Rainforest conservation in the Amazon, Peru
| country: | Peru |
| location: | Peruvian Amazon |
| departures: | Departures can be arranged at anytime throughout the year |
| price: | From £995 (2 weeks) - £2895 (12 weeks) excluding flights |
the amazing things you'll be doing
This multi-activity project is an opportunity to live and work in the greatest jungle in the world - the Amazon!
Visit one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world Experience life in the Amazon jungle Trek through the rainforest Live in a beautiful, traditional lodge Participate in important conservation projects Train with experienced guides and conservationists Understand the issues for rainforests & endangered species Contribute towards scientific research Adventure through mountains, rivers and forests
The Project takes place at a centre based in the Manu Biosphere Reserve, which is a large conservation area located in the South Eastern corner of Peru in the Parque Nacional Manu. It consists of various types of rainforest (The Amazon) and is rich in diversity.
Free trek: If you are on this project for 2 months or longer, you'll take part in a 4 day/3 night trek either to the very popular Hot Water Springs or whitewater rafting down the river.
This is a multi-activity project - volunteers benefit from the training components and actively assist in the environmental monitoring study at multiple locations. As you stay longer, you will take on increasing levels of data collection and project management responsibilities (depending on your abilities). The longer you participate on the project, the more skills you will develop.
Below are some examples of the types of activities that are carried out at the Centre:
Mammal studies Population surveys Installing and maintaining mud pits on paths (these are footprint traps used to indicate species type, number and frequency of use). There is a project which involves observing a small colony of night monkeys at the edge of the campus Data input
Bird studies 
Population surveys enhanced by the use of recordings played through speakers to attract individuals. Due to the large number of species, volunteers assist the scientist with this, often by watching the sky for larger birds whilst the scientist concentrates on the small species in the undergrowth. Observations at clay licks Mist netting. Scientists capture wild birds in order to ring them and take measurements, etc. They are then released unharmed. Your assistance with this is appreciated because it's a two-person job. Hummingbird feeding project and other feeding studies based upon feeders spread around the campus. Data input
Plant Studies & jungle projects Cutting paths to form new ‘arrays’ for surveying the jungle. Mapping the paths and arrays.
Other projects on the site: The centre is keen to develop sustainable practices on the site as trials. Where successful, these can then be introduced to the local population. Currently a volunteer has started a reed-bed system of filtering the waste water from the centre. This will need maintaining.
Teaching: If you can provide any English language tuition and practice for the staff at the Centre, this would be very much appreciated. They are very keen and are happy to attend classes, do homework, etc. (Incidentally, there are also many opportunities for you to practice and improve your Spanish - or to start learning it from scratch!)
The Project takes place at a centre based in the Manu Biosphere Reserve, which is a large conservation area located in the South Eastern corner of Peru in the Parque Nacional Manu. It consists of various types of rainforest (The Amazon) and is rich in diversity.
Free trek: If you are on this project for 2 months or longer, you'll take part in a 4 day/3 night trek either to the very popular Hot Water Springs or whitewater rafting down the river.
This is a multi-activity project - volunteers benefit from the training components and actively assist in the environmental monitoring study at multiple locations. As you stay longer, you will take on increasing levels of data collection and project management responsibilities (depending on your abilities). The longer you participate on the project, the more skills you will develop.
the project
Upon your arrival (this is in the late afternoon) and after settling in, you'll have a short, informal welcome and orientation session. The following day you'll be taken on a guided walk into the forest. This will be followed by a half-day introduction to the rainforest and how it works. You'll also be told about the kind of projects you can become involved in. These will change according to what is required at the time you are there. Below are some examples of the types of activities that are carried out at the Centre:
Mammal studies
Bird studies
Population surveys enhanced by the use of recordings played through speakers to attract individuals. Due to the large number of species, volunteers assist the scientist with this, often by watching the sky for larger birds whilst the scientist concentrates on the small species in the undergrowth. Plant Studies & jungle projects
Other projects on the site: The centre is keen to develop sustainable practices on the site as trials. Where successful, these can then be introduced to the local population. Currently a volunteer has started a reed-bed system of filtering the waste water from the centre. This will need maintaining.
Teaching: If you can provide any English language tuition and practice for the staff at the Centre, this would be very much appreciated. They are very keen and are happy to attend classes, do homework, etc. (Incidentally, there are also many opportunities for you to practice and improve your Spanish - or to start learning it from scratch!)
volunteer travel - what's it all about?
Are you are looking for an adventurous trip with a purpose, or on a gap year or career break? If you want to make a difference in some of the world’s most important conservation areas - and in community projects - then volunteer trips are for you! Volunteers tend to have a sense of adventure, and come from a range of different backgrounds and from all over the world. Edward Abbey said 'sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul'.
how this holiday makes a difference
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The project is based in a remote area of the Manu region, where there is one town near-by. Volunteers directly influence the local economy of this town in a very positive way by using the laundry facilities, local shops and amenities.The project itself promotes sustainable development in the diverse rainforest, plus develops and implements education for the local people and crucial research programmes. The actual centre consists of the accommodation rooms and bathrooms, dining hall, library, kitchen and relaxation area. It is tastefully constructed in keeping with the surroundings and is highly comfortable living, whilst working with traditional styles.
Local staff are employed at the Manu Learning Centre which provides important cultural interaction for them and the volunteers, along side valuable language practice in an everyday setting. Group sizes are kept to a minimum and all volunteers and staff at the MLC are briefed and trained with regards to respecting the flora and fauna, so not to disrupt environments any more than absolutely necessary whilst carrying out research and programmes to help conserve one of the most significant areas of the natural world. |
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