*new project*: La Hesperia Nature Reserve

La Hesperia is a nature reserve located in the western range of the Andes at an altitude of 1100 – 2040 meters above sea level. The reserve covers an area of 814 hectares and is located in the centre of the Rio Toachi-Chiriboga IBA (Important Bird Area, declared by Bird Life International and Conservation International).  The reserve makes up part of two important bioregions: the Tropical Andes and the Chocó Darien – Western Ecuador, considered within the top five biodiversity hotspots on Earth. The station works in natural conservation, combating deforestation, protecting existing forest, restoring degraded areas and creating a sustainable development model that will enable them to support the reserve as well as offering a better way of life for the local community and those who work and live at the reserve.

The work carried out at La Hesperia is extremely important in terms of preserving the biodiversity of the cloud forest and protecting local watersheds.  Work focuses on protecting existing forests through reforestation, monitoring human activity (and its impact) and conducting environmental education. La Hesperia is also striving to become a model of integrated farming where agricultural practices complement the primary objective of preserving the natural forest. Combining conservation and agriculture will enable them to sustain the reserve and promote economic activities that are environmentally friendly and beneficial for the local inhabitants.

VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

At La Hesperia Biological Station & Reserve there are three different programs for volunteers: (A) Conservation in the Cloud Forest; (B) On the Way to Sustainability, and (C) Social Development, volunteers normally carry out a combination of all three programs:

1.    Program A: Cloud Forest Conservation
    This program is designed for volunteers with an interest in nature, conservation, research, wildlife and the outdoors. One of the main focuses will be on reforestation and learning about sustainable wood production. Activities include planting seedlings, maintaining the nursery and tree care. In addition to wildlife observation, tree phenology research, and trail maintenance.

2.    Program B: On the road to Sustainability
    This program is for volunteers interested in nature, sustainable agriculture, animal breeding, biofood and an organic vegetable garden. Volunteers within this program will be involved in a variety of activities focused on sustainable living. They will learn about production of organic agriculture to preparation of homemade chocolate, bread, pasta etc,.

3.    Program C: Social Development
    This program is designed for volunteers with advanced to intermediate levels of Spanish including an interest in education, social development, cultural exchange and working with children. The main focus will be using Montessori methodology to provide education to the students, while working alongside the staff and the community. You will be required to use Spanish effectively as the main form of communication within the school.