LOCATION : PULULAHUA, CALACALI, PICHINCHA, ECUADOR 

Corporación Randy Randy is a non Ecuadorian-profit, which for some years has worked on strebgthening the Angel Ecological Reserve. One of the challenges of Randi Randi is applying the lessons learned in other areas of REEA SNAP Pululahua Geobotánica Reserve (RGP). This protected area is unique worldwide, because it is one of two inhabited craters on the planet and protects an outstanding showing in a nearly natural state of vegetation in the Andes northwest stevedores. Its area is 3383 ha, of which about 500 ha are for agricultural activities.

ACTIVITIES

• Summer Camp Volunteer - This position is available during July- September. Volunteers help teach environmental education to school children and with other traditional activities.
• Park Ranger - Park ranger volunteers work with the existing rangers on a variety of activities. The rangers alternate weeks of work and do both patrols as well as environmental education.
• Community Planning - Volunteers help with community planning, attending inter-community meetings to discuss and resolve local problems. Handling Conflicts with local stakeholders related to the protected area and training action in good environmental practices in agriculture.
• Studies and Surveys - Volunteers help with studies of specific forest or paramo areas. For example, research in regeneration of vegetation.
• Office Work - Help in the office is always greatly appreciated.

  WHY IT MATTERS

  The communities in this area are bound by a common cause, ensuring that their is sufficient water for all to enjoy a sustainable livelihood. Ensuring that water trapped by the high grasslands (paramo) areas is protected and distributed in accordance with local agreements is extremely important. Agreements over water have been the subject of long negotiations and important compromises.

  Helping to ensure that democracy in these rural communities continues to flourish is an important goal. Local organizations such as Grupo Randi Randi working in the area have helped build up and strengthen this over a number of years. It is a particularly interesting area for anyone that is interested in anthropology or social science in action.

  WHO SHOULD APPLY?

  Anyone over the age of 18 who wants to work in a mountainous region of Ecuador. No qualifications are required. Some Spanish is highly desirable. We recommend a Spanish Course prior to taking up this position for non-Spanish speakers. See Spanish Classes

  Knowledge of first aid is helpful.

  WORK SCHEDULE

  Volunteers normally work 5 days a week for 6-8 hours a day. Park Ranger Volunteers work flexible hours to fit in with the work of the Park Rangers.

  ACCOMMODATION

  Volunteers can live in Quito and travel everyday to the reserve or organization can help them getting a place near by the reserve. (althouhg not many option and transportation to the city).

  GETTING THERE

  Volunteers normally travel by bus to Pululahua. The journey takes about 1 hour by bus from Quito. It is sometimes possible to get a ride from a staff member or other visitor going to the reserve.

  FIXED COSTS

  Volunteer South America support and logistics fee - US$236.50

  OPTIONAL COSTS

  Hotel Accommodation - US$20-35 a night.

  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