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LOCATION : NORTHERN PERUVIAN COAST

Work with a small NGO is based in Pimentel, a small fishing village near the city of Chiclayo in Lambayeque department, Peru. This area of coastal Peru forms the southern part of the Tumbesian Endemic Bird Area, one of the most diverse in the world.

ACTIVITIES

This organisation works for the conservation of natural resources and wildlife, especially threatened birds and mammals, through community conservation initiatives creating benefits for conservation and local people. It administers all conservation programs in the 34,412 hectare Private Conservation Area, the first community-owned reserve in Peru. Activities are:

  • Capacity Building - Community support and capacity building, including guide training. Support and capacity-building of park staff and community guides in the Chaparri Reserve and other protected areas. Supporting a local community in protecting local coastal marshes.
  • Captive breeding and reintroduction - Re-introduction of White-winged Guans, Wild Bears (3 may be released during the coming year) and Andean Condors.
  • Eco-tourism potential at local reserves. - Evaluation of a proposal to establish a reserve on two off-shore islands for breeding seabirds, including Humboldt Penguins. Work on the establishment of a regional wildlife based tourism circuit. The development of a regional bird tourism circuit in northern Peru extending from the coast to the Amazon, which offers some 1,200+ species. Several communities at key localities are seeking our support in developing their own reserves and tourism plans. Organic honey production. A local crafts cooperative and workshop.
  • Visitor Centre Development - Construction and equipping of a visitor’s centre in the local community. Environmental education form a key part of the project
  • Wetland Creation and Management - Creation of an artificial wetland of 26 hectares to replace wetlands lost in drainage programmes in the 60s and 70s.
  • Wildlife Monitoring - Field surveys of threatened species including a camera-trap survey and telemetry study of wild bears, surveys and analysis of habitat requirements of the Peruvian Plantcutter Surveys.

WHY IT MATTERS

The reserve is situated in the Tumbesian Region, one of the most diverse regions of the world. Despite it's priviledged location it receives insufficient attention from major conservation groups. The local organisation is doing good work, but needs committed and dynamic volunteers to produce better results for the local communities and conservation.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

This position is ideal for self-motivated, responsible vounteers looking for serious experience. Minimum age 21, but would suit older applicants better. You should feel comfortable working on your own project within set guidelines. Volunteers engaged in field research may spend extended periods of time where the only contact is with local people. Good Spanish is essential for the capacity building role. It would help to speak Spanish for the other roles.

School or College groups are also welcome for short visits. A special programme will be arranged. Please contact us to arrange logistics.

WORK SCHEDULE

Work hours are normally 8 hours a day. Volunteers are expected to work for 5 days a week. Time off for volunteers working more than a month will be provided.

ACCOMMODATION

For positions in the reserve accommodation in bungalows with solar hot water and electricity are provided. Cooking facilities are available. For the Capacity Building position accommodation with an NGO staff member is possible. For survey positions accommodation will be in tents in the field for some of the time.

GETTING THERE

The local organisation can help arrange internal flights/travel in Peru. They can arrange a hotel and someone to meet you and in Lima if needed You will be met at Chiclayo airport/bus terminal on arrival.

COSTS

Volunteer Sam Fee - US$236.50

Program cost per month - US$450.00

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

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