fra 302€

Excellent 4.8rating (44)

Rainforest Conservation & Regenerative Agriculture

location
1 - 50 weeks  ·  Alder 18 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verificeret af Volunteer World
  Good Svarrate

Højdepunkter

  • Support a real conservation project with the only non-profit in the area working specifically to protect the last remnants of Ecuadorian coastal Chocó rainforest (and Marine Reserve).
  • Become part of our team for the conservation of coastal rainforests learning on tropical permaculture and working in regenerative cacao farms/agroforestry systems alongside real ecological farmers.
  • Acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to get involved in conservation actions, such as ecological design (permaculture) skills on a landscape level.
  • Live an amazing cultural experience living in the jungle and by getting involved in conservation projects with local communities and their youth.
  • Enjoy northern Ecuadorian coast with famous beaches of Same and Mompiche only 1h30 away. On the weekends, you can surf or have an amazing trip by boat through the mangroves forests.

Særligt velegnet til

Alder 18+
Singler
Par
Familier
Grupper
50+

Om programmet

Volunteers will have a lasting impact on Choco Rainforest conservation efforts by supporting our team of experts in one of the most biodiverse environments on the planet.

We are a young local non-profit organization funded in 2019 working for the conservation of last Ecuadorian coastal Chocó rainforests as for the threatened species present in the Galera-San Francisco Marine Reserve.

Our aim with this program is to regenerate and reforest degraded ecosystems in ...

Om programmet

We are a young local non-profit organization funded in 2019 working for the conservation of last Ecuadorian coastal Chocó rainforests as for the threatened species present in the Galera-San Francisco Marine Reserve.

Our aim with this program is to regenerate and reforest degraded ecosystems in order to give more habitat options for endemic wildlife, which is facing serious threats due to deforestation. An important amount of fieldwork will take place in the forest and at agroforestry systems (last remnants of this ecosystem in Ecuador). Volunteers will help collecting and producing trees seedlings (critically endangered species according to IUCN red list), taking care of them in the plant nursery unitl they are ready to be planted in agroforestry systems and areas connect biological corridors. Biodiversity regeneration through reforestation in biological corridors will be one of the main priorities in this program. Lots of work related to plants will be done: nursery work, seedlings production to bring in degraded areas, tropical gardening, pruning, etc. You will learn proper tecniques for soil regeneration and improvement of fertility in cacao and tropical fruits farms. This part is crucial to mitigate the use of toxic chemicals to produce bigger crops which contaminate watersheds. Educational workshops for local youth will be organized in the communities to arise environmental consciousnesses, so it is expected that volunteers/interns will also help in this kind of tasks.

Highlights of this program: 
  • Work in the plant nursery supporting the reproduction of threatened species of trees for reforestation purpose.
  • Contribute to improve the record of wildlife populations present in the surrounding forests and agroforestry systems of the area using camera traps, through observation (binoculars), jungle walks, night monitoring, etc. (You will need to download apps like e-Bird, iNaturalist. Recommended getting a extra-rugged case for smartphone). 
  • Observe Ecuadorian Chocó wildlife species in their natural habitats, including sea turtles on the marine reserve beaches, as well as hundred of species of tropical birds, amphibians and much more.
  • Gain experience in how conservation projects funded by international environmental organizations are set up and managed. 
  • Acquire necessary skills for ecological design and give support for the maintenance of regenerative farms / agroforestry systems. 
  • Planting, pruning, harvesting and processing tropical fruits (cacao, banana, papaya, passion fruit, ginger, tumeric, cardamom and much more). 
  • Maintenance of living terraces for soil regeneration, fertility improvement and watershed restoration. 
  • Collection of seeds to germinate in plant nursery, as well as wild seedlings. 
  • Living a sustainable community life guided by the principles and ethics of Permaculture.



Typisk dag

Volunteer Program Activities: 

  • Improve the record of wildlife present in the forest/regenerative farms of the area through observation and using wildcamera traps. (You will need to download apps like e-Bird, iNaturalist, etc).
  • Collecion of seeds to germinate in plant nursery, as well as wild ...

Typisk dag

Volunteer Program Activities: 

  • Improve the record of wildlife present in the forest/regenerative farms of the area through observation and using wildcamera traps. (You will need to download apps like e-Bird, iNaturalist, etc).
  • Collecion of seeds to germinate in plant nursery, as well as wild seedlings and give maintenance until plants are ready.
  • Support in maintenance of regenerative cacao farms (agroforestry systems). 
  • Planting, pruning, harvesting and processing mainly cacao, as well as other fruits (mango trees, citrus trees, banana, papaya, passion fruit, ginger, tumeric, cardamom...). 
  • Maintenance of living terraces for soil regeneration, fertility improvement and watershed restoration.
  • Reforestation with native species to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity, as with the regeneratioin of water sources.
A typical work day look like this:

06.00 am - 07.30 . Wild-life monitoring (A chilled walk in the woods/marine reserve to collect data related to wild-life presence). / Collecting seeds or  baby plants in the forest.

0.7.45 - 09.30. Breakfast

10am  - 12pm. Work in the plant nursery / Collect seeds and baby plants from the forest.

12.30 - 1.30pm Lunch

1.30 - 3pm Free Time3pm - 5.30pm . Reforestation activities / Trail - cameras / Plant nursery work (a different activity than the one in the morning).

All interns, students and volunteers will spend an important part of their time doing fieldwork. However, all biological work requires data entry and data analysis. This is an important part of our work, so not all the time will be spent in the field. Additionally, volunteers will be asked to help out in chores to clean or prepare for field work. Furthermore, volunteers will help to clean the facilities of the volunteer house and the research station. Volunteers must understand that field work is dependent on many factors that we don’t control. These include weather, availability of gasoline for transportation, etc. We ask volunteers to be patient and understand that working in the field and working in a small town with limited resources, sometimes makes it hard to have things always go along as planned.


Fritidsaktiviteter

Volunteers can enjoy travelling the surrounding communities to have an amazing cultural experience, enjoy incredible food and visit different beautiful beaches. Most volunteers use some of their free time to learn surfing (classes 2h, $25). There are a few turistic towns in the neareby (Same 1h, ...

Fritidsaktiviteter

Volunteers can enjoy travelling the surrounding communities to have an amazing cultural experience, enjoy incredible food and visit different beautiful beaches. Most volunteers use some of their free time to learn surfing (classes 2h, $25). There are a few turistic towns in the neareby (Same 1h, Mompiche 2h).

There are very nice places to visit in the surroundings of project area. Some of the activities that can be done during weekends are: 

  • Spend a day at any of the amazing beaches in the Marine Reserve in the different communities. Have a cultural experience, relax in a hammock on the beach bamboo shed to read, take a dip in the sea, cook fish on the firewood stove, make a campfire at night or camp and sleep on the beach... While visiting the beach you may see the humpback whales playing and jumping near the coast! (Months: July - October) 
  • Hiking through the forest is a unique experience. You can see a great diversity of life, such as toucans, hummingbirds and majestic trees. Also you can take a dip in the River, visit the waterfalls or reach breathtaking view points on the hilltops and cliffs. You can also ask some of the locals to teach the art of fresh water prawn fishing in the local creeks and then prepare typical dishes with them!! 
  • From May to October humpback whales come to the Pacific coast to breed. It is possible to observe them closely going with marine biologists. The price for a 3-4h ride is $40 per person (approx.). 
  • There is a 30 min walk to Estero de Platano, a very nice fishermen village where there is a local association running a community-based tourism. Here you can take surfing lessons (2h30, $30) on the weekends or have a typical seafood dish in front of the calm and beautiful beach. 
  • Taking a ride in fishing boats or dugout canoes and learn the traditional fishing techniques is also another wonderful option. By doing any of these activities you will be enjoying and learning while supporting local communities. If you would like to travel around the province of Esmeraldas these are some of the options: 
  • Mompiche: only 2 h away. This fishing village has become one of the preferred tourist destinations for backpackers and surfers in the last few years. It has great beaches and it’s the perfect place to take surfing lessons, learn how to dance salsa, and meet people from different parts of the world. There are economic and comfortable cabins on the beach. 
  • Same Beach, 1h. This quiet and beautiful beach is also suitable for relaxing, meeting people and eating fish in front of the ocean. There is an ocean front eco-lodge, “El Acantilado”. It’s the perfect place for relaxing on the weekends: nice beach, swimming pool and good affordable restaurant for nice seafood.
  • There are other eco-lodges around very close that are worth it visiting: Playa Escondida & Cumilinche Club.


Krav

Krav

Minimumsalder: 18 år

For at kunne deltage i programmet skal du være mindst 18 år gammel på programmets startdato. Der kan være undtagelser, hvis du kan give tilladelse fra din(e) værge(r), eller hvis du ledsages af dine forældre.

Sprogfærdigheder

Du skal kunne tale Engelsk (basic level)

Nationalitetsrestriktioner

Ingen begrænsninger. Hjælpende hænder fra hele verden er velkomne.

Andre færdigheder

Love for Nature. Good physical condition. Good adaptation skills to a new culture and environment. Tolerance. Resilience. Iniciative. Team work abilities. Respect for other cultures. Basic level of Spanish will help but it is not a requirement.

Tidsforpligtelse

Der er brug for din hjælpende hånd Mandag, Tirsdag, Onsdag, Torsdag og Fredag fra 07:30 - 13:30

Hvad er inkluderet

Hvad er inkluderet

Tjenester af Punta Tortuga Wildlife Conserv

This fee includes: 

  •  Accomodation: most of the time will be on a private room in a shared house with other volunteers. Unlimited fast connection WiFi access included. 
  • Three meals/day at project site: we will eat very healthy local food from the organic farms, also sustainable fish/chickens/eggs available. Veggie/vegan options available
  • Training on marine turtle conservation and/or conservation of tropical costal rainforests.  
  • Organization administrative costs.
  • Pre-departure support.
  • Project information before arrival.
  • Field coordinators  live in the same facilities as volunteers.
  • Field equipment and materials.
  • Free internet access (high speed connection).
  • Certificate of participation, if requested.
  • 24-hour in-country support in English/Spanish. 
  • 24-hour emergency phone.

Indkvartering

  • Nice wooden/bamboo cabañas surrounded by forest, beach only 5 minute walk. 
  • Hygienic and sustainable composting toilets in all project facilities. 
  • All grey waters are treated with bio-filters since we are in the middle of forest and Marine Reserve.
  • The station is surrounded by protected forest. Only authorised personal can access this area, so it is a very calm and quite place, ideal for sea turtles to nest. There are 3 main structures: 
    • Volunteer/Intern house: a very comfortable wooden/bamboo house (with ocean view!) where national and international volunteers/interns live. All basic services are covered: water, electricity, internet 24/7, emergency contact 24/7. 
    • Project Staff House: where marine biologist and program coordinator live for 24/7 orientation and support. 
    • Shared area: A beautiful cabaña with the kitchen, dinning room and chill/hammocks area.
    Health center only 15 minutes ride from the station. Big hospital 1h ride.

Mad og drikkevarer

  • Most of our food comes from local/sustainable environment. 
  • You will have the chance to try many different seasonal fruits produced in the most ecological possible way at regenerative farms: banana, papaya, mango, passion fruit, jinger, chocolate, coffee, avocado, etc. 
  • Local and artisanal fishing available for those non vegetarian/vegan. 
  • Most neighbours own happy chickens for eggs and meat.

Internetadgang

God adgang til projektområdet

Hvad er IKKE inkluderet?

Hvad er IKKE inkluderet?

Afhentning i lufthavnen i Mariscal Sucre International Airport

Afhentning i lufthavnen er heller ikke inkluderet i programgebyret.

Flybilletter

Den nærmeste lufthavn er Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) i Quito. Vi hjælper dig med at finde billige flybilletter til Ecuador. FINDE BILLIGE FLYBILLETTER

Rejseforsikring

At rejse til udlandet er et eventyr, og det er altid bedst at være forberedt. Pludselig sygdom eller skade, aflysning eller tyveri - en rejseforsikring til Ecuador giver sikkerhed og er en fordel at have. FÅ ET TILBUD

Vacciner

Hvis du har til hensigt at blive frivillig i Ecuador, bør du søge lægehjælp, før du begynder din sociale rejse. Tjek dine krævede vaccinationer for Ecuador. VACCINE CHECKER

Oplysninger ved ankomst

Volunteers must travel to Quito (Ecuador). Once in Quito, there are 2 options to make it to the project site:

Option 1. Bus: You must travel from Quito airport to Carcelen bus station (30 min ride with any of the taxis available at the airport, around $20). Once in Carcelen, you can get the ticket to travel to Atacames with TransEsmeraldas or Occidentales (if you are travelling during the weekend, we can help getting the tickets in advance). There are a few options for morning buses (8am, 9am, 10am). The trip is 7h and the cost of the ticket around $15. Once in Atacames, Edison, our usual taxi driver, will be waiting in the bus station with a sign and your name on it. He will bring you to the project site for $40 (1h - 1h30 ride depending on traffic/weather conditions).

The total duration of this option should be around 10h and the cost around $75.

Option 2. Private transfer: You can travel with a private transport that would pick you up at the airport (or hotel) in Quito and will travel straight to the project site. The duration of this trip is 7h and the cost is $220.

If your flight landing time is over 11am, we reccommend to spend the night in Quito and travell the next morning to avoid travelling at night and arriving too late to the station. You can find nice affordable options in Booking to spend the night in a hostel near the airport or bus station. We can also suggest some options in case you need some advice.

You may arrive to the camp the day of the week that suits you better.
Tilgængelighed
Jan. Febr. Marts April Maj Jun Jul Aug. Sept. Okt. Nov. Dec.

Programgebyrer

1 uge (min. ophold) 302€
2 uger 448€
3 uger 565€
4 uger 736€
5 uger 902€
6 uger 1.062€
8 uger 1.292€
12 uger 1.925€
16 uger 2.451€
50 uger (max. ophold) 7.164€
Gennemsnitligt gebyr 222€/uge

Programgebyrer

222€ pr. uge 1 - 50 weeks Alder 18 - 50+

Betalingsmetoder

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INGEN KREDITKORTGEBYRER


Duration

1 - 50 weeks

Deposit

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Final Payment

Din endelige betaling vil blive aftalt med Punta Tortuga Wildlife Conserv under ansøgningsprocessen. Almindelige løsninger er enten via bankoverførsel eller kontant betaling på projektstedet.


Mød din vært

Punta Tortuga Wildlife Conserv

Excellent 4.8 rating (44 feltrapporter)

Agentur - grundlagt i 2019

Verificeret af Volunteer World

  Good Svarrate

Vært er

Andrea

Spoken languages: Spansk, Engelsk

Om projektet

Our project is located between coastal tropical rainforest and a Marine Reserve. Our work is focused on marine turtle protection and rainforest conservation.

Mød din vært

History 
 
Punta Tortuga Wildlife Conservation was born in 2019 out of a profound respect for Nature and a deep commitment to protecting the unique ecosystems of Ecuador's Chocó coast. Established several years ago in the Marine Reserve of Galera San Francisco, the organization initially started as a small, grassroots effort aimed at protecting endangered sea turtles, whose nesting sites were increasingly threatened by human activity and environmental degradation. Over time, as our understanding of the interconnectedness of these ecosystems grew, so did our scope of work.

Our journey began with a focus on monitoring sea turtle nests and reducing the threats posed by poaching and predation. With the invaluable support of international volunteers, we expanded our efforts to include broader conservation initiatives, such as reforestation, community education, and habitat restoration. The recognition of the Chocó region as one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet solidified our resolve to protect not just the marine life, but also the rich tropical rainforests and the species that depend on them.

Mission
Our mission at Punta Tortuga Conservation is to protect and restore the unique ecosystems of Ecuador's Chocó region, with a focus on endangered marine species and tropical rainforests. We strive to foster a sustainable relationship between local communities and their environment, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from the rich biodiversity that defines this area. Through conservation, education, and community engagement, we aim to create lasting impacts that contribute to the global effort to preserve our planet's natural heritage.

Vision  
Our vision is a world where ecosystems thrive, biodiversity flourishes, and communities live in harmony with nature. We envision a future where the Chocó region's rainforests and marine habitats are fully restored and protected, serving as a global model for successful conservation. We aspire to empower local communities to be the stewards of their environment, leading the way in sustainable living and conservation efforts. Through our work, we seek to inspire global action to protect our planet's most vulnerable ecosystems and ensure a sustainable future for all species.

Values
1. Respect for Nature: We believe in the intrinsic value of all living beings and the ecosystems they inhabit. Our work is guided by a deep respect for the natural world and a commitment to protecting it.
2. Community Empowerment: We recognize that conservation is most effective when local communities are involved. We strive to empower residents by providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to protect their environment.
3. Sustainability: Our actions today are driven by the need to ensure a sustainable future. We are committed to practices that promote environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
4. Collaboration: We value collaboration with local and international partners, volunteers, and stakeholders. Together, we can achieve more significant results and create a more substantial impact.
5. Education and Awareness: We believe that education is key to long-term conservation success. We are dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of preserving our natural resources and fostering a culture of conservation.

Goals 
1. Sea Turtle Conservation: To continue and expand our efforts in protecting sea turtle nesting sites within the Marine Reserve of Galera San Francisco. This includes increasing the number of protected nests, reducing predation by dogs and other animals, and enhancing the overall hatching success rate. We aim to safeguard the future of these endangered species by creating a safe and thriving environment for their reproduction.

2. Habitat Restoration and Reforestation: To restore and regenerate the tropical rainforests of the Chocó region by planting native and fruit-bearing trees. This effort not only helps combat deforestation but also provides food and shelter for wildlife such as ocelots, sloths, anteaters, and howler monkeys. Our goal is to create a network of wildlife corridors that connect fragmented habitats, allowing species to thrive.

3. Plastic Pollution Reduction: To continue our beach cleanup efforts and reduce the impact of plastic pollution on marine life. Over the next five years, we aim to double the amount of plastic waste collected from our beaches and increase community participation in these efforts.

4. Community Engagement and Education: To deepen our engagement with local communities through educational programs that promote sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. We aim to reach more schools and community groups, providing them with the knowledge and resources needed to protect their environment. We also plan to expand our volunteer programs, offering more opportunities for people from around the world to participate in our conservation efforts.

5. Research and Monitoring: To enhance our research capabilities by implementing advanced monitoring technologies and methodologies. This will allow us to gather more accurate data on the health of the ecosystems we protect and make more informed decisions about our conservation strategies. We also aim to publish our findings to contribute to the global body of knowledge on conservation practices.

6. Building Partnerships: To establish and strengthen partnerships with local and international organizations, universities, and governmental bodies. Collaboration is key to achieving our mission, and we seek to build a robust network of allies who share our commitment to conservation.

7. Developing Sustainable Livelihoods: To promote and support sustainable livelihoods for local communities, reducing their dependence on activities that harm the environment. This includes the development of eco-tourism initiatives, sustainable agriculture, and the marketing of local products that are environmentally friendly.

Achievements
Since our inception, Punta Tortuga Conservation has made significant strides in the protection of both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. We have removed over 3,154 kg of plastic waste from key turtle nesting beaches, dramatically improving the conditions for successful hatchings. Thanks to our volunteers, we have also been able to monitor the most important nesting beach in the Marine Reserve consistently, significantly reducing nest predation by dogs and other predators. Our reforestation efforts have resulted in the planting of thousands of trees, contributing to the restoration of critical habitats in the Chocó rainforest.

Through our educational programs, we have engaged hundreds of community members, instilling a sense of environmental responsibility and stewardship. Our partnerships with local and international organizations have also enabled us to expand our reach and impact, bringing together a global community of conservationists dedicated to preserving Ecuador's natural heritage.

At Punta Tortuga Wildlife Conservation, we believe that the future of our planet depends on the actions we take today. By protecting the unique ecosystems of Ecuador's Chocó region, we are not only safeguarding biodiversity but also ensuring a sustainable future for the communities that depend on these natural resources. We invite you to join us in this vital mission, whether as a volunteer, partner, or supporter. Together, we can make a lasting difference for the environment and for future generations.

44 feltrapporter · rating4.8

If you want an experience that really gets away from the modern world this is it. You are surrounded by a jungle on three side with access to a beach that is practically private. You are surround by the sounds of nature. The only human or technology sounds you hear are those made by you, the one ...
I arrived in Quito on July 14th. I stayed overnight at a motel, recommended by the project leaders, Diego and Andrea. Afterward, I opted for a private taxi to the project site for $220, instead of the local bus, primarily because of my limited Spanish at the time (I only knew "hola" and ...
Irina Pivneva rating5

2024 at Sea Turtle & Rainforest Conservation

This is an absolutely wonderful experience. You get to live at the reserve and make meaningful contributions to help clean up the beach and surrounding areas, relocate turtle nests to increase their survival, plant trees and coffee plants, visit local school, harvest fruit in the jungle, and ...
Vanessa Schleumer rating5

2024 at Sea Turtle & Rainforest Conservation

Just wow! I had the most amazing time and learned so much about the ecosistema and the life of the turtles. This project is so important and has a masive impact on the wildlife in the area. ..
Helga Theresia Willmes rating5

2024 at Sea Turtle & Rainforest Conservation

I spend 4 weeks there and it was great. The days usually began with a first walk at the beach, searching for tracks, new nests and picking up garbage. Every flood bring in new garbage, so its kind of sysphean task, but it is satisfying to know that this garbage is no longer floating around. During ...
anna miucci rating5

2024 at Sea Turtle & Rainforest Conservation

I joined the project sea turtlevand raiforest conservation for one week to relax my mind and be in touch with nature. Since the moment I 've arrived I felt like home. Andrea and Diego were like a family to me and ther dogs are amazing. The house is a little piece of paradise, surrounded by the ...

Placering

Amerika > Sydamerika > Ecuador > Galera

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Spansk, Engelsk

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