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Peru hasn’t been immune from the environmental degradation the rest of the world has faced. The country is rich in bio-diversity and Peru’s eco-system is fragile. Because of poverty and lack of government enforcement, trees continue to be hacked down and Peru is rapidly losing forest cover. There are several local initiatives underway to tackle this environmental problem and educate the people against the long term damage this can cause.
RCDP has collaborated with these local initiatives and offering volunteers an opportunity work in conservation project in Peru. Through you effort, the local efforts will gain more momentum and succeed in preserving Peru’s greenery.
Volunteers can choose from projects like biodiversity inventories, eco-tourism, reforestation, and sanitation campaigns.
No specific skill is required to volunteer in conservation project. Volunteers are however expected to be passionate about environment. The work can sometimes be physically demanding. Hence, volunteers should come prepared for that. We would prefer volunteers with basic knowledge of Spanish as it would make communication with local people easier.
There are many things you can do in the project. The option is unlimited. In nursery work, you’ll perform digging, filling plastic bags, weeding, irrigating, and related works.
In Andean Conservation work, you’ll be involved in conservation and cultural program. You will also have the chance to live with native communities while you stay with host families. Volunteers will learn about their traditions and help in the farms in agriculture, construction, with the animals etc.
The communities are often very poor but have preserved their customs very well. You’ll also work to preserve the existing bio–diversity. The work takes volunteers to the edge of Manu National Park. This is the biggest and the best preserved rainforest in Latin America. You will also help monitor some species of birds and monkeys.
The Park also has an orchid garden where you will work. You will work with biology students and other professionals. Their efforts are currently concentrated on teaching people from the surrounding villages on how to preserve the area where they live. They also have reforestation programs at certain times of the year.
Reforestation: RCDP works with an organization in charge of reforestation in Cusco. They travel to nearby communities to plant and control the growth of trees.
The project is available from September to December, which is the best time to plant trees. Zoo and gardening: Volunteers will work at the local zoo. Most of the animals there are from the Andean region. Volunteers will help with cleaning and maintenance as well as with visitors, mostly children from different schools in Cusco.
Volunteers can also work at gardens and orchards of orphanages or community centers.
Accommodation/Meal/Supervision:In Peru, volunteers will stay in a hostel or with host families. Our local coordinators will make the decision to place you either in hostel or host family. Hostel is a home base kind of environment where you can mingle with other volunteers. In a host family, volunteers will get the opportunity to practice Spanish and experience local culture. Our host families have hosted many international volunteers. They are socially respected and will provide a safe and secure local for our volunteers to stay. You will have a private room and share kitchen and bathroom facilities. Many host families will not have running hot water. You can ask someone to do your dirty laundry for a small fee. The arrangement is entirely depended on you and the host family. You can also request to pack your lunch if you intend to be somewhere during lunch and vegetarian meals are an option. You are also more than welcomed to bring your own special diets and prepare them yourself. Please rest assured that your home stay will be safe and comfortable. RCDP staffs will also inquiry about your health and safety by visiting you while you’re volunteering in the field.
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The mission of RCDP-Nepal is to encourage international volunteers to contribute in sustainable community development that benefits the underprivileged and extremely poor. By developing the places and the communities, the volunteers are also developing themselves and learning new perspectives and ideas that will ultimately change their lives.
