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Environmental Conservation on Biological Stations on the Ecuador Coast

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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. The mission of this project is to promote the conservation of Ecuador's biodiversity through scientific research, environmental education programs, community development and sustainable management of natural resources. In this coastal region - in which there are two locations to choose from - this program focuses on mangrove restoration and biomarine species, with other project options that involve direct interaction with the local community either in schools, hospitals or in the cacoa cooperatives.
Why the project needs you

Each project employs local staff but it relies 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, and educating local school children about the issues facing Ecuador's environment and wildlife. Those with a research background can join scientific projects and the local staff are always looking for new ideas and approaches to improve their conservation efforts.

Project Location

This project is available in 2 locations on the Ecuador Coast. Volunteers can choose which location they would prefer to go to:

Bilsa: Humid Pre-Mountain Forest

Approximately 30 km far from Quinindé, Esmeraldas province, and 30 km from the coast. Bilsa is situated next to a larger conservation area, the Mache-Chindul Ecological Reserve. The whole area is part of the Chocó-Darién-Western Ecuador bio-region, which is considered one of the 25 hot spots in the world due to its great biodiversity and high level of endemism of flora and fauna species. This is a rural project far from civilisation for those interested in getting to the heart of environmental work. Getting to the project involves a 2 day trip with a 12 kilometre donkey ride for the last leg of the journey! For those interested in scientific research it's definately worth the effort.

Congal: Mangrove and Tropical Humid Forest

Work in the Mangroves in the Southwestern Esmeraldas province, close to Muisne town. This Reserve is part of the Chocó-Darién-Western Ecuador “Biodiversity Hotspot”. It is also considered among the most important in the world providing multiple environmental and social benefits. Additionally, Congal is part of the Mangrove Wild Life Refugee of Muisne.
Project Facts

• Duration: 3 - 26 weeks
• Cost: £1110 ($1943) for 3 weeks, £175 ($306) for each week thereafter
• Requirements: Age 18+
• Location: Bilsa or Congal, Ecuador
• Project activities: reforestation, environmental education, community service and development, plant conservation, agroforestry, organic agriculture, sustainable aquaculture, field data collection, and scientific research.
• 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: Project 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

Your life outside the project

Bilsa

There isn't a huge amount going on in Bilsa so if you want to be somewhere quiet to enjoy nature this is a good place for you. If you are looking for something to do during your spare time there is a tiny hamlet of houses twenty minutes away, where you can go to the local bar or play football with the locals. Alternatively, you can stay around the accommodation and play table tennis or chill out in one of the hammocks.

Congal:

During your spare time, you can visit neighbouring rainforest and beaches. The village of Bunche is very near, and after a hard day's work you can may want to visit the "pub", and listen to Michael Jackson on the jukebox or participate in the salsa dancing on Saturday nights. If you're after something a bit more upbeat you can visit the beach bars and clubs in Atacames. If you prefer to relax, you can make ornaments and trinkets out of tagua (a seed from a local tree), read and chill in the volunteer house, learn Spanish, or hang out with the other volunteers and the reserve's dogs.
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.