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

In the reserve and at the field station there is always plenty to do. We are very happy to receive volunteers who want to support our work. Besides your help with the daily work at the station (e.g. feeding the chickens, cooking, watering plants) you can help us with the following tasks

Carpentry work

Professional carpenters or volunteers with manual skills are always welcome at the station. They can help Wilo with the maintenance work around the station.

Trail building

At the moment there are only two trails in the nature reserve on which you can explore the montane rainforest. But the investigation of flora and fauna requires some more trails. You can help us with the construction of new trails and the improvement of the existing trail system.

Organic Garden

The climate and soil at the river Pachijal are suitable for the cultivation of various fruits and vegetables. The organic garden will self-supply the Biological Station with different vegetables. The fertilization of the organic garden is achieved using self-made compost produced by worms.
As a volunteer you help to create the organic garden and produce compost, to cultivate and plant saplings, to care for the garden and finally to harvest.

Environmental Education

The local population near Un poco del Chocó mainly lives on cattle breeding or milk production and illegal logging. As almost nobody reforests, the latter income will be depleted quite soon. That’s why other sources of income have to be found, in order to conserve nature, as well. An alternative initiative producing jewelry from natural materials (wood, seeds, tree ferns, etc.) can only support a very few families in Las Tolas. Some time ago a group of families decided to work in tourism. But although a great potential for tourism exists, none of the families can live on it. A main problem is the lack of well-trained people and adequate marketing.

Un poco del Chocó tries to support sustainable nature conservation in the region. On the one hand environmental education projects aim to strengthen the environmental awareness and hopefully the locals will gain a higher appreciation of nature thereby. Furthermore, people will be animated to reforest. On the other hand ecotourism will be encouraged, in order to ensure a sustainable income. Therefore, Un poco del Chocó wants to help with the promotion, the training of guides or simply with creative ideas and advice. Volunteers are invited to participate in these projects, as well.

1 week volunteering from 70$ including food and lodging

Minimum stay: 4 weeks