Deforestation and erosion paired with water shortage due to climate change lead to devastating effects for the environment and the income of the rural population of the Bolivian Andes. Lower income is been compensated at the cost of the already fragile ecosystem and the sustainable use of the land gets out of balance. To restore that balance, this project started a partnership with a whole community of 100 families near the city of Cochabamba to establish agroforests and guarantee long time benefits for them and the environment as well. With the support of local and international initiatives sustainable agricultural systems get introduced to the farmers. The project is supporting them with know-how, technical assistance in reforestation, water retention, soil restoration and community based maintenance. Furthermore, it aims to develop new sources of income like rural tourism and regenerative entrepreneurialism. To support the families in the future, the project is also seeking for volunteers specialized in fields like water reservoir and irrigation systems. But also volunteers simply interested in environmental topics, that are not afraid to get their hands dirty while helping out with reforestation and construction are welcome here any time. When you want to be involved with an environmental conscious and motivated community, life among them and work hand in hand with farmers and external experts, this is the right place.
Duration: minimum of 2 months
Useful skills: background in sustainable agriculture especially in reforestation, agro forestation and flower industry, knowledge of irrigation systems, water reservoirs and water retention, soil restoration and erosion prevention. Not sure if you have the right skills? Don’t worry – talk to us!
Location: the village is located in the west of Cochabamba about 45 minutes from the city center, accommodation in a community house with basic facilities and camping is possible
Possible tasks: depending on your expertise and background you support the design and implement an agroforestry based restoration project, design and help to build natural water systems, educate about and implement permaculture systems
On site: Airport pick-up, basic accommodation in the community , borrowed cellphone and SIM-card, 24/7 contact to volunteer-coordinator, emergency support, purified water, hospitals and western doctors, supermarkets, Wi-Fi and good mobile signal in the nearby city of Cochabamba.
