Ethnobotany Internship in the Peruvian Amazon

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We are seeking an intern to lead an investigation of traditional healing practices and herbal medicine of the Amazonian region of Peru.

The intern will work with traditional healers and specialists to gain an understanding of the role of traditional healing practices, including primary plant species and their uses.

This internship provides the opportunity to gain an understanding of traditional phytotherapy practices while helping to preserve the local knowledge of indigenous peoples. This work also seeks to highlight the importance of conserving the natural resources of the area by adding value to indigenous flora and fauna.

Project Objectives

• Identify primary medicinal plants of the upper and lower amazon region and understand their importance in traditional medicine

• Establish working relationships with alternative healthcare providers and specialists

• Obtain a holistic understanding of local shamanic healing traditions

Internship Duties

• Utilize varied primary and secondary sources to research important medicinal species and their uses

• Conduct interviews and other data collection activities with traditional healers and healing centers (may involve travel to other towns in the region)

• Catalog findings, including plants, their ecological and medicinal properties, natural habitat, cultivation, preparation, use, and cultural significance

• Maintain and improve our medicinal plant database for organization and analysis of data

• Work with our field team in the nursery and medicinal gardens

Qualifications

This internship is designed for undergraduate or graduate students majoring in the areas of Public Health, International Development, Social Work, International relations, Botany, Ecology, or other related fields. An intermediate level of Spanish, equivalent to four semesters of college level Spanish is required. Research experience is a plus and previous college-level coursework in Public Health is preferred.

Dates are flexible throughout the year.

8 weeks room and program fees...........$1600

10 weeks room and program fees............$2000

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

*Program fees include living accommodations. Travel expenses and food are not included.

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

1. A simple resume

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

3. Two references (email addresses are OK)

If you are interested in working with us or have any questions about the internship program please send an email directly to volunteer@runa.org