International program of support for

International program of support for

communitary leaders - Ecotrackers

The work

The goal of your work will be in a sustainable way to develop the border zone of Morona economically and with education. Part of the work is in the village San José, and another part is helping in the constructing an ecological, binational village on the bank of the Rio Morona, exactly on the border between Ecuador and Peru to improve possibilities for tourism and binational integration on the river.

There is the possibility to teach English in the secondary school of San José (they lack english teachers who actually speak english). Medical volunteers can be doing an evaluation on the health situation in the border zone of the river Morona on both sides, and the possibility of a binational service of the Ecuadorian hospital boat on the river. And possibly some educational activities. Furthermore there is the possibility of helping with reforestation along the river, to prevent furher damage to the banks caused by the lack of great trees to maintain firm ground. Also there is an unfinished program of reforestation made by two previous volunteers, to lower the temperature in San José, and make the village park a little nicer.

Another part of the work (most of the weekends) will take place in the jungle, on the banks of the river, where we are constructing the first house of binational, ecological village, which will house future volunteers; and in the future contain restaurant, tourist office, a shop and internet. These facilities will serve future volunteers in their work in both countries, and furthermore open up for ecotourism on the Rio Morona, which is directly connected to Rio Marañon – Amazonas.

We have received volunteers previously. Basic Spanish will be useful.

General information

Climate: San José and the Rio Morona is approximately 200m above sea level,

so it is very hot and humid. The average temperature of San José is 35 degrees Celsius. There is a lot of sun, but it is somewhat more gentle than for example in Quito. You won´t need sleeping bag, nor carpets to sleep.

Lodging: In San José you will sleep in the house of Orlando Montufar, in comfortable beds with mosquitonets, two persons in each room. The house is basic; three dormitories and a small terrace. At the moment we are working on the house, constructing toilet and shower behind the house, but until it is finished you will have to use the shower and toilet of the neighbour or another house with more privacy (and a mirror) about 100m up the road. There is a desk and a chair in each room. When working in the jungle you will be sleeping on planks in our construction camp. There will be mosquitonets.

Food: You will eat each day in the neighbouring comedor. This means rice with something for breakfast, lunch and supper; so if you want more variation bring it. There is a bakery approximately 110m away. When working in the jungle we will cook on fire and boil water from the river, so eating times may vary and the food may not be five starred.

Electricity: There is power in the house in San José. There is a generator in the village, which is turned on from 05.00 to 13.00 and from 15.00 to 22.00.

Telephone/internet: There is no internet access, no mobile coverage. The telephone of the village is open from 08.00 to 14.00 and again in the evening 19.30 to 21.00. This phone has a lot of noise, especially on long distances (fx Quito) and you can´t depend to much on it. It is also very expensive.

Shopping: You can buy most necessities in San josé: Cigarettes, soap, milk, shampoo, sun hats (for Ecuadorian sized heads), sandals (for Ecuadorian sized feet), whatever medications, ice cream, beer and refreshments. You can even buy dvd´s (a wide range from Jackie Chan to Jean-Claude Van Damme)

Busses: The ride from San José to Macas or the other way takes approximately 14 hours on a very bumpy road. The busses depart from San José each day at 14.30 from outside the neighbour house where you will also be eating. From the bus terminal in Macas they depart at 19.30. You will need your passport. Because of construction work in you will need to change busses and pay separately in each bus. From Macas to Santiago $5.50; from Santiago to San José $3.

What to bring:

• Candles (for when there is no light and the time in the jungle)
• Rubber boots
• Bed sheets
• Toilet paper
• Camping mattress (or whatever you need to sleep comfortably on planks in the temporary lodging of our construction camp)
• Insect repellent (a lot)
• Something relaxing for insect bites (they will get you anyway)
• Malaria pills (if you are not vaccinated)
• Sun hat
• Sun lotion
• Entertainment (books, etc.), as there is very little to do in San José when you are not working.
• A good knife
• Clothes for bathing, towel
• Drinking water (big bottles) as you cannot buy them in San José and you will need a lot of water.
• Money for ice creams, water and beer etc.
• Maybe earplugs, as the nights in San José can be noisy.

Bjarke Frydendal, coordinator of volunteers in San José

Orlando Montufar, Ecotrackers in Morona-Santiago-Ecuador