Location
The Alto Choco Reserve is located in the Imbabura Province, Northern Ecuador. It is part of the South American CHOCO biological region, which is one of the ten biologically most important zones (hot spot) in the world. The Reserve has diverse attitudinal levels, ranging from 1.800 to 4.000 m with temperatures that range between 5 and 23º centigrade. The Reserve covers 2.750 hectares, about 1.500 of which are comprised of cloud forest. The reserve has a wide variety of fauna including Andean (spectacled) bears (Tremarctos ornatus), Dwarf deer (Pudu mephistophiles), Andean tapir (Tapirus pinchaque), Giant antpitta (Grallaria gigantea), Plate-billed mountain toucan (Andigena laminirostris) and the Cock of the rock (Rupicola peruviana). There is a great diversity of plants, especially orchids and native forest species such as the Cascarilla (Cinchona succirubra), Arrayán (Eugenia sp.), and Sisin (Podocarpus sp.). The seasons are not defined but can be described as a very rainy season from February to may, a rainy season from October to January and a dry season from June to September.
About the project
The Alto Choco Reserve is managed by a private Ecuadorian, non-profit organisation that was created in 1997 and is recognised by the Ecuadorian Ministry for the Environment. The objective is to conserve the biodiversity of Ecuador through responsible use of natural resources, scientific research, environmental education, wildlife, plant and tree conservation and development of economic alternatives for local communities.
In addition to managing the reserve, management plans are being developed for the areas surrounding the cloud forest reserves, reforesting Alto Choco and conducting environmental education in the surrounding communities. These efforts have received support from the World Wildlife Fund, the Ministry of Finland, the World Society for the Protection of Animals, Global Green Grants and private donors. Past projects include the liberation, rehabilitation and follow-up of Andean Spectacled Bears (Tremarctos ornatus) in the Alto Choco Reserve.
As a volunteer you will be involved in this important work together with participants from around the world
Volunteer work and contribution
Most of the projects for volunteers at Alto Choco focus on conservation of the area's outstanding biological diversity. Volunteers work is diverse so expect to do one or more of the following tasks:
Reforestation
One of the key initiatives on the reserve is our cloud forest reforestation program. There are about 48 hectares still to be reforested. This program involves collecting seeds and cuttings from native trees on the reserve and growing them in our tree nursery. When they are large enough the seedlings are planted out in deforested areas of the reserve or given to other local reforestation projects.
The Botanical Garden
The reserve's botanical garden was established as part of our community education program. It is around one and a half hectares in size and contains around 60 varieties of orchid and a similar number of bromeliads. Tasks in the Botanical Garden include:
- Maintenance to keep the garden in good condition, such as rebuilding orchid containers and clearing paths.
- Identification of plant species in the garden. (To participate in this task volunteers must be sufficiently knowledgeable to identify the species present).
- Collecting plant species for the Botanical Garden. This involves accompanying project personnel on walks within the reserve to locate and collect species not found in the garden. Collected species will then be identified, pressed and dried.
Marking Reserve Boundaries
It is very important that the reserve boundaries are clearly marked to prevent woodcutters inadvertently felling trees within the protected area. This involves walking to the limits of the reserve and erecting signs.
Helping in the Organic Vegetable Garden
Some of the volunteers' food is grown in our organic garden. Here you can help with planting and tending the vegetables.
Wormery work
A Wormery is an enclosed bin which uses special types of worms to help break down organic matter. Tasks include: wormery construction and maintenance, making worm feed.
Bamboo harvesting
Cut, transport and process bamboo for use in other projects.
Monitoring signs of Spectacled Bears and Pumas
The Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is catorgorised as vulnerable by the IUCN (The World Conservation Union) due to its low population and the fragmentation of its habitat. There are many gaps in our knowledge of these bears and more information is needed to aid their protection. Interested volunteers will be trained to track bears and pumas and then hike through the reserve collecting evidence of their activity. Walks will generally take from 6 to 8 hours and ascend to an altitude of around 4200 metres. Some of the tracking will be done at night and may involve camping out so more remote areas can be monitored. Data, photos and videos will be entered into a GPS (Geographical Information System).
Environmental education with the community
Participating in educational activities with children on the reserve and in local schools.
Cabuya handicrafts Project - 4 days per month
Cabuya is a natural fibre extracted from a local plant. The Intag Womens Environmental Group use these fibres to create handicrafts which are sold to supplement their income. Work takes place in a purpose-built workshop on the reserve. On this project volunteers will help:
- Find and collect Cabuya plants
- Prepare Cabuya fibre
- Cultivate the plants used to make natural dyes
- Make natural dyes
- Learn how to create Cabuya handicrafts
- Create new designs and colours
Accommodation
While you are volunteering you will be staying in shared accommodation at the Alto Choco Lodge. The Lodge has flush toilets, hot showers, kitchen and sleeps up to 22 people. There is no electricity at the Lodge so we provide candles for lighting, however it is recommended you bring a torch/flashlight and batteries. Three meals are provided per day, Monday - Friday.
Not just work...
Volunteers are expected to work a 5 day week (usually from Monday to Friday). Possible weekend activities include visiting the market in the nearby village of Apuela, visiting the thermal baths at Nanguve (35 minutes by bus) or travelling to Otavalo (2-4 hours by bus). Otavalo is a small town famous for its indigenous craft market. It is also the nearest place to offer a wide range of facilities including bars, restaurants, hostels, cyber cafes, banks, hospitals, Spanish schools and travel agencies.
Minimum requirements
- Min age 18 - Max age 70
- Conversational English or Spanish
- Good physical fitness
- Motivation to do physical conservation work
- Able to work in high elevation
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)