ECOSARA ECO-VOLUNTEERS RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION

ECOSARA depends on a constant stream of volunteers to keep things ticking over. We believe that giving volunteers the opportunity to work with us in the field not only gives them an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience and directly assists in the advancement of our knowledge of the fauna of the region, but also helps spread the word about San Rafael and the threats that it faces - people talk!

ECOSARA is a non-profit initiative but costs are involved in the day-to-day running of the station. For this reason research volunteers are charged a minimal US$800 per calendar month ($30 per day). Volunteers wishing to stay for longer than two months are charged US$750 EUROS for every additional month after the first two. To see where you will be staying click here. This fee is all inclusive, is essential for the continuation of work at the station and plays a direct role in the conservation of the national park. It is spent in the following way:

At ECOSARA we value the input and effort of every single volunteer. We know you are here because you want to make a difference, and our staff are trained to ensure that you do!

RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS

Always wanted to work with animals or plants? Ever watched the nature programmes on TV and wished that you had the chance to see and study those weird and wonderful species in their natural habitats? Or do you just want to do your bit to further our knowledge of the biology of some of the planet´s most little-known species? Then you are a perfect candidate to become an ECOSARA Research Volunteer! Use the menu (left) to see what types of Research Volunteership suits you best.

No scientific or zoological background is necessary to become a Research Volunteer (though it is great if you do have that experience!) and we can accommodate all ages and fitness levels - everybody is welcome. We encourage volunteers to publish their findings under guidance from staff and credit everybody´s input - saving San Rafael is a group effort!

Interested in becoming an ECOSARA Research Volunteer? We accept volunteers throughout the year and are now taking bookings for volunteerships in 2008. Click on the links to the left to find out more about what you will be doing! Or click here to apply.

CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS

If you prefer not to get your hands dirty in the field but would still like to help out then why not become an ECOSARA Conservation Volunteer? Conservation Volunteers are involved in the administrative side of conservation and will work more closely with Pro Cosara on educational and sustainable development projects, fund-raising and publicity. Conservation Volunteers are the front line in the fight to save San Rafael.

No special qualifications or prior experience in conservation is necessary to become a Conservation Volunteer (though it is great if you do have that experience!) and we can accommodate all ages and fitness levels - everybody is welcome. Knowledge of Spanish is useful on some projects. Use the menu (left) to see what types of Conservation Volunteership suits you best.

Interested in becoming an ECOSARA Conservation Volunteer? We accept volunteers throughout the year and are now taking bookings for volunteerships in 2008. Click on the links to the left to find out more about what you will be doing! Or click here to apply.

SPANISH CLASSES

Whilst you are in Paraguay you may be interested in doing a Spanish course. With advance notice ECOSARA is happy to make the arrangements for volunteers wanting to learn or improve their Spanish with the Master Key Professional Language Institute in Encarnación. Courses are available for all levels, consist of 8 x 1 hour classes at weekends over the course of your stay and are taught by experienced language teachers licensed by the Paraguayan government department responsible for education, the Ministerio de Educación y Cultura (MEC). The cost of the course for 2008 is US$100, including all course materials necessary and the teachers will travel to San Rafael to teach you in the shade of the Paraguayan forest, the world´s most spectacular classroom.

FINAL WORD

Of course there is absolutely nothing to stop you being a Conservation Volunteer and a Research Volunteer at the same time!

There are no deadlines, schedules or timetables to meet. Working days are flexible, you can contribute as much or as little as you want to. No volunteer will ever be made to do anything that they do not want to. Click here to check out the volunteer photo gallery to meet some of our previous visitors!

We want volunteers to have a memorable experience and to go home and tell all their friends about it! We are all in this together and we greatly value the contributions made by ALL our volunteers. Of course if you have your own project ideas we are all ears and wherever possible will do all we can to make your plans a reality! Apply now!

·	c50% to cover costs the unavoidable cost of accommodation, food, transport etc incurred by every volunteer and staff member.
·	c25% donation to Pro Cosara to be invested directly in on the ground conservation initiatives - for example the contribution from just two volunteers pays the monthly wage of one forest guard.
·	c25% donation to ECOSARA to be invested directly in research projects at San Rafael eg purchase of necessary equipment, publishing costs, investment in the library etc etc.