Forest Conservation & Sustainable Agriculture in the Ecuadorian Amazon

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Forest Conservation & Sustainable Agriculture interns collaborate with Aliados staff on activities related to combine smallholder farming with forest management to strengthen socio-ecological resilience. Work areas include developing model agroforestry plots with communities, introducing new crops into traditional farming systems as a way to diversify revenues, forest restoration using mixed species intercropped with short term cash crops, and reforestation on degraded areas to increase biodiversity and wildlife habitat.

Interns learn about the benefits of agroforestry systems and sustainable production practices to gain an understanding of the importance of these systems in the face of climate change. Participants also investigate the feasibility of producing new products in Amazonian agroforestry systems and how small holder farmers can obtain added value certifications such as Fair Trade and Organic.

Intern activities and responsibilities may include:

Ecological monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and data collection and analysis, community nursery and plant management, working in agroforestry plots with farmers, agroforestry research in partnership with IKIAM university, assist with workshops and trainings in communities, study the social and biodiversity benefits of agroforestry systems, and research case studies of native crop production and the potential for new markets for these products, support in implementing reforestation proposals and management plan activities for sustainable forest management.


Interns have the opportunity to develop key soft skills:

• Working in a cross-cultural team
• Communication
• Adaptability
• Critical thinking with an integrated understanding of the "whole ecosystem"
• Problem solving & leadership
• Learning how to deal with and manage uncertainty

Qualifications

This internship is geared towards undergraduate and graduate students majoring in environmental science, policy, business, agriculture, or a related field. Proficiency in English or Spanish is required. Experience in Latin America and/or working in a rural setting is a plus.

Please send the following directly to our Program Manager, at volunteer@losaliados.org

1. A simple resume

2. Letter of intent (including which project you are applying for and why you want to intern)

Dates are flexible throughout the year.

Costs:

8 weeks room and program fees..............$1800

10 weeks room and program fees............$2200

Additional weeks...........................................$200/week

*Program fees include living accommodations. Food and travel expenses are not included