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Environmental Conservation on Biological Stations in the Amazon Rainforest

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Location Ecuador
Start Date Every Monday
Duration
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The Project

The Amazon Biological Station was founded in 1986 through the creation of a conservation, research and education centre to host scientists and students interested in preserving tropical rainforest. The Station now conserves the environment in initiatives such as the monitoring of rare and endangered bird and monkey species and reforestation. This is alongside helping the local communities by seeking to produce alternative food sources and income, providing an educational farm for the community, implementing botanical garden and agroforestry extension programs and by experimental silviculture.
Why the project needs you

The 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

Located on the southern bank of the Upper Napo River at 450 metres above sea level, the station includes a reserve of 2,000 hectares, of which 80 percent is primary tropical wet forest. This band of wet forest is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. There are 250 different species of trees in one hectare, and close to 1,500 species of plants in the same area. Numerous bands of saddleback tamarins are often seen. More than fifty species of mammals inhabit the reserve, including large cats like pumas and jaguars, demonstrating how well the area has been preserved.
Project Facts

• Duration: 3 - 26 weeks
• Cost: £1110 ($1943) for 3 weeks, £175 ($306) for each week thereafter
• Requirements: Age 18+
• Location: Tena, 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

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.