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Outstanding 4.97rating (61)
  • Life On Land
  • Good Health And Well-Being
  • Sustainable Cities And Communities

Reforestation and Ecosystem Restoration(in-person)

location
2 - 26 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Enhance your CV and gain professional hands-on experience managing sustainable projects in an international development NGO, having a real and positive impact on a vulnerable community.
  • Develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of ecological, environmental & permaculture techniques, reforestation and biodiversity/nature conservation of the Dry Forest ecosystem.
  • Work alongside experienced & passionate people from a range of disciplines & backgrounds.

Highlights

  • Enhance your CV and gain professional hands-on experience managing sustainable projects in an international development NGO, having a real and positive impact on a vulnerable community.
  • Develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of ecological, environmental & permaculture techniques, reforestation and biodiversity/nature conservation of the Dry Forest ecosystem.
  • Work alongside experienced & passionate people from a range of disciplines & backgrounds.
  • Live and work in a surfing paradise in northern Peru, the land of endless summer
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    More than 90% of the dry forest has been degraded, making it one of most endangered forests in the world. Come to northern Peru to conserve this endangered ecosystem.

    EcoSwell is a surfing-inspired sustainable development non-profit (NGO) driving the development of poor Peruvian coastal communities through a path of sustainability. We develop environmental, educational, infrastructure, and socio-economic projects working hand in hand with local communities and ...

    About the program

    EcoSwell is a surfing-inspired sustainable development non-profit (NGO) driving the development of poor Peruvian coastal communities through a path of sustainability. We develop environmental, educational, infrastructure, and socio-economic projects working hand in hand with local communities and international interns.

    Reforestation/afforestation has been categorized, by the Global Climate Agreement signed in Paris, as one of two main calls to action to help fight and mitigate the effects of climate change. Equatorial/Tropical Dry Forest ecosystems are a conservation/restoration priority due to their many unique species and because they have lost over 90% of their former extent. Our reforestation project, "Lobitos Verde" was one of our first initiatives with the community of Lobitos. Initiated in 2013, we have been planting native seedlings with local women and their families to green the neighborhoods of Lobitos. We are also doing this in the town of Piedritas, through our "Piedritas Verde" initiative. Not only has this empowered the women as leaders of the project, but it has also raised awareness of environmental issues. It has encouraged people to reuse and save water using permaculture techniques, whilst increasing the extent of habitat for native bird species in danger of extinction. Together, we have planted and are currently caring for thousands of seedlings propagated by EcoSwell in both Lobitos and Piedritas, working with a total of around 90 families. Over the past few years, this project has branched out into community-led ecotourism, local ecosystem restoration, ecological/environmental education campaigns, and endangered and endemic bird/wildlife conservation initiatives (Peruvian Plantcutter, Phytotoma raimondii), receiving funding from various international entities.

    We need hard-working people with a strong interest, background knowledge or basic experience in reforestation, conservation, biology/ecology, and the like, to come and support us in these ongoing projects.


    The financial contribution you make as an volunteer intern helps us plant a tree with community families in Lobitos with the volunteers at EcoSwell and the families engaging as well. 

    Typical day

    As a reforestation volunteer intern at EcoSwell, you will be given ownership of the projects, directly co-managing our conservation and reforestation initiatives. Daily activities will vary depending on the progress and stage we are at of each project. This may include but is not limited to:

    • Reforesta

    Typical day

    As a reforestation volunteer intern at EcoSwell, you will be given ownership of the projects, directly co-managing our conservation and reforestation initiatives. Daily activities will vary depending on the progress and stage we are at of each project. This may include but is not limited to:

    • Reforestation sites and permaculture garden maintenance 

    Volunteer interns carry out general upkeep in our community reforestation sites, the EcoSwell garden and native seedlings & plant nurseries. This is done by planting trees, collecting & germinating native seeds, using drip irrigation and updating important reforestation tracking documents.

    • "Lobitos & Piedritas Verde" reforestation projects

    We currently work with approx. 60 families in Lobitos and 20 in the small community of Piedritas. Volunteer interns are required to conduct house to house visits in the communities, carrying out family & plant monitoring surveys, as well as planting/maintaining native trees with the local families. Volunteer interns may also have the opportunity to take part in environmental education workshops & communications campaigns, plan, design and undertake big reforestation activities, promote conservation & restoration of local degraded priority sites and get involved with ecological/environmental research projects with associated academic partners.

    • Ecotourism

    Our new conservation project in the local Dry Forest of Piedritas aims to provide local people with a sustainable alternative to illegal logging through ecotourism initiatives whilst protecting their native Dry Forest habitat. Volunteer interns may be required to support the development, promotion & improvement of this project, but will also have the opportunity to learn in-depth about the unique biodiversity of the Dry Forest ecosystem and its endangered flora and fauna.

    Free-time activities

    Volunteer interns work between 9am to 5pm on weekdays but evenings and weekends are free for you to spend as you wish. For those joining our in-person placement, the northern coast of Peru has amazing waves, beaches and towns to go visit, with lots of different activities on offer such as:

    • Surf ...

    Free-time activities

    Volunteer interns work between 9am to 5pm on weekdays but evenings and weekends are free for you to spend as you wish. For those joining our in-person placement, the northern coast of Peru has amazing waves, beaches and towns to go visit, with lots of different activities on offer such as:

    • Surf lessons with local instructors in Lobitos. Alternatively, rent one of our EcoSwell surfboards and head out to the waves by yourself.

    • Yoga classes

    • Swimming with turtles 

    • Fishing, sea-lion and whale watching trips with local fishermen

    • Trekking and birdwatching in the native Dry Forest ecosystem

    • Eat traditional Peruvian food at local restaurants 

    • Visits to other nearby beaches and towns within hours of Lobitos to explore more Peruvian landscapes, culture & history.

    Please note that these activities are separate and are not included in the financial contribution you make as part of the volunteer internship. 

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (fluently) or Spanish (basic level)

    Education Requirements

    Environmental Science, Engineering, Geography, Business/Marketing, International Development, Medicine and Conservation at High School, University level

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    This volunteer internship is open to all disciplines, but is most suited for those interested in or have experience in sustainable development. Undergraduates, postgraduates, PhDs and/or professionals are all welcome. However, we do ask for: - Experience/motivation to work as part of a team away from home. - Open mind, positive attitude and will to learn!

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    You can volunteer at the project site in Lobitos between 2 weeks and 14 weeks. EcoSwell will let you know about the final price during your application process.

    Deposit (18%):
    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

    Final payment (82%):
    Your final payment will be agreed with EcoSwell during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    The financial contribution you make as a volunteer intern helps funds our community projects and operations, it funds our impact. For every volunteer intern that joins our program, we also plant a tree with local families to help restore the degraded forest ecosystem found in our region.

    Airport pickup, accommodation and food & drink are included in the fees.

    Airport Pickup at Captain FAP Victor Montes Arias Airport

    We will pick you up from Talara, the closest airport to Lobitos and drive you to the EcoSwell house by car.

    Accommodation

    In-person placement: During your volunteer internship with us, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in the EcoSwell House, including all meals (healthy and mostly vegetarian) and airport pickup/dropoff. This is included in your financial contribution. Volunteer interns sleep in shared dorm rooms with shared bathrooms and access to a shared living room, office space, kitchen, internet connection, clean water and a garden.

    Food & Beverages

    Peruvian food is categorised as some of the best in world. You’ll get all your meals included within the EcoSwell house as part of your contribution. This includes, meats, fresh seafood, fresh fruit and vegetables, milk, coffee… you name it we have it, and more (as you’ll probably try new fruits you didn’t know existed).

    All food is bought weekly in the nearest city of Talara fresh from the markets and supermarkets. You will also get a chance to try out local cuisine in some of the restaurants in Lobitos.

    Of course, we are also able to provide for people with dietary requirements such as vegetarians, vegans and those with lactose intolerance, for example.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Captain FAP Victor Montes Arias Airport (TYL) in Talara. We assist you to find cheap flights to Peru. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Peru provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Peru you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Peru. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    This research internship is available all year round and you can join us any time. However, we do ask that you join us for a minimum of 2 weeks in order to have enough time to conduct sufficient research,  make an impact and get the most out of the experience. 

    It’s easy to get to Lobitos! There are daily flights from Lima to Talara where you will be met at the airport and driven directly to Lobitos.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $620 per week 2 - 26 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 26 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    5.0
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    Location

    Americas > South America > Peru > Lobitos

    Meet your project coordinator

    Michael
    61
    reviews
    4.97
    Outstanding
    2013
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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