Reforesation in the Amazon
Description
REFORESTATION IN THE AMAZON
The Protected Forest Sanctuary is a beacon of hope for endangered wildlife in the Amazon, operating one of the most successful breeding and rehabilitation programs in Latin America.
Reforesation in the Amazon. Focused on animals displaced by deforestation and the illegal wildlife trade, the sanctuary provides a safe, thriving environment for rescued species that have been liberated from the devastating multi-billion-dollar black market.
Located near Puyo, Ecuador, the sanctuary spans 53 hectares of pristine rainforest. This vital area provides a sanctuary for species that were once at risk due to poaching, habitat destruction, and human encroachment. The sanctuary offers a peaceful refuge where animals can live semi-free, roaming freely within its protected boundaries, away from the threat of poachers and bulldozers.
Since 2010, over 100 hectares of the surrounding area have been reforested, helping to restore critical habitat in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. The high Amazon at 900 meters above sea level is a delicate ecosystem that is rapidly being deforested due to cattle farming and agricultural expansion. The land surrounding Puyo is especially vulnerable, with large tracts of forest lost to agro-industrial activities.
Why Is This Work So Important?
The Amazon rainforest plays a crucial role in global climate regulation, wildlife conservation, and the wellbeing of indigenous communities. By supporting the Protected Forest Sanctuary, you are contributing directly to the survival of endangered species and the restoration of vital rainforest ecosystems. The sanctuary’s combined efforts of reforestation, animal rescue, and wildlife rehabilitation not only protect vulnerable species but also help restore the Amazon’s biodiversity, which is being increasingly threatened by deforestation.
Volunteer and Immerse Yourself in Conservation
We recommend a minimum stay of one week for volunteers to truly immerse themselves in this vital work. Volunteers play an essential role in helping the sanctuary achieve its conservation goals, whether it’s through hands-on animal care, reforestation efforts, or community outreach.
Your experience will also offer a unique opportunity to witness the balance between the needs of local communities and the urgent conservation work required to protect the Amazon. As a volunteer, you’ll be part of an inspiring team working to restore and protect one of the planet’s most valuable ecosystems.
The Protected Forest Sanctuary near Puyo offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to contribute to wildlife conservation in the heart of the Amazon, all while being surrounded by nature’s beauty and the vibrant culture of Ecuador’s Amazonian communities.
🌿 Location: Near Puyo, Ecuador – High Amazon, 900m elevation
🌱 Reforestation Efforts: Over 100 hectares reforested since 2010
🌍 Volunteer Stay: Minimum recommended stay of one week
🌳 What You’ll Experience: Animal rescue, reforestation, hands-on conservation work
Typical Day Volunteering
Volunteers will be working inside the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest helping maintain the sanctuaries environment for animals that live in the property like monkeys, as well as other endangered animals like rare and exotic birds, snakes, alligators, and frogs. Volunteers will be highly active in reforestation efforts, which is important for providing the animals with the native food they need. The surrounding territory in the Amazon has been deforested after generations of logging, cattle ranching, and now the cultivation of sugar cane. The sanctuary also works closely to the local community educating about caring for the environment, and capacitating locals in the fight against oil companies that are interested in their lands.
Volunteer Tasks
- Creating and maintaining ecological pathways for animals to roam freely inside the sanctuary
- Register animal species that are in the sanctuary
- Study native plant species that attract animals to the sanctuary
- Work in the recycled greenhouse, where native plants and trees are being grown to continue reforestationeaching children in local school the
- Teaching children the importance of environmental awareness
*Please take lots of photos of insects to increase the Animal Rescue Centers database research catalogue.
All of our volunteers are also eligible to discounts in our Ecuador Adventure Tours – ask our manager about special deals you can have while you volunteer.
Volunteer Expectations
We welcome volunteers who are passionate about environmental conservation and community engagement. To ensure a positive and impactful experience, we ask that volunteers meet the following expectations:
✅ Passion for the environment – A strong commitment to protecting nature and supporting local communities through conservation efforts.
✅ Positive and open-minded attitude – Embrace new experiences and challenges with a flexible and open approach.
✅ Comfortable with rustic living conditions – Be prepared to live simply and immerse yourself in an authentic, off-the-grid experience in the heart of the Amazon.
✅ Self-sufficient and proactive – Able to manage daily tasks independently while communicating openly with the team and local community.
✅ Cooking your own meals – Volunteers are responsible for preparing their own meals. A fully equipped kitchen is provided, but you must bring your own food.
By adhering to these expectations, you’ll not only contribute meaningfully to conservation efforts but also enjoy a fulfilling and immersive volunteer experience in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. 🌿
Schedule
- Volunteers arrival on Monday morning in Puyo
- Zanja Arajuno directors Medardo and Lucero will meet volunteers in Puyo to bring them to the community
- Work Monday to Friday (weekends are free to travel)
Amenities
- Rustic living space
- Electricity
- Shared accomodation
- Running water
Volunteer Contribution
Your volunteer contribution plays a crucial role in supporting the community and the ongoing conservation efforts of the Protected Forest Sanctuary. It directly funds materials needed for project activities and helps cover the essential costs associated with hosting volunteers.
For volunteers, students, or researchers planning to stay three months or longer, you are considered a long-term volunteer and will only need to pay the collaboration fee for one month.
Costs:
- 1 Week: $290
- 2 Weeks: $430
- 3 Weeks: $550
- 4 Weeks: $650
Volunteer Placement Deposit
A deposit is required to confirm your volunteer placement. The deposit should be paid in advance to EEV. The remaining balance is due upon your arrival in Ecuador.
What’s Included:
- Airport pick-up and welcome in Quito
- Accommodation in Quito for 3 nights before the program begins
- Orientation in Quito to familiarize yourself with the program
- 24/7 emergency contact and support from EEV staff
- Administrative and communication costs related to your volunteer experience
- Work Reference or Volunteer Certificate upon completion of your stay
- Meals during your time volunteering
What’s Not Included:
- Transportation to Puyo (Volunteers are responsible for their own transport to the sanctuary)
- Weekend expenses during your time off, when not volunteering at the center
This contribution ensures a smooth and fulfilling volunteer experience while directly supporting the work being done in one of the most important conservation areas of Ecuador. 🌿
Contact
For any questions or interest in volunteerig, please fill out the contact form with your information!
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