Help at our small scale agricultural farm and connect with nature in Bocas del Toro, Panama

Infos

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  Description

  Finca is a 1 hectare, sea-front permaculture-oriented project located on Isla Colon in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Permaculture is a set of design principles centered around whole systems thinking, simulating or directly utilizing the patterns and resilient features observed in natural ecosystems. Put simply: permaculture is sustainable agriculture.
  
  At Finca we strive for a healthy relationship with nature. A small-scale agricultural project for private use (at least for now), with tropical fruit, veg, egg-laying chickens, wildlife that often help themselves to what’s on the menu; from parrots to crabs and the occasional caiman. The plan is to grow into an even more impressive landscape as there’s plenty of space for more food, animals, plants and inspiration
  
  Monique and Jim have been living in and developing Finca since 2017, but have owned the location since 1995. Monique was a biologist and then ran an Ecolodge on the island for 15 years. Jim’s background is in freshwater ecology. Together they have a lot of knowledge of what’s growing on the property. Gabriel and one other local worker live on the property, and along two others, offer a hard work ethic, the opportunity to learn more about native Panamanian culture and the chance to improve your Spanish. Jim and Monique’s 8 dogs (circa February 2024), who specialize in lizard control and function as the welcome committee, also call Finca home.

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  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Projets artistiques

  Aide avec des éco-projets

  Jardinage

  Bricolage et construction

  S’occuper des animaux

  Aide dans une ferme

  Aide à la maison

  Entretien général
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  Centres d’intérêt

  

  Dev. durable

  

  Ferme

  

  Soin des plantes

  

  Musique

  

  Jardinage

  

  Cuisine et alimentation

  

  Art et design

  

  Fitness

  

  Yoga / bien-être

  

  Sports nautiques

  

  Nature

  

  Plage

  

  Sports d'aventure
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  Objectifs de développement durable de l’ONU que cet hôte essaie d'atteindre

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  Qu'est-ce que c'est ?
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  Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

  At Finca, cultural exchange thrives through hands-on learning, connection with nature, and immersion in local traditions. Located on the beautiful Isla Colon in Bocas del Toro, Panama, our one-hectare farm offers a unique opportunity to engage with sustainable living practices. Volunteers can explore the principles of permaculture, assist with tropical fruit and vegetable gardening, care for egg-laying chickens, and learn about the diverse local wildlife that shares this space.
  
  Our property is also home to a dedicated team, including Gabriel and Diomedes. Doing tasks alongside them offers insights into native Panamanian culture, language, and traditions. You’ll have the chance to improve your Spanish and gain a deeper appreciation for the hard-working ethos of the Panamanian community.
  
  Finca's stunning beachfront location offers natural inspiration, from snorkeling in the coral reef to surfing waves just steps from the property. Beyond the farm, you can explore the nearby areas by bike (provide your own), enjoy local hangouts with activities like pool and ping-pong, or relax in the serene tropical setting.
  
  If you are interested in artistic endeavors, we usually have art project going on.
  
  Through your time here, you’ll not only contribute to a growing farm but also experience a meaningful exchange of knowledge, culture, and creativity.

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  Aide

  This project entails gardening, trimming, planting, weeding, starting new plants, and several tasks such as building trellises, building raised beds, other light building, painting, trail building, cleaning paths, chicken coop, artistic painting, mosaic etc. For the last 25 years we have been zero waste, and have an assortment of recycled things to fix, upcycle, transform etc. We built a little glass work studio, where we are making fused glass and stained glass using recycled glass. Most of of the property has been planted but we always welcome new ideas design wise. The site is challenging due to the usually poor soils found in the tropics and the extreme proximity to the ocean.
  
  Asks are ever changing based on harvest needs and weather. Volonteers discuss daily tasks to be done with farm manager at morning meetings. The manager will show you how particular tasks are done and will be supervising you during the helping shift.
  
  For you to expectation, 80% of help we need is related to outdoor help maintaining health of farm. Only some volonteers get accepted to specificaly help on art projects when we have something going on, so you have to discuss about it with us in messages before you come.

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  Langues parlées

  Anglais: Courant
  Espagnol: Courant
  Français: Courant

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  Hébergement

  We have 1 yurt and 1 annex available for volunteers. The yurt has 4 rooms/spaces: 1 with a queen bed, 1 with 2 single beds, and 1 room with a double bed and 1 single bed. The loft is occupied by one of our permanent worker.
  The rooms have walls and doors but are in an open ceiling yurt. There is a shared toilet inside and 1 outside, and 2 shared outdoor showers. There is a basic kitchen with fridge and stove. We have an eco filter system for drinkable water.
  The annex has 3 room, one of which is occupied by 1 permanent worker. 1 room has 1 double bed, and the other has 1 double bed and 1 single bed.

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  Autres infos...

  In their time off volonteers can enjoy nice views and tranquility of the finca at afternoons, or go explore beautiful beaches near by. Just in front there is great snorkeling reef and for those who would like more water sports activities there is great surf during winter months and plenty of diving schools offering their underwater expeditions. Fishing, hiking, treeclimbing, exploring island cycling around, dancing night life in Bocas town... you can find your spot.
  
  Another important thing about the finca itself is that there are 7 dogs, 4 are running around freely during the day . 2 live at the yurt and 5 live at Monique and Jim's house. Of these 5, two are extremely protective and go outside twice a day during announced time, normally anytime between 6:40-7:030am and 5-6pm. We ask that nobody walk around the property during these times, which are announced on the private whatsapp group where you will be added. You can always enter and exit the property through the door closest to the yurt.
  You will use that WhatsApp group to schedule your weekly laundry, and request food refill.
  On the topic of food, you will receive staples and will be responsible to cook for yourself.

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  Informations complémentaires

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    Accès Internet

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    Accès Internet limité

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    Nous avons des animaux

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    Nous sommes fumeurs

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    Familles bienvenues

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  Espace pour garer des vans

  Cet hôte a de la place pour les vans.

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  Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

  Plus de 2

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