Volunteer in Ecuador

Volunteers have the opportunity to participate in a program at one of five different biological reserves, contributing to biodiversity conservation, community development and sustainable use of natural resources.  Ecuador is a country of many geographical contrasts, extending from the Amazon rainforest of the Orient and the high altitude forests of the Inter-Andean region, to the forests and beaches of the northern lowlands and the Galapagos Islands. Biological reserves are located in each of these different regions, many in extremely threatened areas, where the land in the reserve is among the last remnant of an area high in biodiversity.

The principal aims of the reserves are the conservation of eco-systems and cultural diversity, environmental education, sustainable development projects, and research that promotes the improvement of the quality of life of people living in the zones of influence of its activities.

Program Options

Volunteers are not tourists and are expected to work full days like all other employees of the station. Interns should be able to undertake strenuous and sometimes tedious labor in a hot tropical climate under primitive living conditions.

Activities vary between the reserves and some activities are dependent on the season.  Volunteers may be involved in the following:

• Plant Conservation: collecting seeds, reforestation, medicinal plant garden development, nursery work, and clearing areas of invasive species.
• Community Work: teaching English in local schools, environmental education and community visits.
• Sustainable Income Generation: implementation of sustainable agriculture and aquaculture projects, crafts and agro-forestry.
• Supporting Local Research: assisting in collecting data for local research
• Wildlife: monitoring projects with birds and bears.

Program Dates

Volunteer from two weeks to six months.  Volunteers can start anytime of the month, but all volunteers need to attend a half day orientation session in Quito before traveling to their reserve of choice. Orientation sessions take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only.

A special visa is required to remain in Ecuador for more than 90 days. Volunteers are expected to work 22 days per month. Volunteers are expected to work an average of 6 to 8 hours per day, depending on the activities they carry.