Agroforestry internships are available in Ecuador working with CRACYP in the subtropical foothills of the Andes. CRACYP (which stands for Rural Reforestation and Progress Network Corporation, in Spanish) is a non profit organisation working in over 200 communities on the borders of the Cotopaxi, Bolivar and Los Rios provinces in Ecuador. Applications are now being accepted for 2013.
CRACYP's aim is "Progreso Verde" or "Green Progress" - conservation of the environment and economic and social development of local communities. We aim to transfer appropriate technology and sustainable alternative agricultural methods, in exchange for community participation in reforestation. This process also increases the production alternatives and resources of the communities involved, improving their quality of life. Many of our projects involve organic cultivation and/or fair trade certification.
Agroforestry interns will lead projects on various aspects of incorporating trees into local agroecosystems. Some potential projects could be: improving a tree nursery to provide a diverse planting stock of trees for various purposes on local farms; leading workshops and convening meetings with local farmers to exchange information related to the multiple benefits of various tree species; and evaluating farms and determining tailored reforestation/agroforestry plans best suited to that place.
This is a great opportunity for those studying forestry, agroforestry, permaculture, or sustainable agriculture who are interested in rural development to gain practical field experience. Interns will gain valuable leadership, project management, communication, and Spanish language skills.
Internships are available for 4 to 12 weeks, any time between now and November.
