LOCATION : JATUN SACHA BIOLOGICAL STATION AND RESERVE, TENA
The reserve is located to the East of the Andes on the edge of the Ecuadorian Amazon. The biological station is 20 minute hike from the Napo River, which flows into primary forest further downstream. The nearest large city is Tena, which is about a 35 minute drive. The town of Misahualli is about 7 miles away.
ACTIVITIES
- Agroforestry - The reserve has a well established Agroforestry center and Botanical Garden. An affiliated project at the Alinahui Cabins-Ecotourism lodge is also engaged in Agroforestry. Additional agroforestry alternatives have been developed with the contributions of various indigenous groups in Amazonian Ecuador.
- Environmental Education - Participants develop and teach classes in conservation, biology, ecology, biodiversity issues, etc. for the adults and children within the community. Natural History Courses have been carried out at the station since 1985. In addition the Station is constructing rural schools with internet connection to make information available to school children who generally do not have libraries. Furthermore, they offer a teaching program to the local schools as well as in the reserve.
- Plant Conservation - Work in the plant conservation center on Silva culture experiments with tropical trees, development and maintenance of the botanical gardens of the reserve and the Center for the Conservation of Plants, and seed collection. The Plant Conservation Center has carried out a variety of forestry trials with over 60 native plant species for developing reforestation initiatives with local farmers communities, and local city governments.
- Reforestation - The 2,500 hectare Jatun Sacha Biological Station is a field research center and a center for the development of reforestation, and a range of community development activities.
- Teaching English - The station provides an English-learning program in two Andean communities. Both Ecuadorian and other nationals help to develop the program and teach.
WHY IT MATTERS
The diversity in this 2,500 hectare forest reserve is impressive. It boasts an average of 240 tree species per hectare. Over 535 bird species and 850 butterfly species have been identified. Reforestation and alternative production projects in the region around reserve are aimed at providing increased habit for them. The Biological Station at the reserve is also of historical importance. Established in 1985, it was the first Amazonian field research station.
It is hard to underestimate the importance of the on-going conservation and re-forestation work taking place at Jatun Sacha. Without their efforts, the area would undoubtedly resemble much of the surrounding land, which has been stripped bare and used for banana plantations or cattle grazing. A graphic view of this can be gained by climbing to the platform at the top of the 30 foot observation tower (harness and safety gear provided!).
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Anyone over the age of 18 who wants to spend time in a tropical rain forest setting. Volunteers should have some interest in conservation, biodiversity, ecology, or nature. Volunteers at reserves in Bilsa, Congal, Jatun Sacha, La Hesperia 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 huts (two people) at the biological station. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are provided. A laundry service is also available.
GETTING THERE
The reserve is 6 hours by bus from Quito. The roads are paved for 60% of the journey. An airport is scheduled to open at Tena, but no date has been set for the completion of that project. Internal flights are relatively expensive.
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
