the Amazon project
- Conservation Cloud Forest project
- Conservation Amazon project
- Conservation Galapagos project
- Environmental research project
- Reforestation project
- Wild Animal Rescue project
- Teaching English Amazon project
- Education Galapagos project
- Teaching English Ecuador project
- Hospital Quito project
- Hippotherapy Galapagos project
- Las Tolas Organic Farm project
...
- To be of legal age in the volunteer's country of residence.
- Proficiency but not necessarily fluenci in Spanish (program could be too an opportunity to learn Spanish)
Description:
"Between the Zamora Chinchipe and Morona Santiago provinces ,where the Amazonas begin to flow, Volunteers hands are needed to build social capacity for development”.
Kokopelli is an Indigenous owned firm that works with Indigenous and “Colono” people in Southern Ecuador, in the area of social development, whit the motivation of creating real and meaningful opportunities for “ours” communities’ inhabitants. That’s the reason why our program is developing in the Morona Santiago and Zamora Chinchipe provinces, because these are among the poorest of all Ecuador. As a matter of fact, 96% of the Shuar people live in poverty (World Bank data-2004), and
most of them live on less than $ 2.00 per day. For rest of the population the
poverty rate is in excess of 70%.
Through our volunteer program we are working with local communities to reverse this
by creating real and meaningful opportunities at the community level.
That’s why we need you. We are looking for people whit the skills, and the intention, to assist in several areas like education, environment, public health, agricultural practices, small business development, literacy, English language training and computer training. What Kokopelli can offer to our volunteers is accommodations (superiors to most volunteer programs in Ecuador), meals, in-country transportation costs and financial support to locally create volunteer projects that benefit our communities.
We invite you to been part of this incomparable experience; to be protagonist of your own and many people’s future who are just waiting for an opportunity.
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Projects include teaching children, orphanage assistance, street children assistance, special education, social welfare, environmental conservation, and wildlife conservation.
Description:
Volunteer with World Endeavors near the beautiful southern Pacific coast of Ecuador. Through any one of several volunteer projects, participants have the opportunity to make a direct positive impact on the people of Ecuador. ...
In this program, volunteers will work alongside the center’s employees to care for the elderly, providing for basic physical and emotional needs. Volunteers will report to a designated person at the facility for all assignments and will be expected to dress appropriately for a workplace environment.
Description:
The Ministry of Social Welfare (Ministerio de Bienestar Social) operates a center for elderly citizens, where they get medical care, physical rehabilitation, counseling and legal aid. The most common legal issues are related to land ownership and are supervised by local officials. ...
Volunteers and Interns typically work directly with the patients or people in the community to provide resources and assistance to the physically and mentally challenged children and adults. There is an on-going project/workshop, which teaches participants how to construct and repair wheelchairs. This is a valuable project to the community as many are disabled and desire to be mobilized. Participants may have the opportunity to work with children, if desired, in teaching English and working with children who have special needs in education as they try to meet their academic goals.
Dates: Interns and volunteers can be placed throughout the year.
Description:
The Fundacion Fuvirese is a non-profit organization in the Baňos region of Central Ecuador. The foundation was established to help those of the area with physical and mental disabilities. Many of the people whom the foundation helps struggle with dyslexia and other forms of learning disabilities. Physiotherapy for physical rehabilitation and special education patients is also provided at this center.
Families from the surrounding area turn to this organization for help in their day-to-day lives. They strive to endure the hardships of their lives and are in need of occupational training and family assistance to provide for their children.
...
In the Ecuador Orphanage Project, volunteers will help the underprivileged children of the orphanage by teaching basic English or Spanish. Volunteers will help by feeding, caring for, and simply playing with these very young children. Ecuador volunteers also help in developing creative programs for art, music, dance, and sports. Additional assistance with day trips, sanitation, cooking, and administrative duties might be requested.
Description:
In the last two decades, the population of Ecuador has doubled, creating a growing population of abandoned children. Most of these children are from poor and/or indigenous families. Growing poverty, lack of education, and limited governmental resources further exacerbate the problem of street children and orphans in Ecuador. In the capital city of Quito, our local partners have instituted an orphanage to protect the life of these vulnerable children from further exploitation and potential homelessness. However, this project is in need of volunteers who are willing to share their time, efforts, skill, and love for the good of these abandoned children....
Like all of our projects there is a minimum age requirement of 18. Knowledge of Spanish is essential, as very little English is spoken, but this is a great chance to learn Spanish as we can organise classes in Quito before your placement. There is an 8 week minimum stay.
Description:
Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America yet it has an enormous biodiversity.
The country offers fabulous coast lines, tropical jungles, snow capped mountains and volcanoes; quite a feast for volunteers keen on outdoor adventures!
English teaching is in high demand as a means to improve the lives of both young people and adults. Tourism is one of the main sources of income, so English is crucial.
1. What projects are available in Ecuador?
In 2006 we introduced 6 brand new teaching projects in Ecuador; 4 in the Andes, in an area listed as one of the ten most biologically important areas of the world; and 2 on the Coast around beautiful Puerto Lopez, famous for whale watching.
Specific programmes include teaching 5-12 year olds in public primary schools in:
Apuela & Peñaherrera: The biological diversity in this area is amazing as there are more endemic species (plants and animals found only here) than in the Amazon basin. At both these projects volunteers can also get involved with local grass-root organisations.
Oyacachi: Less than 3 hours east of Quito, Oyacachi is famous for its local cheese production, thermal baths, woodcrafts and hiking, in which volunteers can also involve get involved.
Patate: In the central highlands, 3-4 hours south of Quito, Patate overlooks the active volcano Tungurahua and is not far from the beautiful resort town of Baños, famous for its hot springs.
Puerto Lopez and Salango: On the coast, 4 to 5 hours bus ride north of Guayaquil and 10 hours from Quito (the two main cities), Puerto Lopez is a medium size fishing/tourist town with good amenities, while Salango is a small fishing village 10 minutes drive from Puerto Lopez.
...
You'll work with Dyer and a team of researchers from Ecuador and around the globe, collecting both healthy and parasitic caterpillars as well as host plants. In the open-air laboratory, you'll help rear caterpillars at all stages of their life cycles and record their relationships with plants and parasites. When you're not unrolling leaves in search of telltale caterpillar signs or labeling specimens in the lab, you can enjoy striking views of the cloud-covered Andes, scan the trees in the neighboring Antisana Reserve for some of Ecuador's over 1,550 bird species, or chat with other researchers staying at the station.
Description:
Research Mission:
Explore the fascinating world of caterpillars: Diner or dinner?.
Situation Report:
Yanayacu Biological Station, Ecuador— Perched on the east slope of the Andes above the Amazon basin, the cloud forest of Ecuador hosts thousands of different caterpillar species, and an equally impressive diversity of plants. Caterpillars in Ecuador and elsewhere have a variety of strategies designed to break through plant defenses and protect against parasites and predators. Whether they grow stinging "hairs," develop immunity to specific plant toxins, or frantically wiggle their way to freedom, these caterpillars must figure out how to keep the food sources coming without becoming food themselves. At Yanayacu, you can help Dr. Lee Dyer study how the survival strategies of caterpillars, plants, and parasites are affected by a changing climate. This data will be compared with that collected at Dyer's research sites in Costa Rica and Arizona, painting an ecological picture that spans the hemisphere....
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