Planet Drum Foundation was founded in 1973 by Peter
Berg, to provide an effective grassroots approach to ecology that
emphasizes sustainability, community self-determination and regional
self-reliance. In association with community activists and
ecologists, Planet Drum developed the concept of a bioregion: a distinct
area with coherent and interconnected plant and animal communities, and
natural systems, often defined by a watershed. A bioregion is a
whole “life-place” with unique requirements for human inhabitation so
that it will not be disturbed and injured. Through its projects,
publications, speakers, and workshops, Planet Drum helps start new
bioregional groups and encourages local organizations and individuals to
find ways to live within the natural confines of bioregions. We believe
that people who know and care about the places where they live will work
to maintain and restore them.
The Project in Bahia de Caraquez, Ecuador:
After El Nino rains and a 7.2 earthquake destroyed a
large part of the Ecuadorian coastal city of Bahia de Caraquez in 1998,
the city committed itself through law to become ecological and
sustainable. Planet Drum's contribution to their efforts has been through
education about sustainability and the reforestation of hillsides with
native plants in order to halt erosion that was threatening to destroy the
Chone River estuary that supplies food and income for a large number of
citizens as well as habitat for local wildlife. Since Planet Drum
Foundation helped create community awareness of issues in Bahia at a
celebration announcing the Ecological City Declaration in January 1999, we
have established a field office and carried out a major bioregional
project to re-vegetate a city barrio as well as surrounding hillsides with
native trees for erosion control against future mudslides and to create an
urban "wild corridor."
We have continued our education initiatives by
hosting a Bioregional Education Program for school kids in the area where
twice a week they meet for classes and fieldtrips in order to learn about
the local environment and how to live sustainably within it.
The work:
Volunteers are expected to help out in our
greenhouse, water trees at our reforestation sites and participate in
community activities, which often include working with the school children
involved in our Bioregional Education Program.
Greenhouse duties include: planting seeds,
transplanting seedlings, mixing soil, watering, maintaining on-site
compost facility, and collaboration with university students and faculty.
Tasks associated with re-vegetation sites include:
fencing, clearing trails, watering, planting (i.e. you need to be able to
swing a machete and dig a hole!). This work frequently entails
carrying heavy loads (4 to 8 gallons of water) over steep, overgrown
hillsides in order to water saplings we've planted. We are looking for
motivated individuals who are dedicated to the environment and are not
afraid of hard work in a tropical climate. Volunteers generally spend most
of their time working in the field.
Volunteers who are interested in longer stays (2 to 3
months) are encouraged to begin their own personal project related to the
work we are doing here (greenhouse, environmental education, community
outreach, etc).
Qualifications:
A background in environmental education and
activities, Spanish language speaking ability, and cooperative living
experience are desirable. However, willing hands and a desire to help
restore our damaged biosphere are most important.
Commitment:
At least one month, preferably two to three months,
of twenty-hours of work a week (Mon-Fri 8am-12pm). Afternoons and weekends
are free for volunteers to hang out on the hammock, relax on the beach,
surf in nearby Canoa, swim in the Pacific, visit nearby organic shrimp and
plant farms, canoe through the mangrove forests or whatever else interests
you.
Cost:
Volunteers are responsible for paying for their own
travel expenses, including bus rides to and from planting sites and the
green house (minimal cost, bus rides cost $0.18). Housing is free in
exchange for volunteer services. Our house holds six volunteers and the
field projects manager. Volunteers contribute $15 per month for utilities:
water, electricity and gas, as well as between $5 and $10 per week for
food for communal dinners, drinking water, toilet paper, etc.
About the house:
The apartment is large with 3 bedrooms (2 communal
for volunteers and one private for the field projects manager), 1 ½
bathrooms (with hot showers), kitchen, and a giant living space with a
couch, computer (with dvd drive and tons of music), hammock, kitchen
table, etc… The apartment is located in the center of Bahia on the
second floor with lots of windows that provide a nice breeze to combat the
warm climate. The river is 2 blocks away and the Ocean about 5 blocks
away. It's right around the corner from the daily produce market and
several bakeries. Food here is good and cheap, with an abundance of
seafood. Set meals in local restaurants are around $1.50 for juice, soup,
and a choice of meat usually served with rice and beans. The town is safe,
clean and very friendly. Beds come with pillow, sheets, and mosquito nets.
There isn't internet or phone in the house, but there are fast internet
cafes nearby for about $1/hour and pay phones with varying costs.
Immunizations:
Potential volunteers should see about getting all
necessary immunizations before arriving—check with the Center for
Disease Control.
Visa Requirements:
Foreigners no longer need a visa to enter and stay in
Ecuador for up to 90 days. Stays for longer than this period will
incur a fine of at least $200 US, unless you seek an extension or acquire
a specific visa. You may also apply for a volunteer visa before you
get here by visiting the nearest Ecuadorian Consul / Embassy. This
grants you a longer time in country but must be applied for from outside
Ecuador, and it also incurs a cost.
What to Bring:
