Project Summary

If you are interested in environmental science and conservation efforts then volunteer on this project focused on Agro Forestry and Environmental Conservation in the Mindo Cloud Forest in Ecuador. This family owned reserve seeks to preserve the cloud-forest and restore land used for pasture through reforestation and agroforestry efforts. The goal of the reserve is to achieve sustainability through both agriculture and ecotourism. A mile-long canopy tour of the reserve provides a unique bird’s-eye-view of the cloud forest contained in the reserve. As part of the management plan, the local community is included in educational and community building activities. The foundation’s mission is to contribute to the maintenance and restoration of natural ecosystems, their resources and biodiversity for future generations, through the diffusion of productive activities that are compatible with nature; supporting values of social equity and respect for natural and cultural diversity. Join this project and help with efforts focusing on ecology, biology and agricultural activities and research to conserve this incredible habitat.

Why choose this project?

By joining this project, volunteers will develop their own environmental conservation knowledge and skills, while helping in the socio-environmental development of the local community. Volunteer work on this project contributes to conservation and restoration initiatives in the Choco Bioregion, while also supporting and strengthening sustainable family development program through ecotourism. If you are studying environmental science or conservation what a great way to compliment your theoretical learning with practical hands on experience.

Role of the volunteer

Volunteers can get involved in a range of activities focusing on two areas: environmental/conservation activities and culture/community development activities. Depending on your skill set and the needs of the project at the time of your placement activities may include:

• Restoration of ecosystems: collecting of seeds, plants production in the nursery and reforestation.
• Agro forestry: implementation, management and monitoring of diversified organic coffee plantations.
• Maintenance of trails and gardens.
• Organic agriculture: elaboration of organic fertilizer, harvesting, management of a garden.
• Raising farm animals: horses, cows, chickens and making cheeses.
• Biological survey: identification of orchids and bromeliads, ecological studies of the local avian and technical tests regarding the germination of forest seeds.
• The development of materials and curricula for environmental education projects with schools and businesses
• Working with the tourism program that boasts one of the most impressive zipline canopies in Ecuador, trails, tree-climbing, and canopy bridges

All participants are asked to be flexible. If you are interested in a particular aspect of research please discuss this with a Kaya Placement Advisor.

Skills Required

To join our project whose efforts are focused on Agro Forestry and Environmental Conservation in the Mindo Cloud Forest volunteers with a strong background in natural sciences, including biology, ecology, or environmental science are sought. If you have research experience or your own independence research projects you will be especially welcomed. You will work local experts and should be able to demonstrate cultural sensitivity. A basic level of Spanish would be useful but is not essential for this project.

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