Help Ecuador's local community development efforts while preserving one of the planet's few mega-diversity hot spots!

"Ecuador is a beautiful country. I learned so much, the contrast in culture, way of life and perspective is extraordinary. I will take so much back home, not just for myself but to my friends and family. The children here are beautiful, just a smile makes their day. They will be in my heart forever." - Tina Hu, University of British Columbia

About ISV's Ecuador Conservation Projects

Straddling the equator, this small country is considered one of the top 10 mega-diversity hot spots in the planet. Claimed as a UNESCO world heritage site, Ecuador is comprised of Amazonian rainforests, mangrove forests, arid coastlands, cloud forests, and alpine grasslands. Ecuador’s geographical and biological diversity are matched by its mosaic of cultures, including 14 indigenous tribes. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to experience and be a part of local communities and private reserves that have partnered with ISV to develop hands-on conservation and community development volunteer projects. Your efforts will help to support projects focused on sustainable development and conservation. You may find yourself working in an organic farm, a rural community or a natural reserve; doing species monitoring or participating in Ecuador Childrenīs Environmental Education and Development program.

Key Achievement 2008: Over 2150 children and community members participated in our School Outreach Program

ISV's Projects

ISV has projects spread across the continent. By volunteering with ISV in Ecuador you could find yourself assisting in any of these areas.

• Protecting Natural Reserves: Protect endangered habitats and native species!
  ISV has several projects located in nature reserves and protected areas. Get your hands dirty as you work towards conserving native habitats and help communities develop their eco-tourism potential. You will also help raise the level of local awareness through environmental education programs. Primary tasks can include: cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures (such as monkeys and exotic birds) along with animal care, monitoring of local species, supporting recycling start-up programs, trail maintenance, agro-forestry including reforestation and organic farming, clean ups in mangrove forests, English and environmental education classes with children and community members. All of these tasks are directly related to the establishment and maintenance of protected areas and local environmental education efforts.



• Community Development and Environmental Education: Volunteer in a local Ecuadorian village!
  Education, conservation and economic development are inherently interlinked in Ecuador as these are the basic building blocks of sustainable development. These projects will allow you to take part in teaching English classes and sports, assist local schools, organize river clean ups and reforestation efforts, support local product initiatives (such as the tea and cacao trades), paint murals with environmental themes, help the elderly with farming tasks, plant trees, help out in locally owned plant nurseries, trail maintenance and be involved in environmental education activities with children.



• Organic Agriculture: Volunteer on an organic farm and participate in a school outreach program!
  ISV is dedicated to supporting the expansion of this model to surrounding communities. The model offers practical alternatives to energy and natural resource use such as: biogas, solar power, composting systems, worm culture, water recycling, permaculture, and environmental tourism. As a volunteer, you will work alongside community members and school children to build jungle gyms from recycled materials, paint environmental education murals, partake in paper recycling craft activities, and build school gardens. You will also be responsible for the care and feeding of the farm animals and basic daily farm chores. All of these activities are directly related to supporting the organic farm and their community outreach program. These farms provide an alternate model to the type of farms you would be used to – as they are self sustaining and rely on producing their own energy, food, water and materials. A truly inspiring experience!



• Whale Monitoring and Community Development: Collect data on whales in the ocean!
  Here is your chance to be part of important research which is critical to the success of long term conservation plans. The primary goal of this project is to obtain data that will be used to assist with species monitoring of migrating humpback whale populations, while supporting local eco-tourism development efforts based on those populations. This project focuses on community development and environmental education, specifically targeting the valuation of threatened humpback whales through monitoring and awareness. Primary tasks include monitoring, creating infrastructure to attract tourism, supporting alternative tourism efforts through family home stays and English classes, working with the local community school as part of the Ecuador Childrenīs Program.

Project Locations

Projects are located in the Amazon jungle, Andes Cordillera and along the coast of Ecuador.

Please note: Depending on your assigned departure date, only certain projects will be available. Please be flexible in your project preferences; these are ALL great projects with significant conservation and educational value in phenomenal locations.

More on ISV's Projects

Each project runs for two weeks and is operated in partnership with well-established conservation organizations including government and non government organizations (NGOs), private reserves and farms, and local grassroots community groups. Projects are based in a variety of locations, from the remote Amazon jungle to urban hubs. Each volunteer team will be supervised and directed by professional staff from the host organization and an ISV project leader. The volunteer team will consist of approximately 8 - 18 people, depending on the project.

Please note: certain projects only operate on specific program dates.

No prior experience or expertise in environmental areas is needed in order to participate. Accommodations vary with projects ranging from dormitory style accommodations, family home stays to traditional cabaņas. Meals (3 per day) will be provided during the volunteer project.