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Host rating
65 %
Last replied
23 May 2023
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Details
Description
We are Stefano Bajak (photographer) Ecuadorian born, and Chrissy van der Linden (production manager) Dutch-born. We fell in love with each other while we were shooting a Dutch film in Ecuador and since then we became a great team.
We decided to move to Mompiche; a small village surrounded by tropical rainforest, located in the province of Esmeraldas; on the north coast of Ecuador. This area is known as Corredor de Conservación Choco-Magdalena or the CCCM, a strategic ecosystem for the entire planet. We became mesmerized with this paradise and realize that we have to do something to protect the biodiversity that exists here.
We build our house 3 kilometres from the ocean on a hill surrounded by Low Land Rainforest. No neighbours, only the sound of the howler monkeys, and loads of birds flying around. Three years ago we started our foundation named Save the Paradise. Our main goal: acquire and save as much Low Land Rainforest as possible to save it from deforestation. Living here means living in a place where you are surrounded by nature, silence and nothing more than that. Its a beautiful experience. 5 minutes by car you will reach the town (20 minutes walking), there you can find restaurants, buy your groceries, fresh bread and a nice cup of coffee. Many expats have been coming and settling in Mompiche. It's a very easy going town.
We have a baby boy of 1 year and 9 months old, his name is Silas. Also we have 3 dogs and 1 cat; Juana, Melissa, Tin Tin and the cat Tigre. All of them are rescued from the street. Besides being super good guardians for the place, it's also much fun to go with them to the beach or to the river in the forest for a nice swim and walk.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are a non-profit foundation and we fight to protect the rainforest on the north coast of Ecuador.
Our mission is to restore the balance in this ecosystem. The land will be bought on the foundation’s name and legally designated as an ecological reserve in perpetuity; this secures it from any kind of commercial, agricultural or industrial use.
The tropical forest is a strategic ecosystem for the survival of all species that inhabit the planet. At this moment this is all threatened by deforestation for the purpose of palm-oil plantations, shrimp farms and livestock farms intended for the food industry.
It is very important that we work together to combat climate change and create a friendly future for the next generations.
Help
Preferably we are looking for a couple with know how of permaculture for gardening projects by the property and in the cacao farm , and/or knowledge of working with bamboo and/or construction with eco materials, knowledge on marketing and social media management for the foundation.
As we are travelling to Europe, we need a couple that can stay in our house for at least 3 months. We are away from mid may to the mid October 2023.
Staying here means taking care of our dogs and cat, gardening and mind you this is not just simple gardening! It's working with a machete, chopping where needed, mowing the lawn, maintenance of the house, keeping it clean. You have to be a super active do-er who loves to be in nature. if you have some of these skills or the will to learn, this is the perfect place to do it.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
Accommodation
We have a wonderful house on the edge of the tropical forest of Mompiche Ecuador; the house is a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by nature. We are 3 km away from Mompiche town.
From our house you can see when the waves come in. Surfing here is really nice. If you can't surf yet then this is the place to learn it as it has a very friendly waves. If you pass our house you can walk down to the forest, for a nice swim in a crystal clear river.
There several beaches near by, were you can enjoy your free time. there is tours to see the mangrove forest, other areas of the rainforest and from July whale watching tours begin
Most important for us is that you take good care of our animals, our house and the surrounding. Our dogs need a lot of exercise and love. We take them daily to the beach or river. Also we expect the people to always communicate with us if something goes wrong so we can help. It is very important for us not to hear about a sick dog, a lost cat a leak of our house a week later. Unfortunately we have had this experience and we lost one of our cats and one of our dogs because of an irresponsible conduct. We know many people here and if something happens we can always let them come to the house to help, or fix something.
What else ...
The helpers can enjoy trips to the jungle, mangrove or have a nice time in Mompiche town or the beach.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have quite a good internet connection.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
