Located in the foothills of the Eastern Mountain range,
this is one of the 27 echo regions considered as a high
priority for conservation on regional and world-wide
scale
GENERAL VISION
The Tsuruku Community Mahogany Reserve and Biological Station located in the
Pastaza Province in Amazonian Ecuador is a spectacular 4500 hectare community
reserve. The reserve is adjacent to a larger 70,000 hectare forest located on a geologic
formation that rises to 1,200 meters in elevation. The ethnic group residing in the
reserve area is the indigenous Shuar.
The Shuar are the second largest and one of the most
studied Amazonian indigenous groups. They live in
the tropical rainforest between the upper mountains of
the Andes, and the tropical rainforests of the
Amazonian lowlands, in Ecuador extending to Peru.
Shuar means "people” and even thought they have
their own language, the majority of people under the
age of 50 now days are capable of conversational
Spanish.
The Shuar have been exposed to the colonizing influences of missionaries, oil
extractors, agriculturalists, pastoralists, and other nationals over the years. Until the
1960s the Shuar were nomadic and fierce warrior people, but increased contact with
outsiders forced them to change their lifestyle from semi-nomadic to leaving in a fixed
settlement and organize themselves in a common struggle for the land and the forest.
Today, the Shuar are among the best organized indigenous people who own 900.000
hectares of their traditional territories and that have to face the challenge of living of
the land in a sustainable way.
OBJECTIVES OF THE RESERVE
The Tusrakú reserve was jointly developed by the Jatun Sacha Foundation and by the
Tsuruku Shuar Community to develop a management plan in the reserve. As a
communally-owned reserve, the main objective of this reserve is the development of
significant income-generating projects that are harmonious with forest conservation.
Project activities are influenced by the Shuar communities’ needs and wants, and
wherever possible their participation is sought.
A special emphasis is placed on reforestation using Mahogany seeds and the
conservation of the huge Mahogany trees found in Tsuruku. The Mahogany, one of the
world's finest hardwoods, grows in abundance at this site.
In other areas, the
Mahogany is commercially extinct and becoming scarce throughout its biological
range. This is the reason why one of the objectives of the reserve is to send Mahogany
seeds and tree saplings to interested individuals, communities, and businesses
throughout Amazonian Ecuador to assist in its recovery as a viable species in Ecuador.
FACILITIES AND STAFF
The Reserve lodge is located in the community of Tsuraku, which has about 300 people
living in it. The lodge has electricity and running water, but occasionally there are
periods without power in the community. The provincial capital, Puyo, is located
about 2 hours north of Tsuraku by bus. Puyo has internet facilities and phone service
and many necessities can be purchased there.
PROJECTS AT THE TSURAKÚ RESERVE
•
“Ecomadera” (Improve technology for the extraction of wood and create
possibilities for fair trade).
•
Construction of a new building for the reserve.
•
Biodiversity studies (Transects).
•
Mapping of endangered plant species, such as Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla).
•
Environmental education in Tsantsa High School.
•
Reforestation.
•
Development of an ecological path from the Tsantsa High School.
•
Development of medicinal plant gardens as well as native forest species.
•
Walks and other activities with the community.
•
Teaching English classes to schools within the area (Uwijint).
•
Initiatives from volunteers (Trash collection, sports).
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM AT THE TSURAKÚ RESERVE
Volunteer work will take place in both the Tsuruku Shuar Community and in the
forested areas of this incredible reserve. In the community volunteers will assist an
environmental education program, will teach English, work to develop school
nurseries, work on community reforestation and agroforestry projects and will assist
on simple construction projects. Volunteers will also help on the development of fish
production ponds. In the forest areas, volunteers will help collect seeds of fine
hardwood species--with an emphasis on Mahogany--for use in reforestation projects
and for sale to other conservation projects in Ecuador. Volunteers will take on hikes to
visit the areas where Mahogany exists in abundance, and other spectacular forest,
river, and waterfall sites.
This is an outstanding volunteer opportunity where individuals can learn about forest
conservation and production themes, from the Shuar indigenous perspective.
ACTIVITIES FOR THE VOLUNTEERS
•
Environmental Education in Local Schools and Nursery Work with Shuar High
School Students: Each week volunteers will be able to participate in teaching the
local high school and grade school students about the environment. This will be
accomplished by not only educating them, but by providing practical exercises
where the students of the reserve integrate the context of their communities into
the classroom. This practical experience is further utilized in a nursery being
developed at the local high school. Volunteers will also participate in the
development and maintenance of the school nursery with the students and Reserve
staff.
•
Medicinal Plant Garden Development: A medicinal plant garden will be
developed in Tsuruku to be used as an example of the different medicinal and
other plant uses of the Shuar people. One of the local Shuar medicinal plant
experts will be guiding volunteers in the development of the garden. Volunteers
will be involved in seed collection and planting, maintenance, posting signage and
designing the garden.
•
Teaching English in the Local Schools: Volunteers will have the opportunity to
assist the high school English teacher with his instruction. Virtually no one in the
Tsuruku area speaks or understands English. Volunteers who can speak English
will be a great asset to the students wishing to learn English in the reserve.
•
Trail Development Inside the Reserve: Volunteers will be involved in
constructing a nature trail in the community of Tsuruku. The local high school
ecotourism class started a small nature trail behind the school on the side of a small
mountain. Volunteers will use this beginning to extend and improve upon the
trail. They will be required to cut trails, do trail maintenance and mark and add
signage. It is likely other trails will need to be established in the Reserve as well.
•
Visits to Other Shuar Communities: There are several Shuar communities located
within an hour or two walking distance from Tsuruku. The communities residing
away from the main road live a much more traditional life, many still adhering to
the culture and traditions of the past. Volunteers will be able to visit some of these
communities and learn about the Shuar culture.
•
Agroforestry: Agroforestry is another project activity of the reserve that volunteers
will be involved in.
•
Vegetable Garden: A vegetable garden will be planted and maintained by
volunteers near the reserve lodge for the cooking needs of the Reserve.
•
Lodge Construction: A second site will be located somewhere inside the Reserve
for a local style lodge and volunteers may be involved in its construction.
•
Forest Walks : The Tsuruku staff will lead volunteers on weekly hikes in the
Amazon forest to learn about the different plants, animals and attractions of the
area such as beautiful waterfalls and spectacular jungle views.
•
Lodge Maintenance: Volunteers will be required to do general maintenance on the
lodge and its surroundings, which may include construction, cleaning, etc.
•
Local Clinic: Volunteers assist doctors and the local nurse in patient preparation
and outreach programs.
•
Visits to the Baños Region, Mountain Biking on Weekends
Banos, one of Ecuador’s premier tourist destinations, is approximately 3-4 hours from
Tsuruku by bus. Volunteers may choose to travel on their own to Banos over the
weekend. White water rafting, mountain biking, hiking and many other activities are
available in Baños.
EXPECTATIONS
These have been written in order to better prepare you as a volunteer, not only for the
work that you will be involved in but also for the environment you will be living in:
We understand that each individual situation will vary somewhat, so we cannot
guarantee that everything will be the same as described for every individual, although
this is a good general outline of what you should expect when volunteering in
Ecuador.
It is important to emphasise that you are dealing with another culture when you are
volunteering internationally. The way you would approach a particular situation in
your own country is not necessarily the appropriate way to handle it in Ecuador.
Your time and commitment to the programme is valued, but please remember that you
are a guest of the country and will no doubt be viewed as a representative of your
homeland.
If you have any queries you would like to discuss about the information provided here,
please direct them to your volunteer coordinator.
CONTACT INFORMATION
POSTAL ADDRESS:
Fundación Jatun Sacha
Eugenio de Santillán N34 248 y Maurian
Casilla 17 12 867, Quito-Ecuador,
Sudamérica
TEL:
(593 2) 243 2240 (Quito Office)
EMAIL:
[email protected]
CONTACT NAME:
Daniela Cruz, Volunteer Coordinator
CONDITIONS FOR VOLUNTEER/INTERNS
A)
Financing: Volunteers must pay their own expenses, including airfare to Ecuador
and living costs while in the country.
B)
Costs for Volunteering:
- Application fee: There exists a USD $40 application fee to apply for the Jatun Sacha
Foundation Volunteer Program in Continental Station. Volunteers pay only once (per
year) the application fee.
-Volunteer fee: For any continental station, the monthly cost is USD $415, the cost
depends on the number of weeks. The Fees include: Coordination of the volunteers in
Quito and at the reserves, 3 meals a day, plus lodging in cabins that are shared with
other volunteers and researchers.
C) Payment
Fees must be paid before entering or while the orientation meeting. Volunteer fees
must be paid in advance and are non-refundable. Volunteers may pay the volunteer
fees with travel checks (only with $100 dollar denominations or less), in cash or via
bank transfer.
D)
Duration of Volunteer Work:
The minimum time limit for volunteers /internships is two weeks. Volunteers will
need a visa if staying in Ecuador more than 90 days).
E)
Health Insurance:
Volunteers must have their own international health insurance and need to sign a
waiver to release Jatun Sacha from responsibility from any illness or injury incurred in
Ecuador. There exists a small risk of malaria at our biological stations located in the
Manabí and Esmeraldas provinces on the Ecuadorian coast (specifically at the
following reserves: Lalo Loor, Bilsa, and Congal). Therefore volunteers must supply
their own malaria prophylaxis while volunteering at either of these four sites.
F) Work Schedules:
Volunteers are expected to work 8 hours a day, 22 days per month, therefore having 8
vacation days per month to be used upon approval of the project coordinator.
G) Educational Requirements:
University study is not a prerequisite to be accepted into the Program. Prospective
volunteers should have interest in conservation and related human issues.
H) Extra costs:
While at the reserves, volunteers need approximately $30 USD per week for additional
costs (beverages, community visits, postcards, etc). However, please take along small
bills to the reserves ($5 USD denominations or less).
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
The Application Procedure consists in sending to us:
1) Application letter indicating: experience in conservation activities, future interests,
reasons for applying, preferred station and participation dates (participation dates are
needed to guarantee space availability).
2) Doctor’s note stating you are fit to participate in all activities required of you OR
Proof of international travel Insurance.
3) 2 passport size photographs
4) If you have an original project include the work plan (2-5 pages)
5) US$ 40 for application fee (write check in USD currency to Fundación Jatun Sacha)
PLEASE DO NOT SEND MONEY ORDERS.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND THE APPLICATION VIA E-MAIL.
PREPERING YOUR TRIP
PASSPORT / VISA REQUIREMENTS
Please note that you need a full valid passport. Some countries do not require a visa for
Ecuador, please confirm this with the embassy. Upon entry you will be issued with a 3
month permit (at no cost). Visit extensions of a further 90 days can be obtained through
the local immigration authorities. Make sure the correct date and length of stay in the
country is entered onto your visa when at immigration. Longer-term visitors need to
obtain a volunteer visa. We can help you sending you all the documents you required
for paperwork.
ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE INFORMATION
You will need to fly to Quito international airport, and make your way to a hotel. Taxis
from the airport to the centre of Quito cost approximately US$5. After arrival you will
have to attend an introduction meeting at the Jatun Sacha Foundation main offices in
Quito (see the contact details above).
Introductory meetings are at 3pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. During
these meetings you will receive all the information you need to volunteer in the project.
If you need to change this time, please contact Daniela Cruz by email or phone (details
above) to change the appointment time. You will need to bring two passport photos to
this meeting.
The entrance days to Tsuraku Biological Station are from Monday to Thursday. Please
note that you will be responsible for your own travel costs to the individual project
site. In the offices you will receive all the information you need for the next stages.
DIRECTIONS TO THE OFFICE
Take a taxi (about US$2 from the popular Amazonas tourist area) to the intersection of
Av. Republica and Av. 10 de Agosto. At this point head one block west (toward the
Pichincha volcano) and the first street on your left is called Teresa de Cepeda (around
the park of the Universidad Tecnologica Equinoccial). From this point, (Av. Republica
and Teresa de Cepeda), go one block up hill (north) on Teresa de Cepeda and take the
first left onto the street named Maurian. This street (Maurian) runs into Santillan, at
which point you need to take another left on Santillan. Travel 1/2 block and you will
find the office.
FINANCE
The Ecuadorian currency is the US Dollar. In general we recommend that you take
travellers cheques or worldwide recognised credit cards instead of cash as your main
source of money. Please be aware that you may have a maximum limit on cash
withdrawal for your bank card in a single day, so it is advisable to come with most of
the cash you’ll need right away to avoid complications or delays in getting the cash
you need.
Ecuador is a cheap country in which to live. A normal person’s daily expenses
(excluding room, laundry and board) range between US $10 to US$15. Urban public
transport is US$0.25 one-way regardless of distance. There are many interesting points
to visit on your own, within the country, especially volcanoes and the jungle.
MEDICAL INFORMATION
High altitude, e.g. in Quito (2800 metres) can affect some people's health. You should
check with your doctor if you have any doubts before you travel. If visiting Quito you
are advised to take it easy for the first couple of days.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Field Base safety
All members will be informed of the risks, health and safety procedures for the field
base on arrival. It is imperative that everyone both understands and respects them.
Volunteer safety
Look after your passport and take a separate photocopy with you. Do not wear jewelry
or walk around areas outside with valuable items on display e.g. cameras. Do not carry
large amounts of cash. In the unlikely event that you are targeted for your belongings,
hand them over without resistance.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT LIST
1. Clothing & Footwear
•
Well fitting rubber boots (knee high) are indispensable! Best to buy them here in
Ecuador, brand name Venus, without the white lining ($5,00 a $6,00). However you
can only buy up till size 44 here!
•
Shoes to walk and/or play sports in.
•
Sandals.
•
Fast drying clothes are recommended, however any old shirts and trousers /pants
will be good to work in. Just make sure you bring some extra clothes.
-
At least 2 pairs of trousers to work in and 1 pair for the evenings.
-
Shorts.
-
Many t-shirts (short and long sleeved) and many pairs of socks (short and long).
-
A fleece or anything else that’s warm for the evenings
•
Swimming costume.
•
Poncho or rain jacket.
2. Toiletries & Medication.
•
BIODEGRADABLE soap & shampoo, tooth brush, tooth paste, etc.
•
First aid kit: bandaids, gauses, bandages, iodine, antiseptic cream, ibuprofen or
paracetamol, antibioticos against skin infections, anti-hystemine tablets.
•
Sun screen.
•
Repelent.
•
Tampons (if necessary).
3. Other necessary items.
•
Sleeping bag
•
Mosquito bed net
•
Towels.
•
Soap for washing clothes.
•
Sunhat or cap.
•
Working gloves.
•
Torch/flash light with enough spare batteries (batteries can be charged in Bilsa!).
•
Small backpack for hikes and work.
•
Water bottle
•
Ziplock bags.
•
Diary, writing pad, pencils & pens, etc.
•
Enough money for traveling expenses, mules, community visits, a beer or coke etc.,
(about $150 for a month, please bring many small $5 and $ 1 notes!).
4. Recommended items, but not necessary
•
Binoculars (preferably waterproof).
•
Camara (batteries can be charged in Bilsa!).
•
Books.
•
Playing cards.
•
Pocket knife.
•
Chocolate and/or energy bars, biscuits, sweets, etc.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Go to Terminal Terrestre in Quito adnd buy a bus ticket that goes to Puyo. Buses leave
throughout the morning and afternoon to Puyo on the bus lines Cooperacion San
Francisco or Centinela del Oriente. It is best to take the 8:30 am bus to Puyo.
The duration of the trip from Quito to Puyo is about 6 hours. Once you get to Puyo, take
another bus that goes to Macas, but remember that you are not going all the way to
Macas. You need to board the bus and pay the mate when he collects the fare from the
passengers, tell the bus driver or mate that you are going to the community of Pitirishka.
The reserve house is located next to a Subcentro de Salud (clinic) From Puyo, the trip is
about one hour and a half. You need to remind the mate or bus driver to stop at
Pitirishka or Km 51. Once you are in the community, you can ask anyone where the
Foundation Jatun Sacha casa is.