Conservation and Eco Tourism Assistant

The Project

This project is located in the cloud forests of northwestern Ecuador, this region has a very unique wildlife with over 390 species of birds, different species of bears and much more. The center was formed over 30 years ago, to provide lands to local families so they could grow crops and raise cattle. 

As the years went on it was obvious that these mountains were not suited for that purpose, so now the center is dedicated to the conservation and management of natural resources. Eco-tourism has been developed and provides income to locals which funds the protection of the forest. The volunteer program is crucial as it plays an essential role in enabling the development of the conservation and local community as a whole. The locales likes to share their culture and friendship with visitors from around the world. 

Your Work

Volunteers on this program work alongside members of the local community, this helps volunteers understand the everyday life of the locals. 

Eco-tourism is very demanding and volunteers are crucial in helping with the workload at the center. On a typical day volunteers will: 

• Maintain trails and guest cabins 
• Do general cleaning and helping in the kitchen
• Working in agroforestry projects such as coffee plantations, etc.
• Maintain the lodge 
• General repairing of devices etc  
  

Volunteers are also encouraged to help in developing the research projects or do their own research, if possible. Animals that have been investigated recently are the Andean spectacled bear and different species of unique birds.

On your free time you can do different activities such as playing football with the locals, bird watching, hiking and also indulging in the culture. The project is surrounded by amazing nature and many opportunities to spend your free time in the outdoors.