Ecuador

You can become involved in a variety of conservation and community projects in Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon.

You have the opportunity to participate in the programs of five different biological reserves, which contribute to to bio-diversity conservation, community development and sustainable use of natural resources.

Projects

Amazon The Amazon Biological Reserve in located in the province of Napo in Ecuador. Of the six stations, Amazon is the oldest, and was created in 1986 out of the need to have a conservation, investigation, and education centre to host scientists and students interested in the tropical rain-forests. The present size of this reserve is 2 000 hectares, created by donations from various individuals and organizations concerned with the rapid loss of the tropical rain-forests in the Amazon and the world. This reserve is located in an Alpha Bio-diversity Hot Spot, one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world.

Bilsa The Bilsa reserve conserves a critical remnant of Ecuador's coastal pre-montane wet forest, of which less than 1% remains. Located in the Mache Mountains in the north western coastal province of Esmeraldas, this remnant of forest has a unique composition of flora and fauna, internationally renowned for both its diversity and rarity. Rare animals found at the reserve include the Jaguar, several small cat species, the Long Wattled Umbrella Bird, the Giant Anteater and abundant populations of the threatened Mantled Howler Monkey.

Conga The Congal Biological Research Station was founded in 2000 in order to protect Ecuador's endangered coastal ecosystems. The Station features beach, estuarine, mangrove, wetlands, and wet tropical forest habitats, which account for the regions high biodiversity and local endemism. The purpose of the Station is to develop projects in the fields of conservation, organic and environmentally friendly aquaculture, farming and forestry.

San Cristobel The San Cristobal Biological Station is located on the Galįpagos Islands, off the west coast of Ecuador. The recently established reserve was established on a 200 hectare site in the highlands of San Cristobal Island. The objectives of the project are to reconstruct the original forests on the island, and to provide viable agricultural products for the local population to grow. Volunteers will work on habitat restoration and agricultural sustainability while at the reserve. In addition foundation staff will lead volunteers on explorations of lagoons, native forests, beaches, and the local villages, to explain the ecological and human dynamic of Galapagos.

Program Cost Application Fee – US $97 Your application fee is fully transferable and will secure your place on the Ecuador program, (or any other program of your choice), at a placement date that is suitable to you.	Please note: there is a separate fee for those who wish to volunteer at multiple reserves. If you are interested in this option please note it on your application form or contact us for further information. Placements longer than 8 weeks are available, please contact us for more details.
Program Fee – from US$ 43 a day * Ecuador Program 2 weeks: US $1597 3 weeks: US $1797 4 weeks: US $1997 5 weeks: US $2097 6 weeks: US $2197 7 weeks: US $2297 8 weeks: US $2397 * Based on an 8 week placement.	San Cristobal Program 2 weeks: US $1597 3 weeks: US $1797 4 weeks: US $1997 5 weeks: US $2197 6 weeks: US $2397 7 weeks: US $2597 8 weeks: US $2797
What’s included: Accommodation: Volunteer House or cabins. Meals: 3 meals daily. Training: In-country orientation and training. Supervision: In-country staff supervision. Support: Pre-departure personal support from your volunteer coordinator, 24/7 in-country support from partner, and 24hr emergency line. Extra: Please be aware that what you pay to stay at the station is not only for your room and board, but also goes towards the salaries of the forest guards, purchase of land, and to pay land tax.	What’s not included: Flights, insurance, visas, vaccinations, accommodation in Quito before the program starts, bus transport to the reserve and departure from the program. We recommend you allow a weekly budget of US $30 for your other expenses such as bottled water, personal items, beverages, transportation and entertainment.
Program Schedule Start Date: Start dates are flexible with volunteers able to start anytime of the month, however all volunteers need to attend an orientation session in Quito before traveling to their reserve of choice. Orientation sessions take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only. Length: 2 weeks to 24 weeks Please note: A special visa is required to remain in Ecuador for more than 90 days. Volunteers are expected to work 22 days per month. Eight vacation days per month can be used upon approval by project coordinator. Volunteers are expected to work an average of 6 to 8 hours per day, depending on the activities they carry out.