Sustaining Andean Cloud Forest Ecuador
Description
We are a self-sustainable project inspiring to save the Andean Choco Cloud Forest around us through reforestation, volunteerism and tourism, in order to grow and preserve existing wildlife. The goal is to provide an alternative way of making a living for our family and others, who usually make a living through selling lumber or cutting down forest to make pastures for milk and meat production. In order to truly impact future generations, we must find solutions that benefit all. Volunteers not only contribute through reforestation of our pastures, previously used to graze milk cows, but allow us to hire locals, and support other farms who are wanting to join the effort. Now that our family has transitioned to the production of tilapia, chicken, eggs, and organic produce, we have more land to dedicate to fruit trees and crops to feed them. Our aim is to have a self-sustaining environment, that adds to the biodiverse ecosystem that we live in. With over 156 species of birds found on the Reserve, the toucan and Umbrella bird being among them, we wish to preserve and extend their habitat. Our home on the Reserve, is off grid with solar energy, generator, and has a gravity fed spring water system. Volunteers help out 4-5 hours a day and get their afternoons and weekend free to explore other areas. Each volunteer gets to prioritize what activities they wish to participate in, we have a simple application to fill out to get to know each volunteer and set up their schedule accordingly. We also love hosting families; it is a great way to get them engaged as they have new experiences together.
Details
Organisation:
Reserva Mundo Verde
Location:
San Miguel de Los Bancos, Pichincha
Qualifications/Skills:
None Required,
Dates of program:
Year round
Duration of program:
1 week minimum, 6 months maximum
Age requirement:
We welcome families, and minors accompanied by a guardian. Volunteers coming alone need to be 18+
Cost:
US$230 for first week which includes airport pick-up and transportation to the Reserve. US$140 per week thereafter. This base cost covers your own room, internet access, laundry service, 3 homecooked meals a day, trip to river, guided bird watching tour, weekends off, and a volunteer certificate at completion. The money is also used to purchase food, internet, farm supplies, small trees to transplant, gasoline to run generator, to hire locals to work.
Other information:
None
Reviews
Family friendly volunteer project"In February 2017 we, a family of 5, travelled to Las Tolas in Ecuador to volunteer for Reserva Mundo and Luis. We were welcomed with open arms and warm hearts by Luis, his family and the village. Reserva Mundo is a project founded on one man's great dream, in a small village. We lived in the home of Luis, like proper locals. Quite a different life from what we were used to, working in and with beautiful nature surrounding us, and friendly people. The children's enjoyed the stay, and adapted quite nicely. There were some things that were frustrating, the most important of them being the lack of water at certain times during the day. However, an experience that gives perspective."- Ariane Spandow
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