ECI003 - Andean Cloudforest
Duration: Minimum stay of one month for volunteers without experience, three months for those with experience in horticulture or permaculture.
Location: North-west of Ecuador
Background Information: This project is in constant need of manual labor at it's two field sites. The main one being at a village in the Mira valley (1000 m) surrounded by agricultural land, 1.5 hours from the city of Ibarra. Deforested area. Lodging: House owned by the Foundation (running water, toilet, shower, electricity, telephone). Activities: Agroforestry research and soil conservation techniques, re-introduction of local species, tree nursery, light construction. In the field: tree planting, weeding, creating fire breaks, environmental education, erosion prevention and land restoration. Also needs an enthusiastic individual for minimum of six months to act as volunteer coordinator as a Special Placement.
The second location being in the Golondrinas valley (1800 m) at an isolated site in the middle of the forest. Subtropical. Getting there requires 1.5 hours by bus. Then about 4 hours walking in with horses that can be arranged with local farmers to transport luggage. Housing is primitive!!. Activities: developing an existing tree nursery. Cutting climber weeds in plots of second growth forest and measuring the evolution of the recovery of these plots. Pruning trees and cleaning existing trails. A Special Placement for couples, possibility of six month stay to take care of area.
Project Aims: To conserve 25,000 hectares of highland cloudforest and introduce sustainable agroforestry techniques.
Who Can Participate?: Many different skills are needed in order to fulfill the objectives of the project. Some are related to management of the forest and scientific research, others deal with education and administration.
Visa Requirements: It is the responsibility of all participants to obtain any necessary visas.
Required Items: Warm clothes for evenings, sleeping bag, hat, sunscreen, towel, mosquito repellent and basic toiletries.
Language: Basic Spanish is required.
Note: Minimum age requirement is 17 years old.
