LOCATION : GUANDERA BIOLOGICAL STATION, HUACA
Conservation of highland forest and alpine grasslands, as well as, sustainable development initiatives in the Inter-Andean region in northern Ecuador
The reserve is about six hours north of Quito in the Carchi Province. Consist in 1000 hectares of highland Andean forest and alpine grassland (páramo) at an altitude of 3,100 to 3,600 meters in the only remaining expanse of ancient forest that once covered the Andes.
ACTIVITIES
- Agro-forestry - Refosrestation of river basins and agro-forestry activities through the project "PRODERENA - CDC"
- Reserve Maintenance - Volunteers spend time maintaining paths and gardens surrounding the cabins and main building or can undertake clearance work with machetes, pruning of trees or maintenance of the medicinal plant garden or the banana plantation.
- Environmental Education - Great experience within the community. Participants develop and teach classes in conservation, biology, ecology, biodiversity issues, etc. for the adults and children within the community
- Organic Agriculture and alternative animal production- These projects include organic potatoes and other native tubers production, guinea pigs, native mushrooms and organic vegetable cultivation.
- Research Assistant - Current research includes a non-invasive study of the local Andean Bear population and its changes in species composition in areas of natural regeneration.
- Biological Inventories, Herbarium collection and personal investigation - Maintenance of 80 antique tuber varieties and various research and environmental education projects.
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Work in the Centre for the Conservation of the Andean Plants.
- Teaching English - Get involved with community.
WHY IT MATTERS
The station lies on a transitional ridge where the forest abruptly ends and turns to páramo grassland. At 3,100 to 3,600 meters above sea level, the forest is unique on a world scale because it possesses a surprisingly diverse flora and fauna for such a high altitude site. Norman Myers has recently classified the Andean Mountain forests as the world’s first “conservation hotspot”.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Anyone over the age of 18 who wants to spend time in the high mountain and páramo. Volunteers should have some interest in conservation, biodiversity, ecology, or nature. Volunteers at reserves in Bilsa, Congal, Jatun Sacha, La Hesperia, Guandera, Lalo Loor and San Cristobal are required to speak basic Spanish. For beginners, we are proud to offer a 2-week Spanish course.
WORK SCHEDULE
Volunteers typically work from monday to friday and weekends off , working hours are 6-8 hours a day. The minimum stay at this reserve is one month. The maximum is 3 months. Staying longer may be possible in some circumstances, but will probably involve extending your visa.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is in shared dormitory-style rooms (four people) at the biological station. The house features a full kitchen and indoor bathrooms with hot-water showers, but no phone or electricity(night ligthing is with candles).
GETTING THERE
The reserve is 4 hours by bus from Quito, another hour drive off the highway on a cobblestone road, followed by half hour walk into the reserve.
FIXED COSTS
Volunteer South America support and logistics fee - US$236.50
Registration Fee - US$70 (Price includes T-shirt, hat and information pack on the reserve etc.)
Program cost for 2 weeks - US$255
Program cost for 4 weeks - US$475
Program cost for 6 weeks - US$680
Program cost for 8 weeks - US$855
Program cost for 12 weeks - US$1,240
This organization runs a number of reserves. Moving to another reserve presents no obstacles, but your four weeks at the new reserve will cost US$450.00. The Volunteer South America and registration fees are one off payments, so you don't need to pay it again if you switch reserves.
OPTIONAL COSTS (in Quito)
Discount Hotel Accommodation - US$25-40 a night (60% discount)
Spanish Classes - From US$220 per week (4 hours a day)
Home stay with a local family - US$155. Includes accommodation, 3 meals a day and laundry.
TRAVEL AND MEDICAL INSURANCE
All volunteers are required to purchase travel and medical insurance for the duration of their volunteer position. We strongly recommend that minimum coverage includes the following:
- Medical expenses - US$10 million
- Personal liability - US$2 million
- Personal accident - US$40,000
- Personal property - US$3,000
- Loss of Passport etc - US$1,000
- Legal expenses etc - US$40,000
- Cancellation etc - US$6,000
