Ecuador: Fundación Despierta – Andes Region

About the local hosting organization

Fundación Despierta is committed to building a sustainable and harmonious relationship between Andean communities and their natural world. Located in Toacaso, Cotopaxi, our project focuses on protecting the páramo; a vital high-altitude ecosystem critical for Ecuador’s water, biodiversity, and climate resilience. We achieve this through integrated environmental conservation, participatory education, and community-led development. In close partnership with Kichwa communities, we drive the restoration of native ecosystems and cultivate local ownership of nature. Volunteers join our dedicated team to: Monitor Wildlife: Conduct flora and fauna surveys and document biodiversity. Educate & Engage: Lead environmental education in schools and manage community social media. Participate in Restoration: Contribute to “mingas” for collective space revitalization. Share Knowledge: Facilitate workshops and reflection circles on nature and community practices.

Presentation of the programme

Volunteers will work on the following activities depending on the day: Participating in daily nature walks to identify and document local species. Assisting with environmental education in local schools. Designing communication materials with community youth. Supporting restoration and conservation tasks with the Despierta team and community. Facilitating workshops and word circles on ecological knowledge and sustainability. Promoting traditional knowledge, sustainable agriculture, and eco-tourism.

About the accomodation

Volunteers will stay at a shared house in Toacaso managed by the project. They have all the facilities needed and meals are prepared with the community or in the shared kitchen. The home is safe and located within walking distance of the project sites.

About the location

Toacaso – Cotopaxi

Requirements

They welcome volunteers who are passionate about the environment and committed to community-led conservation, that are creative and proactive with a positive attitude and in good physical condition to engage in different community processes and open spaces. They value someone who is comfortable with teamwork and cultural exchange while basic Spanish proficiency is recommended. Also, they highly value knowledge in ecology, biology, botany, agroecology or similar.