Become a partner in positive change on this motivating and engaging volunteer programme situated in the south-eastern Peruvian Rainforests directly contributing to local communities, the environment and long-term conservation of the Amazon. The program combines training, challenging work and a great adventure making it a brilliantly unique and rewarding way to visit and actively understand more about the rainforest, its people and its conservation needs.

The volunteer project operates from the Manu Learning Centre (MLC) situated in the larger Manu Biosphere Reserve consisting of 640 hectares of seemingly endless rich and diverse rainforest stretching across Brazil to the Atlantic Ocean. The project area has been recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is the largest protected area in Peru boasting abundant wildlife and a high species biodiversity.

One of the main reasons the area was selected for study was that within a reasonably small area there is land that has been impacted by agriculture and human activity in the past. This is why there are such a variety of forest types within the private reserve (forests in different stages of re-growth as well as in different ecosystems). It is through comparative studies between the old and new forest that conservationists aim to learn more about the effect of human activity on biodiversity as well as the ability of forests to regenerate.

Accommodation

A real immersion into remoteness and the Amazon, it is a 45 minute drive from the nearest village! The design of the facility complements its surroundings by fusing traditional thatched with modern design and natural resource management. The environment is relaxing, with nice weather, good views, excellent accommodation and very pleasant company. Entertainment is very much home-made and there is a real

community spirit among the volunteers whilst still allowing for ‘personal space’. Volunteers are well cared for whilst still having the excitement of being in the jungle. All the staff are enthusiastic, helpful and caring.

Programme outline

Your volunteer experience starts in the ancient Inca capital city of Cusco with a day of orientation, preparation and sightseeing.

Thereafter you journey through the Andes mountains from Cusco to the cloud forest on the edge of the Amazon stopping over at small towns before descending into the rainforest. The final part of the journey to the centre is by motorized canoe down the Madre de Dios River. This route is one of the most diverse and incredible journeys in the world- a truly spectacular way to begin your stay! It takes about 10 hours to get to the project site.

Your first 9 days of the programme spent in training prepares you for the projects. You will be introduced to the history, culture and people of Manu and provided with hands-on training to become an active contributor as soon as possible. It is important to understand the why of the projects and the how you contribute so that both the local community and you the volunteers benefit from the placement.

Your involvement will depend on the nature of ongoing project taking place during your stay. However, project work covers three main areas, namely, Conservation Research, Sustainable Initiatives, and Capacity Building.

The degree to which you'll run or assist on projects will largely depend upon your abilities. This is not however a cause for concern: help does not by any means end with the training. You will receive guidance and encouragement from professional project coordinators throughout conducting your own work. All we ask you have beforehand therefore is a sense of adventure, determination, good humour, willingness to participate and above all a drive to learn new things... naturally if you have previous experience in environmental monitoring, construction, scientific research or speaking Spanish then all the better! The rest will follow. Our projects give you the chance to acquire a wide range of new skills, so the longer you participate on the project the more skills you'll have the chance to develop.