Help transform our farm into a private protected area in Veraguas, Panama

Details

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  Description

  We own a small piece of land in Veraguas, Panama, close to Santa Catalina - a popular surf beach visited by large numbers of tourists.
  
  The goal is to build a life that we dont need a vacation from. To do this we need to restore our property into a private Nature Reserve with an ecosystem that can support the diverse plant, fungus, insect and animal species and to eventually accommodate paying visitors.
  
  The property is already producing food to support the wild inhabitants of the forest and as more forest food becomes available, more wild animals and birds will be observed on the property.
  
  Part of the property is tropical rain forest with water streams and the areas previously used for cattle grazing are being reforested with indigenous fruit trees, a variety of hardwood species from the region and underbrush, to sustain the forest birds, animals, insects, butterflies, snakes and frogs. Our aim is to plant 63 different indigenous tree species to replicate the plant diversity found in forest of this region.
  
  We are working to create a safe environment for the birds and wildlife to return to. The previous (plus 50) years of hunting / poaching has impacted negatively on the environment.
  
  The indigenous fruit trees planted this season will only start bearing fruit for the animals in five to six years from now. This growth period of the trees and forest gives us the opportunity to develop the infrastructure to support future visitors.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Our language is English but in a Spanish speaking community.
  
  We believe the local culture, crime, education, social structure, economic outlook, employment and conservation could be interesting material for discussion. Also, the project itself will provide material for discussions and learning on a range of topics. We had volunteers that learned new skills in baking bread, doing basic electrical repairs, cutting with chainsaws, welding, etc.
  
  The sustainable methods that we use have been adopted to suit the environmental conditions and needs of the project and new methods are also being tested to improve our efficiency. The team members will have the opportunity to have first hand experience in applying sustainable methods that can be adapted and used under different circumstances.
  
  We pride ourselves with the outcome we have due to our approach to the local soil and climate challenges, and can transfer the knowledge gained to our volunteers.

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  Help

  The list of projects offers opportunities for a number of volunteers to come and apply their skills, and learn other skills in the process.
  
  Volunteers of 26 years or older, are required to contribute and develop the specific project that interests them, with the support and guidance of the husband and wife team that manages the farm, as well as, perform general farm tasks to support other projects on the farm.
  
  Current projects includes-
  * laying hens producing eggs,
  * planting more fruit and forest trees,
  * upgrading and maintenance of existing infrastructure,
  * building accommodation units for visitors,
  * installing a sewage treatment plant,
  * identifying and marking the trees in the forest as a reference in our project Baseline Study,
  * identifying and recording the many animals, frogs, snakes, butterflies, spiders and birds,
  * upgrading the water distribution system,
  * developing hiking trails for future birding tours,
  * develop a webpage for the project, and
  * assist in developing a program which will be used to provide guided tours on the farm and through the forest.
  
  The dry season spans from December to end of June and during this period all the focus is on preparing fire breaks, watering and caring for trees planted during the previous season.
  
  Maintenance of infrastructure and general farm tasks will be shared between team members to enable each member to understand all aspects of the farm / nature reserve.
  
  It is important for the volunteer to properly articulate what they will be able to contribute towards the successful completion of the projects.
  
  We do require responsible, willing and capable (physical tasks in hot and humid conditions) persons to assist with the completion of projects and maintenance tasks. We could also accommodate selected willing and capable persons with some disabilities.
  
  The project is for individuals that wants to connect with nature and experience the sounds and struggles that makes rewilding possible in our unique setting.
  
  A probation period of 5 days will apply before a decision will be made whether the volunteer is a good fit or not.
  
  Working hours are 25 actual hours worked spread over 5 days (some days more or others less)(if we start working at 08h00, we finish at 13H00. If we start 08h30, we finish working at 13H30, to complete 5 hours), with 2 weekend days spend away from the project (no meals on off days) in the nearby town or visiting nearby islands.
  
  We recomend that you wear watertight boots, long-sleeved shirts, denim trousers, wide hat, provide their own toiletries (including toilet paper), sunblock, insect repellent. A flashlight is required.
  
  We have a number of house rules that are listed below for reference:
  
  - Please wear a hat to protect your head and face from sunburn. Wear sunscreen to protect your skin.
  - Keep your accomodations clean, clean up after yourself, do not litter.
  - No outside visitors allowed on the property, entertain your friends in town.
  - No open fires and no smoking on the property.
  - If you need your cellular device in your hand or music in your ears to walk, water trees, plant trees, cut grass, feed animals, fill plant bags or add compost, then this is not the project for you.
  - Working hours are 5 hours, starting after breakfast or lunch for weekdays. On Saturday and Sunday you are off and encouraged to explore Panama.
  - If you want to have sleepovers in town with the local residents during weekdays, this project is not for you.
  - On non-working days, Saturdays and Sundays you will supply your own meals.
  - You supply your own toiletries, medication, bugspray and sewing kits. The First Aid Kit is for emergencies, not your medical supply stash.
  - Please return all tools that you use to the storage place when you leave your work area.
  - Please do not damage plants or chase the wildlife. Please do not pick fruit or catch animals or insects.
  - You prepare all of your meals the way you prefer, we as hosts, only provide you with the ingredients for your basic meals.
  - Please do not play load music, use your earphones, it is a nature reserve, respect nature.
  - Please do not operate laundry equipment before 13h00 and after 15h00 due to the available solar power.
  - Please do not enter our private areas without instruction to do so.
  - Please switch off lights to conserve energy, we are operating on a solar system.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Intermediate
  Spanish: Beginner

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  Accommodation

  The current facilities includes -
  * Basic Lodging in the forest for up to six people in a shared room with shared ablutions fed with hot and cold water,
  * Solar power,
  * Paid for Laundry Service - you provide your own detergent,
  * Excellent wi-fi for e-mails and messaging, suitable for uploading photos,
  * Shared area for reading or just relaxing in hammocks.
  
  Ingredients for three basic (not vegan or vegetarian) nutritious meals will be provided daily by using whatever is available, and will be prepared by the volunteers as a team in their own kitchen. Basic meals in Panama includes ingredients like rice, beans, plantain, yuka, potatoes, bread, chicken, pork, beef, fish, eggs and vegetables.
  Imprtant to note: Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be prepared by the Volunteers themselves to ensure that their tastes and preferences are catered for. On non-working days, Saturdays and Sundays you will supply your own meals.
  
  Drinks and snacks will be for the volunteer's own account. Any special dietary requirements (alergies / vegan / vegetarian) needs to be provided by the volunteer.
  
  Shops and stores for provisions are 2 kilometers away.
  
  Volunteers are to provide their own toiletries (including toilet paper), washing detergent, medication, working clothes, hats, sewing kits, insect repellent and sunscreen.

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  What else ...

  The area is safe and within walking distance (3km) of the town and beach.
  
  A public bus passes the farm gate every other hour during daylight hours to offer transport to and from the main towns and public bus routes.
  
  Spare time can be spent preparing your meals, relaxing, chasing waves at the beach or participating in the snorkelling or diving activities in the nearby town.
  
  The town offers opportunities for Yoga, day trips to nearby islands, fishing, birding, soccer, beach volley ball, organised beach clean-ups, limited shopping, cycling, horse riding, kayaking and a number of restaurants / coffee shops.
  
  Local establishments offen some party activities on a number of nights during the week.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  Our wifi is supported from a 1000 Mbps fibre line to the project without interruptions from power outages in the area. Volunteers are welcome to work online before and after work.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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