Conservation Work in Ecuador

  Ecuador

• Galapagos Islands: 
Galapagos Islands
• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
San Cristobal

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: multiple dates year round

Description: These projects preserve some of the few remaining tracts of tropical forest from extinction and give you the chance to enjoy the amazing diversity of nature and wildlife. You could do a variety of activities, including jungle hikes, reforestation activities, maintenance and weekend visits to area villages. Stays longer than four weeks include rotations among a variety of reserves. Projects eight weeks or longer might also include the Galapagos Islands as part of your rotation (please contact the i-to-i office for availability).

With deforestation being Ecuador's largest environmental problem, a huge effort is now being made by both national and private reserves across the country to preserve what remains. Much of the work at these reserves is dependant on having the necessary labour.

Highlights: While there are a large number of conservation activities that are broadly similar across the reserves, each has its own unique aspects. Typical examples of work that could be required at the specific reserves are as follows:

- La Hesperia: Sustainable agriculture, reforestation, collating biological inventories, community integration, and COB eco-construction are all typical activities at this project. You will also get involved in educational activities and eco-tourism and will have the opportunity to participate in hikes and workshops, as well the opportunity to teach English to local children and project staff.

- Alto Choco: Native tree nurseries, reforestation, botanic garden, environmental education in community schools, organic orchids.

- San Cristobal: Habitat restoration and agricultural components, various hikes to a nearby lagoon, native forests, beaches, and local villages to explain the ecological and human dynamics of Galapagos. Opportunities to work on group research and monitoring projects will also be developed.

Qualifications: General fitness and lots of enthusiasm is definitely needed for all the reserves. Volunteers also need to be ready to take on any tasks that may be required of them, and to get dirty in the process!

Cost in US$: $1465 for 2 weeks; $225 each additional week

Before you depart we offer:
- detailed information on your project and country
- fundraising advice and support
- visa instructions
- vaccination recommendations
- advice on health, safety & culture shock
- English teacher training course (TEFL)
- contact details to pass along to your family

When you arrive we provide:
- pick-up from the airport on the designated arrival date
- welcome orientation
- accommodation and food
- well-researched, quality placement
- support of in-country i-to-i team

You will always have:
- access to our emergency support team 24/7
- assistance of the global i-to-i staff
- guidance and advice from experienced i-to-i travelers

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: Founded in 1994, i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 15,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 300 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994