Conservation Project

About the Project

Ecuador’s Chocó Bioregion is labeled as one of ten most important biological hot spots in the world according to the World Wildlife Fund and the World Bank.  There is a huge diversity in plant and animal life including Andean bears, deer, antpitta, toucans, and beautiful orchids. This zone contains a large indigenous population and is among one of the poorest in Ecuador. There is also a large threat to the region given the many mining companies vying for its precious minerals. At the reserve, activities include reforestation, investigation and environmental preservation, native nursery and botanical garden upkeep, projects with bamboo, and working with craftswomen to develop income generating goods.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Depending on the volunteer’s knowledge, experience and what help is needed duties include helping to develop quality organic agriculture, animal husbandry and forestry practices, helping with research on plant and animal species, helping with the use of waste produced on the reserve, managing recourse of Andean bamboo, making hand made paper out of bamboo, and responsibly harvesting forestry resources.

Location

The project is located in Intag, a cloud forest reserve about 4 hours north of Quito. All volunteers will be met at the airport in Quito, given an orientation and overnight stay, and then taken to the bus station the following day to travel to Otavalo and on to Intag.

Accommodations and Meals

Accommodation during the project is on site in a rustic lodge housing up to 15 people. It has all basic amenities, excluding electricity.  All meals are prepared together with family and other laborers at the reserve and are included during your stay.

Requirements

Volunteers must enjoy working outdoors and must be interested in working with the animals. Experience and/or education in biology, ecology or environmental studies is helpful but not required. Basic Spanish is helpful. Spanish lessons are available prior to the volunteer project in Quito for an additional fee.

Need more information?
Request a Brochure

Send us a message

Feel free to contact us by phone toll free (in the U.S. only), 1-888-ABROAD-1 (888-227-6231).

Travel Guide

Other programs in Ecuador

Volunteer Application (pdf)