The work schedule is very much flexible, but volunteers will be working in the following activities:
+
1 day
Reforestation with native and endemic species in the reserve and in local farms (collecting seeds, classifying seeds, nursery work, out planting within the reserve or nearby reserve, help maintain reforestation lines, etc.).
+
1 day
Environmental education with local people and schools.
+
1 day
Station maintenance (trail maintenance, sign elaboration for trails, basic construction activities, help clean fresh water supply, help in kitchen, etc.)
+
1 day
Organic agricultural activities and vegetable production (help maintain and secure food production for the station).
+
1 day
Guided hike throughout reserve and/or nearby related areas (learn about biodiversity themes, natural history, & ecology.).
We also have mini-projects where volunteers can participate, but because of the amount of work that is needed at the station with the above mentioned projects, volunteers cannot dedicate entire days to the mini-projects:
- Petrels observation: nests finding, clearing around the nests to facilitate the mother’s entrance, birds behaviour.
- Fenology studies and flora inventories: observation and classification of native, endemic and invasive species.
- Birds observation at the reserve to determine if they are native, endemic or invasive.
- Germination Project: Determine the most effective method for germination in vegetable production and other species.
- Coffee production to see the possibility of exportation coffee.
* Occasionally volunteers are expected to work half days Saturdays, but for the rest of the weekend volunteers may dedicate their time to rest, read, wash clothes, and/or travel locally to Puerto Baquerizo and use the internet and phone services.
Expectations
These have been written in order to better prepare you as a volunteer, not only for the work that you will be involved in but also for the environment you will be living in:
- We understand that each individual situation will vary somewhat, so we cannot guarantee that everything will be the same as described for every individual, although this is a good general outline of what you should expect when volunteering in Ecuador.
- It is important to emphasise that you are dealing with another culture when you are volunteering internationally. The way you would approach a particular situation in your own country is not necessarily the appropriate way to handle it in Ecuador.
- Your time and commitment to the programme is valued, but please remember that you are a guest of the country and will no doubt be viewed as a representative of your homeland.
- If you have any queries you would like to discuss about the information provided here, please direct them to your volunteer coordinator.
Jatun Sacha Foundation –
San Cristobal: Forest of the Galapagos Islands