Nature Reserve & Biological Field Station
-Un poco del Chocó-

Study the ecology of the Ecuadorian montane rainforest under personal and professional supervision. Gain valuable practical skills and hands on experience conducting biological field investigations. Work as a volunteer in nature conservation, organic gardening and environmental education and support the Biological Station Un poco del Chocó with your volunteer work.

In 2009, Un poco del Chocó was founded in the northwest of Ecuador as a private conservation project by the German Biologist Nicole Büttner (MSc) and her Ecuadorian husband Wilo Vaca. With their 15 hectares nature reserve and a biological field station the project contributes to research and conservation of the Chocó-Ecoregion in which it is situated.

The research institution gives students the opportunity to enrich their studies with a biological internship abroad and to gain valuable practical skills and experience in biological field work. Interns can either participate in a tropical ecology course or realize their own research project. Furthermore, the field work for a thesis in biology (bachelor or master) can be conducted and supervised in the reserve.

Volunteers can help with the work around the Biological Station and also contribute to conservation. Even after finishing the construction of the station’s house, there is always a lot of carpentry and maintenance work to do. The trail system also needs improvement and shall be expanded. In order to self-supply the Biological Station, fruits and vegetables are grown in an organic garden. An environmental education project cooperates with the local people promoting natural conservation in the region. Volunteers are welcome to help with the mentioned projects.