Organic farming and forestry are two main issues that we are adressing through this project in Ecuador. Volunteers work in organic gardens and fruit orchads to ensure the implementation of tropical farming models. Besides, volunteers can also participate in a 1 week trip to Congal Island either on a speed boat or rowing in canoes (3 hours one way with overnight stay) along the mangroves. On the island, activities include fruit harvests, clam harvesting, organic pineapple plantation maintenance and tours.

Major Job Responsibilities:

• Working in organic gardening and fruit orchards
• Planting and maintenance of 4 hectares of organic cacao. (Optional)
• Implementation of tropical farming models
• Weekly fruit harvests in season including tagua nuts, toquilla palm leaves or bamboo
• 1 week tour to Congal Island either on a speed boat or rowing in canoes (3 hours one way with overnight stay) along the mangroves. In the island activities include fruit harvests, clam harvesting, organic pineapple plantation maintenance and tours

Program fee covers:

• Accommodation at the reserve
• Food (three meals a day)
• In-country co-ordination
• Organizational support during the volunteer program
• At the time of orientation, volunteers will be provided with a Jatun Sacha T-shirt, a hat, a folder, a pen, a booklet with information about the Jatun Sacha Foundation, a map of Quito and the volunteers manual

Program fee does not cover:

• Passport/Visa costs
• Local transport costs
• Travel and cancellation insurance
• Medical expenses
• Personal expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, internet use, phone calls and personal excursions
• Meals on your days off if you are not at the volunteer house at meal times

Skills or Qualifications:

There are no specific skills or qualifications as requirements for the volunteering placement. However, we do expect our prospective volunteers to be graduates with genuine enthusiasm.

Food and Accommodation:

Volunteers will be staying at the reserve that is located in the Amazon region. Food will be provided to you at the reserve. Meals will be served three times in a day.

Application Process: To appy for the volunteering job, please follow the below given link: 
http://www.jatunsacha.org/texto1.php?id_submenu1=61&id_menu=5

After you have received information from the Volunteer Coodinator you just need to apply by sending the following things:

1. Application letter indicating: experience in conservation activities, future interests, reasons for applying, preferred station and participation dates (participation dates are needed to guarantee space availability).
2. Doctor’s note stating you are fit to participate in all activities required of you OR Proof of international travel Insurance.
3. 2 passport size photographs
4. If you have an original project include the work plan (2-5 pages)
5. US$ 40 Application Fee, $60 for Galapagos

You can send the documents by e mail or mail and the application fee via bank transfer, check in USD currency or cash to Fundación Jatun Sacha at:

Programa de Voluntarios
Fundación Jatun Sacha
Applicant's Name
Casilla 17-12-867
Quito - Ecuador
Sudamérica

Financing

Volunteers must pay their own expenses, including airfare to Ecuador and living costs while in the country.

Costs for Volunteering

Volunteers have to pay an application fee and the program fee according to the number of weeks they will stay at certain reserve. The program fee includes accommodation at the reserve, three meals a day, the coordination, organization and total support during the volunteer program. During the orientation meeting in Quito you will receive the following things: a Jatun Sacha T-shirt, a hat, a folder, a pen, a booklet with information about the Jatun Sacha Foundation, a map of Quito and the volunteers manual for the station you are going to volunteer at. The payment has to be made before going to the reserve at the office in Quito during an orientation meeting.