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Environmental Conservation on Biological Stations in the Andes

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Location Ecuador
Start Date Every Monday
Duration
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The Project

Founded in 1985 with its original conservation center in the Ecuadorian Amazon, this premiere biological preservation foundation is committed to research and habitat restoration in natural areas deemed the most at risk by international conservation organizations. Despite its small land mass, Ecuador is renowned for its megadiversity due to its variety of life zones. Volunteers have 3 locations to choose from in the Andes. Although the locations are different, the aim of the Stations remains the same: to conserve the natural environment, work towards sustainable development, educate the community about conservation and ecology and to promote economic activities that are environmentally friendly, while also beneficial for the local communities.
Why the project needs you

Each project employs local staff but they rely on local and foreign volunteers to support their efforts. Volunteers are needed all year round to help with practical environmental projects like reforestation, park maintenance, tending to the plants, helping with research projects and educating local school children about the issues facing Ecuador's environment and wildlife.

Project Location

This project is available in 3 locations in the Andes. Volunteers can choose which location they would prefer to go to:

Guandera: Highland Forest and Páramo

The Biological Station is set in the midst of the spectacularly unique Guandera forest. This Biological Station and Reserve is in the midst of the only remaining expanse of ancient high altitude forest that once covered the Ecuadorian Andes. Now the forest is found in an area in which less than 4% of the original forests were left intact. The famous British environmentalist Norman Myers recently classified the Andean Mountain forests as the world’s first “conservation hotspot”.

La Hesperia: Low Mountain and Tropical Cloud Forest

Located in the western range of the Andes at an altitude of 1100 - 2040 metres above sea level. It is in the centre of the Rio Toachi-Chiriboga Important Bird Area and it is part of two important bioregions: The Tropical Andes and the Choco Darien-Western Ecuador, which are considered two of the world's top five biodiversity hotspots due to the high levels of biodiversity and the number of endemic species found within these threatened ecosystems.

Lalo Loor: Transitional Dry Forest

This station protects 200 hectares of tropical deciduous forest, south of the town of Pedernales in the Pacific coastal province of Manabí. The forest lies in a transition zone between the very wet forests to the north and the very dry forests to the south. This reserve is considered by many experts to be one of the most unique and pristine locations in the entire region!
Project Facts

• Duration: 3 - 26 weeks
• Cost: £1110 ($1943) for 3 weeks, £175 ($306) for each week thereafter
• Requirements: Age 18+
• Location: Guandera, La Hesperia, Lalo Loor, Ecuador
• Project activities: Reforestation, maintaining the grounds, research, teaching
• Working Hours: 8 hours per day. Volunteers have 8 days off per month; these are decided in accordance with the wishes of the volunteer and the project coordinator
• Project Availability: Projects start every Sunday with orientation held on Monday morning.
What is included

• Accommodation: Shared room in a volunteer house.
• Food: 3 meals per day – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Airport pick up and drop off
• Training: Pre-departure pack, on-site orientation and project induction included
• Support: 24-hour support
• Local SIM card: All volunteers are given a local SIM card to use in their mobile phones. The network of the SIM is Porta and your phone must be unlocked to be able to use it
• Excursions planning: Staff will help plan activities and excursions (activities may cost extra)
What is not included

• Flights
• Insurance
• Visas

Role of the volunteer

Guandera: Highland Forest and Páramo

Volunteers participate in experimental silviculture of Andean trees, helping with organic agricultural projects, and caring for Guinea pigs, chickens and llamas, phrenology, seed collection, agroforestry, reforestation, and studies of the habitat used by the Andean bear. Volunteers also help maintain and develop a botanical garden that has: orchids, medicinal plants, ferns, mushrooms, spices, guanderas and native flowers. Some environmental education may also be involved at certain times of the year.

Additionally, in Guandera, it is also possible to work on your own personal project, which you may want to do for your studies or just out of specific interest. It is important that you come well prepared with a written proposal including objectives and methodology, and also with the neccesary materials/equipment!

La Hesperia: Low Mountain and Tropical Cloud Forest

Volunteer role involves restoration of degraded areas, planting trees for sustainable wood production, wildlife inventories, maintenance and development of a medicinal garden, and collecting and analyzing data from the different research areas. Some environmental education may also be involved at certain times of the year.

Lalo Loor: Transitional Dry Forest

Volunteers will assist in reforestation and Agro forestry, trail maintenance, forest hiking, organic agriculture, eco-construction, taking biological inventories and aiding in eco-tourism by building fun and informational trails for tourism sites. Some environmental education may also be involved at certain times of the year.
Skills Required

No specific skills are required to participate, although a knowledge of Spanish would be helpful. There are a wide range of varied tasks on this project therefore flexibility is essential; other than that the main requirements are a positive attitude and willingness to work hard on each project.

Your life outside the project

Guandera: Highland Forest and Páramo

At around 3100 metres above sea level Guandera is remote pretty remote. The nearest town is that of San Gabriel which is around 15kms away where there are a few shops and restaurants if you fancy a bit of civilization on your weekends off. The main attraction though is the areas natural beauty. Aside from the unique flora and fauna the station is surrounded by volcanoes and valleys that are just waiting to be explored!

La Hesperia: Low Mountain and Tropical Cloud Forest

You can go for hikes on trails around the reserve and there is a weekly football match between volunteers and locals on a Wednesday. On weekends you can get to several interesting local towns, including Quito, Banõs, Riobamba, and Otavalo. You can also arrange to go white-water rafting as a day trip from the reserve.

Lalo Loor: Transitional Dry Forest

At the end of a hard day's work you can enjoy the sunset from one of several nearby beaches, or hike up to the lookout to enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean. At the weekends you may want to try diving, surfing or whale-watching in season. For something a little less exhausting, around the area are several archaeological sites from Jama Coaque Culture (350 AC - 1532 DC).
Ideas for Independent Travel

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.

Project Quality

Kaya evaluates every project we offer to ensure that we only commit to programmes with genuine need for volunteer aid, not just financial assistance. We develop relationships with the projects and help shape initiatives to ensure in the long run that we do not encourage dependence on outside help, but rather establish foundations on which the people can build and develop themselves. We also ensure that the members of those communities are open and eager to learn and discover our culture, as we become a part of theirs. The quality and sustainability of our programmes are very important to us. We want you to have the most fulfilling and memorable time as possible, and be part of something that is going to last into future generations.

Accommodation & Meals

Volunteers stay in a home-stay or volunteer house depending on the project location, where, in most cases, they share their room with other volunteers. Shared rooms are usually single-sex. For most placements two to three meals a day are provided, all included in the placement fees. In most volunteers houses there will be a cook to prepare your food for you and a cleaner to ensure the house is clean and tidy, though in some of our locations volunteers will be expected to assist with these chores.

In-Country Coordinators

Each country coordinator is there to make sure your time in your programme runs smoothly. They will pick you up from the airport and take you on your orientation. All in-country coordinators are English speaking and are there to ensure you have all the information and resources for the best placement.

24/7 Emergency Support

As well as support from your in-country coordinators, you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line managed by Kaya staff, in case any problem should arise while you're overseas.

Kaya Help-desk

Each member of Kaya staff have worked, travelled, studied or volunteered abroad, and many staff have visited and volunteered in our projects knowing firsthand the country and nature of the programme placements. Their knowledge of international travel and volunteering is invaluable, and they can give you good advice and tips to make the most of your international placement.

Briefing Pack & Materials

Once you have booked a programme, an information pack will be sent out detailing everything you need to know - from specific project details and vaccinations required to the visa application process.

Airport Pickup

When you arrive at your destination a member of Kaya staff will meet you with a warm welcome at the airport and take you to your accommodation to get you set up for your stay.

Cultural Excursions

Kaya staff are at hand to help organise weekend excursions and activities, which can include visiting cultural places of significance and visiting various projects around the area. This way you can learn firsthand about each project and take part in local cultural and adventure activities.

Arrival Orientation

Shortly after you arrive you will be given your orientation by one of our in-country coordinators. They will show you your placement, local transport, take you into the local town, and show you things you can do in your spare time. Information regarding safety and security will be given along with some much needed lingo when moving and travelling around the area.

Language Classes

You can opt to take Spanish classes during your project, just ask your local coordinator to arrange these.

Funding for Individual Projects

If on your placement you wish to start up your own sub-project, a reasonable amount of funding will be provided. An example is: one volunteer arranged a basketball tournament for the street children where funding was provided for team shirts and trophies. This is a good chance to make your own lasting mark on a project and the people of your chosen country.

Local Community Benefits

Not only is your participation on your project of great help to the local communities, but so is the boost to the local economy that volunteers create while they are visiting.