Amazon Cloud Forest Sustainability in Peru Internship

This internship program is suitable for people looking for a real experience with local communities and environmental problems due to human impact. This expedition covers wide topics such as riparian forest restoration, organic cultivation, water treatment and water quality. The program is ideal for students in biology, ecology, environmental science or related fields. Students of sustainable development, Latin American studies, or international relations will find this program relevant to their degree as well. Anyone looking to improve their Spanish language skills will have the opportunity through this project as well. The program is structured like an internship, so it is a great resume builder!

There is also the potential for students to do research or gather data on their own projects in related fields for a thesis or final year project. There is also potential for interestedvolunteers to design and implement long term projects, which they would manage with the center's approval and support. Please contact us as early as possible with proposals.

The intern is expected to arrive with a positive attitude and a desire to work, learn and have a little fun! Must be physically fit and accustomed to the camping lifestyle.

Our projects include:

Project 1. The farm and compost area:

- Work with native fruits and vegetables in our organic chacra. Learn how to produce compost and apply organic fertilizer and maintain the crops to ensure a successful harvest.

Project 2. The Huerta, Compost tea, Greenhouse:

- Work in our organic garden, maintaining the vegetables and herbs. Learn how to produce and maintain a compost tea system that can sustain the land's fertilization needs as well as minimize trash generation. Work in the greenhouse, preparing the seeds for transplantation in the garden, as well as selecting new seeds for cultivation.

Project 3. Water Collection and Irrigation Design:

- Work on designing and constructing a waste water system, filtering the grey water from the showers into wetlands on the property to avoid contamination. Work on improving the irrigation of the garden, creating systems to maximize efficient water use.

Project 4. Trail Maintenance, education and environmental interpretation:

- Work on maintaining the trails on the property, planning and constructing new ones. Design signs and label important flora and fauna that can be seen from the trail.

Project 5. Monitoring using various bio-indicators:

- Learn from the experts how to collect data and monitor water quality and forest quality using bio-indicators like macroinvertebrates, insects, lichens and plants.

Project 6. Exotic and invasive species management:

- Work to control and eradicate invasive plant species in the rainforest, such as invasive bamboo. Learn different techniques to control and manage invasive species.

Project 7. In vitro native plant culture:

- Work on the implementation of an in vitro laboratory for native trees, orchids and other species of interest. Learn how to build a lab and learn how to propagate plants in in vitro conditions.

Project 8. Reforestation project:

- Assist in the preparation of tree seedlings for reforestation of riparian areas. Participate in reforestation of native trees on the property, such as the ulcumano - Podocarpus spp. This may include working on orchid and other epiphytes rescue.

Project 9. Sustainable Energy:

- Design and/or construct sustainable energy systems including biogas system, a composting hot shower, small scale hydroelectric and solar panels in the future.

and other possible projects..

Cost of the monthly internship program is $ 2470. Taxes and wire fee not included.

• Housing
• Food
• Medical services
• Excursions
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Registration fees
• Written materials abroad
• Orientation with visa paperwork

• Week end day excursions, such as bike rides, hikes in the national park, swimming, tree climbing, trips to waterfalls, etc. We include a basic medical assistance. However visitors should have an international health/accidents insurance.

• We include a four-day homestay with a local or an indigenous family. You will be able to live with them, work with them and shared their culture.

Not included: - souvenirs - health and accidents insurance - longer tours or trips - unscheduled social activities (drinks, club entrances, etc)

Longer trips arranged before or after the project. This would not be included in the month stay, before or after, nor in the price. Some of the places are: Cuzco and Machu Picchu, Colca- canyon, Huaraz, Caral ruins, Paracas and nazca lines, etc. We can arrange groups at a special rate.

In order to apply, please write to us to our emails:ftrama@centroneotropical.org, infocds.peru@gmail.com and kumar.anja@gmail.com and we will send you the application forms.

The dates for 2016 programs are: March 1-26;May 2-27; June 6-30; July 4-29; Aug 1-26; Oct 3-28.