RAINFOREST PROTECTION

We all know that the Amazon rainforest has been continuously destroyed by massive deforestation for quite some time and thus deprived of its natural resources. But what are the long-term effects on biodiversity and the way of life of the local indigenous population? These are exciting questions to which answers and, above all, solutions must be found. Our Rainforest Project in the Peruvian region of Madre de Dios has set itself the task of developing and implementing sustainable solutions. Together, the team is passionate about protecting, regenerating and understanding the biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon. Through collaboration with local farmers and research institutions, space is created for education, with the goal in mind of spreading sustainable lifestyles and initiating equitable, regenerative development in the region.

The project has already been able to plant over 25,000 trees in the last decade, representing about 400 species. These now serve as part of the living seed bank for the reforestation center. The work has also brought an area of about 60 hectares of rainforest back to life. The knowledge gained at the reforestation center is being collected in a research project and shared with local farmers and agriculturists. Since 2006, the research program has been working continuously to expand knowledge about economically productive and viable restoration strategies.

In doing so, the research also supports the development of methods for sustainable harvesting of non-timber forest products from wild and cultivated plants. In 2019, the project began linking restoration activities with the production of non-timber forest products to provide new livelihoods for local communities. For example, an organic startup in the region is engaged in the production of essential oils, which are distilled from trees planted specifically for this purpose. There is also a big focus on providing seedlings to farmers, connecting them to local and international markets, and helping to build regenerative supply chains.

The Amazon is the lungs of our earth and is home to over 30% of all plant species known to date. In Peru alone, the Amazon covers about 60% of the country’s total land area, an area as large as Turkey. In order to protect this diversity in the long term, our Rainforest Reserve and its team of over 20 full-time employees, volunteers and interns need your active support. We are looking forward to you!

Your tasks in the Rainforest Reserve are varied and change depending on the season and day of the week. Basically, you can get involved in helping with agricultural activities and help reforest and protect the rainforest. You can get your hands dirty as you prepare soil for seed germination beds and seedling pots, and then later help plant tree seedlings in their final location on the farm. You will also be involved in the cocoa harvest and all the processing that goes with it. In addition to cacao, there are many other agricultural fruits and vegetables to harvest. In addition, during your time on the project you will learn from experienced Amazon agroforestry managers to understand, protect and regenerate the biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon. You’ll help with research projects by taking charge of registering reforested trees using an app. Furthermore, you will assist in the enforcement of indigenous rights and learn valuable things about the autonomy and wisdom of indigenous peoples. In addition, you’ll wholeheartedly help spread the word about sustainable living and teach it to guests at the Rainforest Reserve. If you enjoy photography, you are welcome to take over the documentation of plants, flowers and fruits. In the long run, you will make an important contribution to the spreading of a fair and regenerative way of life. You ensure the continuity of this unique ecosystem.

Tambopata National Reserve

The reserve is one of the most important, but also most vulnerable, protected areas in the Madre de Dios region and is located in close proximity to the regional capital of Puerto Maldonado and the border with Brazil and Bolivia. Tambopata is also home to several indigenous communities. The Amazon represents life with all its colorful, sonorous and vibrant riches. There are thousands of species of plants and animals here. It is the perfect region to discover the pristine jungle. Due to its low profile, this region offers the opportunity to marvel at Peru’s large intact rainforest areas – a rarity – without encountering many tourists. The diversity of flora and fauna in the national reserve is breathtaking and the park is especially easy to visit by boat.

Puerto Maldonado

The small town in southeastern Peru has just under 80,000 inhabitants and is located on the Transocéanica road, which since 2011 connects the Pacific Ocean in Peru with the Atlantic Ocean in Brazil. The city, which was named after the explorer Faustino Maldonado, is also often referred to as the gateway to the rainforest. From there you have the perfect starting point for excursions into the wilderness. But also the city itself has some beautiful places to offer. For example, check out the Plaza de Armas – the main square in the city center. The geometrically designed square with mango trees and palm trees invites you to linger and you can admire the architecture of the Japanese community. In addition, Puerto Maldonado is also home to the Puente Billinghurst. A bridge that crosses the Rio Madre de Dios and with a length of 723 meters is the longest bridge in Peru. From there you have an enchanting view of the river and the surrounding landscape.

For your work in this project you do not need any special requirements or experience. It is only important that you have a desire to learn and are open to a special culture, people from all over the world and a new way of life. You should be motivated, work well in a team and be willing to share your living space with other people for a certain period of time. You should also be in reasonably good physical condition. In return, you can expect a unique community, a life in breathtaking nature and, above all, a lot of fun at work. Likewise, you will live in the midst of nature, accordingly, the facility, which is far from civilization, has only simple standards. There is a compost toilet, this should not be a problem for you. A real adventure!

The national language in Peru is Spanish. You do not necessarily need to know Spanish to participate in the program. It is only required that you can speak English or Spanish to communicate with the other volunteers from all over the world and the leaders of the project. If you don’t have any knowledge yet, we recommend you to attend a language course at the beginning of the trip, which we will gladly organize for you. Especially at dinner, the staff will mostly talk in Spanish and it will definitely enhance your experience if you feel comfortable and can communicate here. Your language skills will also improve playfully on site.

You will live in simple accommodation directly on the project site. You will share your room with one other person. The program price also includes three meals per day. There is even the possibility to have vegetarian and vegan meals. The accommodations are solar powered and have a shared dry compost toilet. There is a well with fresh drinking water. Nearby is also the stunning Tambopata River, where you can go swimming during the day.

The boat cab takes you from Puerto Maldonado directly to the remote farm in the rainforest. The departure time is every Sunday morning at 06:30. The trip takes about 9 hours. The return trip from the farm to Puerto Maldonado takes place every Thursday.

You will take a cab from Puerto Maldonado to a small village called Filadelfia. From there you will be picked up by a small boat, which will take you to the farm in about an hour. The total travel time is about 2 hours. This option is included in the program price.

You will be taken by cab within thirty minutes to the starting point of a hiking trail in the jungle. From there, a member of the project team will take you to the farm during a three-hour hike. This option is not always available!

Prices:

Shared room:

• 1st month in start package: 1.180,00 €
• Extension month: 540,00 €
• As 2nd or 3rd program: 930,00 €

Benefits:

You can find out more about our services here.