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- Environmental Conservation Volunteer Program: Peruvian Rainforest
What is the Environmental Conservation in the Peruvian Rainforest project all about?
As part of an amazing research programme undertaking environmental conservation in the Peruvian Rainforest, this biodiversity monitoring initiative unites the National Park Authorities, conservation organisations, local communities and international volunteers. Living in a camp within the rainforest, volunteers assist conservation researchers and community development staff to protect the rainforest whilst working with the local community. The environmental research and community work programme are carried out in a Peruvian national park. The activities are crucial to understanding the role of regenerating rainforest in rebuilding areas of the Amazon affected by deforestation. Come and join this volunteering and learning placement in Peru and help with sustainable community and environmental conservation initiatives in the rainforest.
Why choose this Environmental Conservation project?
This project relies on the assistance of volunteers to carry out extensive and thorough research that provides solid evidence to support various recovery initiatives for the Amazon region. You will gain invaluable experience of the challenges faced by the most important ecological region in the world, and it is your chance to contribute to its protection. As you will gain extensive experience in data gathering and evaluation techniques, and it is truly a learning opportunity for those who wish to enter into the field of environmental conservation or sustainable development.
Role of the Conservation Volunteer
Volunteers work alongside researchers and local experts and are expected to engage in all aspects of the work being carried out. Volunteer activities include pit falling, mist netting, mammal transects, bio-gardens, agroforestry, camera traps, vegetation mapping, butterfly netting, day transects, biomass project participation and reptile surveys. Volunteers also work on a sustainable land management project, support a bio-garden building initiative, plan and construct agroforestry plots, plant seedlings, map reforested plots and calculate carbon values. Your first few days will be spent in Cusco where you will receive your orientation and have the opportunity to become accustomed to the local culture. You will receive comprehensive induction and training at the project site before starting your placement to equip with the tools necessary to get the most out of this fantastic placement.
What skills do I need to be a Conservation Volunteer in Peru?
While no specific skills are required for this project, a love of the outdoors and the ability to embrace life in the jungle are essential. The project gathers a lot of data and attention to detail is important to ensure solid results. A basic level of fitness is required to ensure volunteers are able to undertake the activities – activities require participants to walk many miles each day. Those with a background in environmental sciences, sustainable development or research will be able to build their skills You will need a genuine enthusiasm for the work. Volunteers with an interest in, protection of species and conservation research will find this a fascinating project. No Spanish is required.
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
To contribute to the protection of the Amazon rainforest
Spend time living in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth
To learn more about environmental conservation
FEATURED VIDEO
PROJECT TESTIMONIALS
Where will I work in Peru?
You will start your travels in Cusco – the archaeological capital of the Americas and the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent. Here you will stock up before your drive into the rainforest. The project itself is located an 8-hour drive from the city, in a local national park. You will live in a comfortable eco-camp in the jungle, in purpose-built huts which share shower blocks, a central living space and kitchen. Participants can take a boat to a nearby town in their free time for supplies but generally stay on-site participating in evening activities relaxing in the hammocks and enjoying life in the Amazon.
Details & Costs
- Duration: 2-12 weeks
- Cost: Starting at £1551 / $2421 for 2 weeks
- Requirements: Age 18+
- Location: National Park, Peru
- Working hours: 6 days per week; early starts and some late nights
- Project availability: Specific start date every month throughout the year from 2022
- Arrival day: Please speak to a Kaya advisor as these change depending on the time of your placement
What is included
- Accommodation: Shared room in a forest eco lodge, shared bathrooms and lounge area.
- Hostel stay in Cusco for 2 nights, overnight stay in the Amazon in a lodge
- Food: 3 meals per day including water, juice, tea and coffee
- Airport pick up at Cusco International Airport. Transport to and from project site.
- Training: Pre-departure pack, on-site orientation, project induction provided, EFR first aid, technical & scientific training
- Support: 24-hour support from on- site coordinators
- Excursions: Staff can help you to plan extra activities for your spare time after your placement has finished (costs will be payable for extra activities)
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Vaccinations
- Visas
- Airport Drop off
- Any costs for COVID-19 PCR tests required pre-departure and in-country
2024 Dates
Start Days | 2024 |
January | 1st, 29th |
February | 26th |
March | 25th |
April | 22nd |
May | 20th |
June | 17th |
July | 15th |
August | 12th |
September | 9th |
October | 7th |
November | 4th |
December | 2nd |
Easy 4-step application process
APPLY ONLINE
Apply for a Kaya program and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
CONFIRMATION
Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.
GET PREPARED
When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.
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