We are a local non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the last Ecuadorian coastal Chocó rainforests and the threatened species within the Galera-San Francisco Marine Reserve, with a special focus on sea turtles. Our team is comprised of a multicultural and multidisciplinary group of nature enthusiasts who take specific actions to protect and regenerate these ecosystems. All members have years of experience working in tropical rainforest and marine conservation projects in this area. Volunteer support is essential for achieving our goals, and your contribution is highly needed and appreciated.
Volunteers will participate in both projects.
Sea Turtles Conservation Project
This project aims to enhance sea turtle conservation efforts in the Galera San Francisco Marine Reserve (RMGSF), which faces significant threats. Since 2014, two local communities have been receiving environmental education and taking action on nesting beaches, primarily involving local youth and volunteers from both national and international backgrounds.
For sea turtle conservation work, the schedule and dynamics vary greatly depending on the time of year. Nesting season begins in mid-June and peaks from August to February. During these months, sea turtles are nesting and hatching. We conduct morning patrols from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM to identify and protect new nests, ensure baby turtles safely reach the ocean, and collect plastic waste from the nesting beaches. In the afternoons, volunteers engage in rainforest conservation activities, habitat restoration, work on regenerative farms, and maintaining the plant nursery where we produce seedlings of endangered native species for reforestation. Volunteers are expected to work 5-6 hours per day, ending between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM depending on the activity and weather conditions.
Activities:
- Conduct beach walks along the Marine Reserve to detect, geo-locate (GPS), and protect sea turtle nests. Relocate nests that are in unsuitable locations.
- Monitor sea turtle nests until the hatchlings reach the ocean.
- Clean beaches to facilitate sea turtle nesting, focusing on removing ghost nets and other plastic waste. Classify, reuse, and/or recycle collected waste.
- Assist in theoretical and practical environmental education workshops for local youth.
This project is led by local marine biologist Andrea Sosa, who has been working for the Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment since 2014. Her efforts have led to significant improvements in community-led conservation projects.
Rainforest conservation & tropical permaculture
Our organization is committed to conserving the last remnants of coastal tropical rainforests in Ecuador, located on the Galera - San Francisco Peninsula. Our goal is to regenerate and reforest degraded ecosystems to provide more habitat options for endemic wildlife facing serious threats due to deforestation. Volunteers will support this initiative through the following activities:
Volunteers and interns will primarily focus on monitoring wildlife (using camera traps) and regenerating degraded ecosystems. Much of the fieldwork will take place in agroforestry systems or the surrounding forests, the last remnants of this ecosystem in Ecuador. Biodiversity regeneration through reforestation in biological corridors is a key priority. Activities include nursery work, seedling production for degraded areas, tropical gardening, and pruning. Volunteers will learn proper techniques for soil regeneration and fertility improvement in cacao and tropical fruit farms, which is crucial to reducing the use of toxic chemicals that contaminate watersheds. Educational workshops for local youth will also be organized to raise environmental awareness, and volunteers are expected to assist with these tasks.
Activities:
- Improve wildlife population records in the forest and regenerative farms through observation and using camera traps. (Download apps like e-Bird and iNaturalist.)
- Support the maintenance of regenerative cacao farms (agroforestry systems).
- Engage in planting, pruning, harvesting, and processing mainly cacao, as well as other fruits (banana, papaya, passion fruit, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, etc.).
- Maintain living terraces for soil regeneration, fertility improvement, and watershed restoration.
- Collect seeds for germination in the plant nursery and gather wild seedlings.
- Participate in reforestation with native species to conserve biodiversity and regenerate water sources.
*GENERAL ACTIVITIES*
- Support workshops or organize activities for local youth on topics of interest (sports, English classes, arts, computing, etc.).
- Assist in eco-tourism activities.
- Help with the administrative tasks of the organization (website, social networks, etc.).
Weekends are free time, but volunteers have the option to get involved in the educational project we run in local communities. In this case, one day off during the week will be provided (total of 5 working days per week).
Highlights of this program:
- Contribute to improving wildlife population records in the surrounding forests and agroforestry systems using camera traps, observation (binoculars), jungle walks, night monitoring, etc. (Download apps like e-Bird and iNaturalist. It is recommended to get an extra-rugged case for your smartphone.)
- Observe Ecuadorian Chocó wildlife species in their natural habitats, including sea turtles on the marine reserve beaches, as well as hundreds of species of tropical birds, amphibians, and more!
- Gain experience in how conservation projects funded by international environmental organizations are set up and managed.
- Acquire skills for ecological design and support the maintenance of regenerative farms and agroforestry systems.
- Participate in reforestation with native endangered species.
- Engage in planting, pruning, harvesting, and processing tropical fruits (cacao, banana, papaya, passion fruit, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, and more).
- Maintain living terraces for soil regeneration, fertility improvement, and watershed restoration.
- Collect seeds for germination in the plant nursery and gather wild seedlings.
- Experience sustainable community living guided by the principles and ethics of permaculture.
WHAT TO BRING
- Clothes: Quick-drying clothing. Thin long-sleeve shirts and thin long pants for work and rest (to protect from mosquitoes, ideally in bright colors). Also, bring short clothes for sunny days.
- Flashlight, preferably a rechargeable headlamp with a red light for use at night during sea turtle nesting season.
- Insect repellent (preferably an organic or less toxic option).
- A good quality poncho or raincoat.
- Towel.
- Sandals for the beach.
- Hiking shoes (with some water protection would be perfect).
- Long socks to use with the rubber boots (we provide) for the work at the forest.
- Hat.
- Sunblock.
- Swimsuit.
- Personal snorkel and mask.
- Fleece jacket.
- Sunglasses.
- Pocket knife.