Beach Clean-up and Permaculture on the Ecuadorian Coast
Our program of cleaning beaches and agro ecology opens the doors for contribute to the preservation of the marine ecosystem of fishing communities. Currently, artisanal fishing is the main base of resources, volunteer can give support for environmental education, gather information about the affected species such as sea turtles and work with local people in the implementation of permaculture and conservation programs.
Volunteer Programs
Purpose
Joining as a volunteer, in our program of cleaning beaches and sustainable agro-ecology can be a great experience in our entire life. You will have the sole purpose of becoming a tool of solutions that provides conservation initiatives in fishing communities about the serious problem that causes marine debris by improper use of waste and you can also inspire locals on permaculture practices to improve their agricultural production in a more ethical and sustainable manner.
Change
Our work in the fishing villages near to Congal, generates big changes in the marine ecosystem. Volunteers join forces to prevent marine pollution, educate people to live in these villages, teach them about the importance of caring and exploit natural resources and use sustainable processes that minimize the impact caused by humans, without harming the fragile coastal environment.
Action
You can enjoy breeze, sun, sea, having a relaxing time and you can accompany our coordinator in interesting activities such as recollection and classification of solid waste from local beaches, which are affecting marine species. Helping in environmental education campaigns to promote both individual and collective values, keeping statistics of marine litter collected, helping local farmers in the management of organic and orchards are others activities that volunteers can experience.
Location
Esmeraldas , Ecuador
Esmeraldas province is located in the northwest coast of Ecuador, and it is also know as “Green Province”. Esmeraldas city is the the capital of this province and it is home of 80% of the black population in Ecuador. With pristine beaches it si considered as one of the most important tourist destinations in Ecuador, the majority of it’s population work in activities related with the agriculture and fishing. Many of the rural areas have plantations of cocoa, coffee, tobacco, African palms, bananas and a diverse types of tropical fruits. In the coastline is easily identify villages dedicated to fishing of sea fruits. Esmeraldas is characterized for having the highest mangroves of the world close to the border with Colombia.
Quick Facts
Official Language:
Spanish
Population:
15.8 millions
Capital:
Quito
Land Area:
Religion:
Roman Catholic
Currency:
US Dollar
Literacy Rate:
91.6%
Program Details
Program Details
Highlights
Daily, you will have the opportunity to participate with local coordinators in activities related to habitat conservation in the Ecuadorian coastline. As a volunteer, you will visit different beaches and fishing communities near to the project for supporting campaigns of environmental awareness, which relate to the marine preservation and waste generation. As well as, volunteers can help to the strength of agriculture. You can participate in our beach cleaning program and learn more about permaculture actions for the benefit of fishing families.
A Day as a Volunteer
- 7:00 to 7:30 Traditional breakfast
- 7:30 to 12:30 Volunteer work in beach cleaning
- 13:00 to 14:00 Traditional lunch
- 14:00 to 16:00 Volunteer work in cocoa plantation
- 16:00 to 18:00 Free time
- 19:00 to 20:00 Dinner
Volunteer Activities
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Cleaning beaches
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Monitoring of sea turtles
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Solid waste recollection
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Planting native and endemic species
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Reforestation of mangroves and shell collecting
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Construction and infrastructure repair
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Soil preparation
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Supporting in cocoa plantations
Accomodation
Accommodation is in a volunteer house located in the Bio-Marine Station calls Congal. The infrastructure is very basic; it is made of brick, bamboo and wood. The house is located in the foothills of a mountain and has a beautiful view of the area. The house has two floors, in the upper part, there are five bedrooms and two balconies, and in the first floor is the kitchen, dining room and bathrooms. The house has capacity to accommodate 22 people, permanent electricity and water. The program will provide pillows, blankets, sheets and mosquito nets. There is no laundry service, so volunteers can wash their clothes in the project.
Meals
Food is included during the participation of volunteers and is based on traditional dishes from the coast like fish, bananas, rice and others. The project has a kitchen inside of the volunteer house, which include a refrigerator. The project coordinator provides products for volunteers who prepare their own meals, breakfast, lunch and snack, along with other volunteers and members of the project. Typical dishes such as fried fish with beans, rice and bananas, natural fruit juices and more characterize the food of the coast. This is the opportunity for you to discover the flavors of traditional food and to learn cooking typical dishes of that area. Vegetarians can apply to the project, but we recommend buying your own products to prepare your own meals. We recommend boiling water and water bottles for personal consumption.
What's Included
- Pre-arrival information and support
- Workshop to highlight aspects of the project
- Workshop orientation about safety, location and culture
- Coordination pick up service from the airport
- 24-hour emergency phone
- Long term experienced staff
- 24/7 in-country support
- Safe accommodations
- Accommodation and food
- Safe Projects
- Monitoring and regular check-ins during the volunteer program
- International phone call in EVF’s office
- Local phone calls from our office in Quito
- Certificate of Participation
What's Not Included
- International Airline tickets or fees related to travel
- Visa costs and expenses related to the necessary paper work
- Cost for Airport pick-up service
- Travel insurance
- Costs associated with vaccinations and personal medications
- Meals or food outside of the program
- Local transportation
- Expenses related with cultural and/or tourist activities
- Personal expenses / Items for personal
