Open Volunteer Opportunities: Amazon Rainforest & Peru Coastal Communities
Join Earth Sessions, WAVES for Development, & Xola Consultant Dave Aabo in Conservation Efforts
July 7, 2008 (SANTA FE): Earth Sessions is searching for volunteers to join them and the Pavacachi community in Ecuador to assist on essential community development and environmental projects. Selected participants will spend four weeks on location from August 11 – September 7, 2008. Ongoing dates will be planned for 2009 following the August expedition.
The deadline for volunteer applications is July 15 for Ecuador and October 1 for Northern Peru; spaces are limited.
The Pavacachi community lies on the Curaray River, a tributary of the Amazon, and contains some of the highest diversity of plant and animal species anywhere in the world. Pavacachi borders Yasuni National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Area, and is recognized as one of the world’s ‘biodiversity hotspots.’
There are several goals for this expedition, including:
- Providing funding and assistance towards improving Pavacachi quality of life
- Increasing the community’s capacity for running adventure tourism, volunteer programs
- Developing a flora and fauna diversity research program
- Conducting GPS/GIS mapping in forest communities
- Implementing permaculture techniques to increase the variety and sustainability of agriculture production
- Preserving the rainforest by advising alternative income sources to land clearing
- Negotiating terms, improving relations between local/international tourism groups and the forest association
The Pavacachi area is only accessible by light aircraft or via a 7 day hike and canoe ride, making for a truly remote and unique expedition.
Earth Sessions director Brendan McDonald explained, “This project allows volunteers to embark on a true Amazon experience, one that will achieve real results in helping indigenous Ecuadorians protect the area they live in. We aim to work with them to save this vital and remote area for future generations, as well as give volunteers an incredible adventure.”
Xola Consultant and WAVES for Development International founder, Dave Aabo will be helping to lead the efforts in Ecuador. Following the expedition, Aabo will join fellow WAVES for Development Peru founder Brendan McDonald, in Northern Peru to deliver a two-week Educational Surf program in the coastal community of Lobitos with WAVES for Development. Volunteer opportunities to surf and serve in Lobitos will begin in November on a rolling basis.
For more details about the programs, including itineraries and costs, please e-mail info@earthsessions.com or visit www.earthsessions.com or www.WAVESfordevelopment.org.
