Gap Year Expeditions, Global Volunteering & Conservation Projects – Greenforce

Highlights

The project takes place at Machalilla National Park. This park has unique features that make it the most important marine area in Ecuador as well as the only protected area of the coast. Due to the lack of resources and information, it has been extremely difficult to conserve the zone. Inside the National Park you can find the Isla de la Plata. This island area has an abundance of bird life including seabirds, blue and red footed bobbies, pelicans and frigate birds as well as albatrosses. The Marine Conservation Centre started its work in December of 2004. This organization was born as a consequence of the urgent need to conserve the marine resources and ecosystems of Ecuador and to train and work with the community as well as with governmental institutions. Volunteers at the Marine Conservation Centre are the ones who keep the projects running. Volunteers are involved in fieldwork, on land and in water. Volunteers work with the species that need to be conserved and with the community to teach positive techniques and provide valuable information about environmental protection.

Aims and Objectives

The services that the Marine Conservation Centre provides are:
• Work towards helping the marine ecosystems in various projects
• Educate the community on the environmental protection.
• Raise awareness on marine conservation techniques.
• Work with national and governmental entities to increase knowledge on conservation and the importance of marine ecosystems.

Volunteers can take part into in different research and conservation projects. Projects take place in water as well as on land. Depending on the daily planning of the project, opportunities for scuba diving may be offered to volunteers. Your work will depend on the necessities of the project, probably you will have more land than underwater work, and it depends on the season and needs of the project. You can’t choose a particular project; you are placed at the ones that are currently available. The projects include:

1. Beach and underwater clean-up
2. Shifting Ecuador’s Baselines
3. Coral mapping in the Machalilla National Park
4. Distribution and use of habitat of the Giant Manta ray
5. Monitoring of Shark species in the Puerto Lopez fishing ports
6. Monitoring of Sea turtles nests and open waters
7. Education of Fisherman’s Children

Sights

Let’s start with Sea Turtles, Sharks and Whales. Still not satisfied? How about throwing in the lush landscapes and traditional architecture of Ecuador? As if you needed more ammunition, Ecuador is home to the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon rainforest, which are two of the most majestic and magical regions of the world. The fact is that many of Ecuador’s best sights are nestled away in remote regions. You can have your own opportunity to explore these and find destinations off the beaten track, unique glimpses into the country that offers a world of wonder.

Accommodation /Cost of Living

Volunteers live in comfortable houses with all desired facilities. Rooms are shared with a maximum of four people in dorm style bedrooms. Living this way and helping each other creates a more homely atmosphere and adds to a communal living experience.

Food

A local cook will provide you with three meals per day and will include authentic Ecuadorian meals. Dietary needs are catered for.

Money

• The currency of Ecuador is the US dollar. The best way to carry money is to split it between forms of payment for example, cash, and credit/debit card.

• You can use your credit card when out there. ATM’S are also available if you need to get cash out during your stay.

• You will have opportunities to exchange money while staying in Quito and Peurto Lopez.

What's included?

• On receipt of deposit payment you will receive a welcome e-mail enabling you access to your personal page including medical form, kit list, country history and project information.
• You will also be invited to your Meet Your Team briefing day and BBQ in Central London. We will fully prepare you before you go.
• Airport collection
• Country Orientation and safety briefings
• Options to snorkel, visit the Equator. rafting. Amazon trek. whale watching. Galapagos.
• On-going accommodation
• Full onsite support and assistance, Emergency back up. Airport drop off.
• 3 meals a day.

Country Information

• Population/Area - 12.5 million inhabitants/283,520 sq km

• Climate - tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands

• Spanish is Ecuador's official language however the Indian population speak Quichua, an Inca language. Other than Spanish, ten native languages are spoken in Ecuador. English is the most popular spoken foreign language amongst tourist and professionals.

Demographics

• The placement is open to all nationalities. It is always best to double check any visa requirements directly with the countries embassy in your country or on the web before booking to go anywhere.

• The minimum age for this trip is 17 years and there is no maximum.

Maps

Manta and Portoviejo are the closes cities to Puerto Lopez (Machalilla National Park.) Both cities are located approximately 1.5 hours away.

Machalilla National Park is the main protected coastal area of Ecuador. Due to ecological similitude it is often compared with the Galapagos. However, there are many differences between the two areas. Machalilla was declared a National Park in 1979 and protects some of the last coastal forest of the country. This area is well known for its beaches and archeological sites. The marine area of the park protects coral reefs and every year receives a humpback whale population that arrives to the area for mating. Puerto Lopez, the main town of the project , is a small fishing and tourist village located in the coast of Ecuador.

Gallery: Ecuador Photos

Itinerary

Please read, keeping in mind this is a sample itinerary only and is based upon previous expeditions and may change.

A DAY AT THE PROGRAMME
7am-8am Breakfast at the volunteer house
8am-12pm Work at the centre on a number of projects alongside the local staff
12pm-1pm Lunch
1pm-4pm Continue your morning work
5pm-6pm Free time to relax
6pm-7pm Dinner
7pm and on Free time to relax, explore the surroundings

Volunteers will arrive to Quito on Sunday before the programme starts. From the airport you will be taken to the hostel where you will spend your fist two nights in Ecuador. Your transfer to the project location in Puerto Lopez is included and is taken by bus (11-12 hours ride). You can also fly to the project; this has an additional cost of approximately $80(one-way) and will be arranged for you as long as you inform us in advance.

You will be working at the Centre from Monday to Friday. The weekends are free for you to explore the area and the nearby attractions.

Feedback

"Hi guys, a quick note to say what a wicked time we had.  Not sure about eating hamster!

But glad we had time to do the amazon trip too - see you at the reunion party!"

Jake - Gapforce Ecuador.