 Mindo is a region with a great biodiversity and it is recognized worldwide for its various species of birds. For many years, parts of the primary forest in Mindo were cut down in order to build sugar cane plantations and pastoral fields for livestock.
The project is located in an ecotourism town with 2,000 inhabitants, and it is 95km away from Quito; approximately 2.5 hours by public transportation. The town is situated in a valley surrounded by cloud forest. There are many species of birds, butterflies and various other animals which live in the forest, and there are also several rivers and a lot of waterfalls and the enchanting protected forest of “Nambillo Mindo”. Project Description:
 The “Mindo Volunteer” project seeks to reforest the desolate areas with plants and trees from the primary forest with the hope that the birds and animals might return to the region and repopulate the area. The town of Mindo depends on ecotourism and supports our projects not only to improve the environment but also to improve the standard of living.
 In addition, “Mindo Volunteers” seeks to help the town through social projects. We work with pre-school children (using games and songs to teach colors, numbers, animals, etc.); in the school we help with extra-curricular activities (projects involving environmental work, music classes, organic agriculture and painting murals to improve the appearance of the school); in town we are converting a swampland/garbage dump which is next to the river into a natural park for the use of the local community; with other organizations and the help of the community we are working in environmental and health areas. We also run recycling programs, education in cleaning and maintaining public areas and teach hygiene.
Volunteer Activities:
Upon arrival volunteers are taught how to use work tools such as machetes and mattocks and are also taught organic horticulture techniques. Volunteers are also instructed on how to recognize flora and fauna of the region.
Reforestation
- Collection of seeds and plants in the primary forest
- Maintenance of seedbeds
- Construction new seedbeds
- Maintenance of reforested areas
- Maintenance and care of the trees planted
Organic Kitchen Garden
- Prepare and fertilize land
- Plant seeds
- Maintaining the garden
- Creating a compost from leftover organic trash
- Look after the worms
- Fertilizing and fumigating with natural products
- Producing organic insecticide
- Collecting and drying seeds
School
- Help children with their homework
- Assisting teachers with music and environmental classes
- Working with children in the kitchen garden and with farmyard animals
- Organizing excursions so the children can learn about the environment and ecology
Pre-School
- Organizing games and activities for children aged 2-4
- Help the teacher during working hours
- Preparing materials and assisting when and where needed
The Park
- Cleaning the swampland
- Constructing a path along the river banks
- Sowing grass and planting plants and trees
Recycling
Coordinating and executing a plan as to improve recycling with the help of the community and other organizations
Volunteer Profile:
Volunteers must be enthusiastic, creative and willing to work within the context of rural communities. An intermediate knowledge of Spanish is required. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
Services Near the Reserve
The nearest health care facility is in the Mindo Center. Cities such as San Miguel de los Bancos has the same facilities, or Quito, about 2,5 hours away, have excellent hospitals and English speaking doctors.
 Accommodation:
The cost of living for volunteers includes 3 meals per day and housing with Host Families. The Host families have private rooms and hot water, shared bathroom, electricity and laundry service. You will share with other volunteers.
What does the Volunteer need to bring?
- Insect repellent (40% DEET is advised)
- Sunscreen
- Shampoo, first aid kit
- Flashlight
- Batteries/ matches
- Canteen
- Swiss army knife
- Rubber boots
- Rain coat
- Plenty of socks
- Warm clothes
- Long sleeve shirts
- Summer clothes
- Bathing suit
- Trekking shoes
- Cap or hat
- Sleeping bag
- Flip-flops
- Work gloves
- Towels
- Camera-binoculars (opcional)
- Sun glasses
- Books to read
- Ziplock bags
- Pens/journal
Duration
The minimum time required to work in this project is 2 weeks and there is no maximum determination. It is possible to request a volunteer visa if you want to develop a project that will last more than 6 months. Volunteers will work 8 hours per day, with 8 days off per month. (It is usually a 5 days work week, but it depends on the nature of the project.)
The volunteers will have to work Monday-Friday (7:30am – 3pm) with one hour lunch break.
 Free Time:
In all projects, you are going to have a schedule of different activities and you will be an 6 hour day, but other than that you will have time to relax, read, go to the rivers, wash your clothes, paint, talk to local people, or practice sports.
Possible Activities during Free Time • Tubing
• Canopy
• Renting quads
• Renting bikes
• Butterfly farms
• Aquarium
• Orchid farms
• Various excursions
• Fishing
 Requirements
You do not need a college education in order to work in the conservation activities. You do need, however, a great interest in the conservation of nature and activities related to human development, a willingness to learn and work, and a positive attitude.
All the volunteers need to have an intermediate knowledge of the Spanish language before starting their volunteer work. If the volunteer is not at this level, Ecuador Volunteer could help him/her to find the best program to improve his/her Spanish skills before starting the project.
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