Program Photos

Biodiversity Conservation and Natural Resource Management in the Mindo Cloud Forest

Location: Ecuador

Term: Throughout the year, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Program Duration: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months (includes high school academic semester abroad), 7-12 months (includes high school academic year abroad)

Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks

Dates: Year-round.

http://www.ecuaexplora.org/

324 E. Oak St Fort Collins, CO 80524 United States

Call Us

Phone: 877.909.ECEX (3239)

Description

Amidst the cacophony of wild bird calls in a misty cloud forest, volunteers at this foundation contribute to is mission of biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of natural resources in Ecuador. The Foundation encourages and promotes the active participation of local communities and groups/ enterprises in all its ecotourism, conservation, research and community development programs. The Reserve is a nature lover's paradise, which comprises around 6.000 hectares (15.000 acres) of land, plus three times that area in the surrounding protected forest where you can hike along rivers to explore the waterfalls and encounter numerous members of the animal kingdom. It is home to a great variety of species (2000 plant and 370 bird), many of them endangered and/or endemic, and located just 50 miles from the capital of Quito.

* Role of Volunteer/Skills Required

Whether participating in a reforestation project, helping with the harvest of organic coffee beans, maintaining the Reserve's organic orchards, collaborating with neighboring communities on eco-tourism and sustainable business projects, or assisting a team of visiting conservation researchers, volunteers will get hands-on conservation experience and acquire new wisdom, from bird watching to green building. Specific areas of knowledge where volunteers can get involved, include: Business Administration, Ecotourism / Ecobusiness, Education, Research and Development, Fine Arts, and Maintenance / Construction.

Highlights

Ecuador is one of those rare destinations in the world that seems to have the unique combination of natural beauty, intriguing history, and vibrant culture. Nestled along the Equator in the northwest corner of the South American continent, much of the country still remains wild and uncharted. It is home to the highest active volcano in the world, pristine Pacific beaches, and virgin tropical rainforests as well as ancient Incan history now echoed through the lively Ecuadorian culture. Ecuador is marked by its diversity. Within a territory of 120,000 square miles, one can travel from sea level to 12,000 feet of altitude within a six-hour drive, visit a fishing town and see a highland village within the same day.

Qualifications

- Must be 18 and over, with valid passport and health insurance.

Intern Types
  • Business Admin, Management
  • Ecology
  • Tourism
  • Education
  • Development
  • Art/Fine Arts
  • Engineering (Civil)
  • Environmental Studies
Languages
  • English
  • Spanish

Cost in US$:

950 for two weeks

Cost Include Description:

Airport pickup, accommodation in rustic cabins for volunteers with three hearty, organic meals/day, health/safety/cultural orientation, program supervision, and 24 hour staff support.

Fees do not include airfare, insurance, any VISA fees.

Credit Available

no

Volunteer Types
  • Animal Welfare
  • Business
  • Clerical And Office Work
  • Community Development
  • Conservation
  • Eco-tourism
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Global Warming
  • Infrastructure Planning
  • Literacy
  • Natural Resources
  • Office Work
  • Organic Farming
  • Planting
  • Renovation
  • Repairs
  • Research
  • Teaching
  • Volunteer Management
  • Wildlife Surveying
Age Range
18 yeard old and above
This Program is open to

Worldwide Participant.

Typical Living Arrangements
  • Other

Participants Travel to Ecuador

Independently or in Groups

EcuaExplora's Mission Statement

To make it possible for international students, interns and volunteers to have meaningful experiences studying in Ecuadorian universities and institutions of higher education, interning in professional placements throughout Ecuador, and volunteering in collaborative projects focused on the sustainable social and economic development of Ecuador.

Year Founded

2010

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