Sustainable Economic and Community Development in Ecuador

What is the Sustainable Economic and Community Development in Ecuador project all about?

Volunteer in Ecuador on this economic and community development initiative to work alongside over 50 families, aiming to preserve their values, culture and environment, while building sustainable livelihoods for themselves. A few years ago, this location was declared to be in a protected area. In order to achieve maximum long term conservation, there has been no incentive for monocultures, the use of agrochemicals, logging, or mass tourism.The community’s families, with the support of NGOs, started a forestry project which grew to incorporate organic gardening, small dairy processing factories, jam making and ecotourism. The initiative is now supported by scientific research projects, which aim to preserve the flora, fauna and cultural specialism of the area.

Why choose this Sustainable Economic & Community Development project?

The main objective is to improve the quality of life of the local people through the sustainable use of the natural resources of the area. With a wide range of activities taking place, volunteers not only offer an extra pair of hands, but also share ideas and expertise with the local teams and the community. Volunteers benefit from being able to experience first-hand the challenges facing communities and projects trying to adhere to sustainable economic approaches. This is a great addition to your CV/Resume, especially if you have been studying a related subject.

Role of the Community & Conservation Volunteer

Volunteers will be involved in a range of activities, which will be determined by the needs of the project at the time of your placement, plus your skills and interests, but may include:

• environmental education for local children
• forestry research of non-timber industry resources, such as orchids, medicinal plants etc.
• organic gardening – planting, clearing and harvesting organic plants to support local women
• agriculture and reforestation on family farms
• community focused tasks, such as maintaining camping trails, developing composting systems, maintaining the camping area etc.
• food processing – marmalade/jam or cheese production

Volunteers will also find themselves participating in social events, sporting activities and festivals that are important to the community.

What skills do I need to be a Community & Conservation Volunteer in Ecuador?

There are no specific skills required to participate on this project. Being able to speak Spanish (level B2 Independent User of CEFR) will help you to participate in activities and to gain the most out of the project and your homestay placement. Volunteers should be flexible, patient, understanding, and creative and come with a can-do attitude. Anyone with an interest in organic gardening, horticulture, early childhood education or community development will really enjoy this placement. You will be asked to send your CV/resume before being accepted onto this project.

Travel during COVID times

The health and safety of our travelers and our local communities remain central to our plans for reopening countries and projects. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been adapting our programs and protocols to protect all those involved, and ask for everyone’s patience and collaboration as new rules are implemented in-country. For all projects, new standards of sanitation, procedures and social behaviors are in place, including new health and hygiene protocols and social distancing practices. You can read more here. Each location may be slightly different in the way they operate. We encourage you to inquire to your placement advisor to learn more about your specific project as you plan for your responsible return to travel!

While the COVID pandemic is still affecting travel, for this location, you will need to do a quarantine for the first 10 days. So choose your project length accordingly for pricing by adding in an extra week to your travel plans.

Read all about our project reopening response to COVID-19

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