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Looking for researchers for our conservation project in Balsapamba, Bolivar, Ecuador

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: 1 month or more

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    We are a family-owned farm with more than 200 years of history, deeply committed to the sustainable development of Andean communities, biodiversity conservation, and the protection of the natural landscapes of the region.

    Our property is currently dedicated to ecotourism and environmental conservation. The farm offers a wide variety of natural attractions, including an extensive network of trails, waterfalls, tropical rainforest, natural pools, fruit forests, and intact river ecosystems, providing an ideal setting for nature-based tourism, scientific research, and environmental education.

    Since 2021, our ecotourism project has been operating with infrastructure designed to host groups in two guest houses with a total capacity of up to 30 visitors. We offer activities such as guided waterfall excursions, trekking, camping, bonfires, birdwatching, trail running, and guided tours throughout Bolívar Province. A core component of our vision is the development of technical workshops and educational programs that strengthen environmental awareness and community participation.

    The farm encompasses approximately 80 hectares of primary and secondary humid subtropical forest, crossed by 7 km of a high-gradient river system that forms a diverse and scenic landscape characterized by waterfalls, mature forest stands, large emergent trees, and dense understory vegetation. This ecosystem supports high biological diversity and has strong potential as a biodiversity hotspot for scientific research and the documentation of previously unrecorded species.

    Our long-term objective is to formally designate the property as a protected forest, ensuring ecosystem conservation, the implementation of reforestation programs with native species, the promotion of environmental education, and the facilitation of scientific research initiatives.

    We are currently seeking qualified volunteers and professionals to support the following areas:

    Biodiversity assessment and monitoring, including baseline data collection on flora, fauna, hydrological, geological, and forest resources

    Project Manager / Biologist / Environmental Specialist to work on-site and act as an active partner in the design and delivery of biodiversity-focused workshops, coordinate species inventories and native species registration, lead field-based research and monitoring activities, and support reforestation and habitat restoration programs

    This role requires a strong commitment to fieldwork and on-site collaboration, as well as a genuine interest in long-term involvement in a conservation-oriented ecotourism project. The selected individual will play a key role in shaping and co-developing educational and conservation initiatives within a highly biodiverse subtropical forest.

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    Somos una hacienda familiar con más de 200 años de historia, profundamente comprometida con el desarrollo sostenible de las comunidades andinas, la conservación de la biodiversidad y la protección de los paisajes naturales de la región.

    Actualmente, nuestra propiedad está dedicada al ecoturismo y a la conservación ambiental. La hacienda ofrece una amplia variedad de atractivos naturales, incluyendo una extensa red de senderos, cascadas, selva tropical, piscinas naturales, bosques frutales y ecosistemas fluviales bien conservados, lo que la convierte en un entorno ideal para el turismo de naturaleza, la investigación científica y la educación ambiental.

    Desde 2021, nuestro proyecto de ecoturismo opera con infraestructura diseñada para recibir grupos en dos casas de huéspedes con una capacidad total de hasta 30 personas. Ofrecemos actividades como excursiones guiadas a cascadas, senderismo, camping, fogatas, avistamiento de aves, trail running y tours guiados por la provincia de Bolívar. Un componente central de nuestra visión es el desarrollo de talleres técnicos y programas educativos que fortalezcan la conciencia ambiental y la participación comunitaria.

    La hacienda abarca aproximadamente 80 hectáreas de bosque húmedo subtropical primario y secundario, atravesadas por 7 km de un sistema fluvial de fuerte pendiente que conforma un paisaje diverso y escénico, caracterizado por cascadas, bosques maduros, árboles emergentes de gran tamaño y una densa vegetación. Este ecosistema alberga una alta diversidad biológica y presenta un gran potencial como hotspot de biodiversidad para la investigación científica y el registro de especies aún no documentadas.

    Nuestro objetivo a largo plazo es declarar formalmente la propiedad como bosque protector, garantizando la conservación de los ecosistemas, la implementación de programas de reforestación con especies nativas, la promoción de la educación ambiental y el desarrollo de iniciativas de investigación científica.

    Actualmente estamos buscando voluntarios y profesionales calificados para apoyar en las siguientes áreas:

    Evaluación y monitoreo de la biodiversidad, incluyendo el levantamiento de información base sobre flora, fauna, recursos hídricos, geológicos y forestales.

    Project Manager / Biólogo/a / Especialista ambiental dispuesto/a a trabajar de manera presencial y a desempeñarse como socio activo en el diseño e implementación de talleres enfocados en biodiversidad, la coordinación de inventarios y registros de especies nativas, la conducción de actividades de investigación y monitoreo en campo, así como el apoyo a programas de reforestación y restauración de hábitats

    Este rol requiere un alto compromiso con el trabajo de campo y la colaboración presencial, así como un interés genuino en involucrarse a largo plazo en un proyecto de ecoturismo orientado a la conservación. La persona seleccionada tendrá un papel clave en la co-creación y desarrollo de iniciativas educativas y de conservación dentro de un bosque subtropical de alta biodiversidad.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Art Projects
    Help with Eco Projects
    Teaching
    Gardening
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    when knowledge grows opportunity appears.

    cuando el conocimiento crece la oportunidad aparece.

  • Help

    Help

    - Reserchers
    - Permaculture teacher

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent
    Spanish: Fluent

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Private Suit with kitchen.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    The place is very quiet and safe. not many people live in that area. You are surrounded by nature and very authentic towns of the Ecuadorian Andes. If you like hiking, nature in its original state, beautiful landscapes, extreme sports, this is the place for you.

    El lugar es muy tranquilo y seguro. no muchas personas viven en esa area. estas rodeado de naturaleza y pueblos muy auntenticos de los andes ecuatorianos. si te gusta el senderismo, la naturaleza en su estado original, los paisajes hermosos, los deportes extremos, este es el lugar para ti.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    RESERCHERS, Digital marketers, web designer, 3D designer, all skills are welcome.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

Host ref number: 822791695833

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The image depicts a rustic wooden bridge with a thatched roof, leading to a grassy area surrounded by trees, bathed in sunlight.
The image depicts a serene outdoor setting with a small body of water, surrounded by lush greenery, featuring a wooden structure and a few trees, evoking a sense of tranquility and natural beauty.
The image depicts a serene waterfall cascading into a pool, surrounded by lush greenery and rocks, with a staircase visible in the background.
The image depicts a rustic outdoor shelter with a metal roof, situated near a river, featuring a picnic table and benches, surrounded by lush greenery and large rocks.
The image depicts a serene scene of a group of people standing in front of a large body of water, surrounded by lush greenery and trees, with a clear sky above.
The image depicts a lush, green mountainous landscape with a house nestled among the trees and a cloudy sky above.

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