Brazil - Environmental Research and Community Project

This project aims to promote environmental research in the Mato Grosso do Sul region, through hands on classes and field research. Through their facilities and style of accommodation, the centre promotes sustainable living.

At the Research Centre there are several on-going programs monitoring the biodiversity of birds, mammals, bats and plants. Additionally several courses take place during the year including Permaculture and Bio construction, scientific research methodology for students, herpetofauna, mastofauna and best management practices for cattle.

As a volunteer you will be involved in a variety  of different research projects, field and lab work and also help with local community relations.

Your Role

As a volunteer some of the activities you may be involved in are:

• Assisting with field research that is conducted at the centre.
• Assist at a local school teaching basic english, maths and science.
• Assist and monitor day courses offered by the Institute.
• Assist in maintaining existing facilities.

Additionally volunteers are offered the opportunity to gain further experience of the local community and customs, by helping on nearby farms, ride horses, and assist in working the livestock.

Typical day

A typical day as a research assistant includes up to 5-7 hours in the field. You must be prepared to walk 5-10 km / day. Activities include observing and recording fauna and flora, radio telemetry, search and capture of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and snakes and visits to partner farms. When assisting as a teacher the day will include six hours in school.

Includes:

• 24 hour support,
• program activities,
• all meals and accommodation,
• round trip transportation from Campo Grande to the research centre

When not conducting research, volunteers are free to walk and explore the surroundings. However, please let a member of staff know where you are going. In addition, volunteers can relax, read, draw or paint, walk, cycle or watch the fantastic bird life.

Accommodation

The centre is set on a small private with a beautiful clear river through the reserve perfect for cooling down and exploring. Volunteer accommodation is rustic but very comfortable. There are a number of hut style rooms which is shared accommodation. The lodge has electricity, refrigerator, hot showers, toilets conventional beds / tents, tables and chairs and a TV room.

Meals will be prepared by a local cook, or sometimes by the volunteers. The food is excellent, with traditional Brazilian dishes, including rice and beans, meat, chicken and vegetarian meals will be possible. Good mineral water is provided. The breakfast consists of coffee, fresh fruit and vegetables, juices, bread, cheese and sweets. The main dish will be served at lunch, the traditional Brazilian style and can include meat, fish, vegetables, salads, rice, beans and pasta.

Requirements

• Able to work in a hot climate
• Good physical fitness
• Motivation to work with animals and plants
• Ability to teach children - if you choose to be assistant professor
• Competent rider if you choose to assist on the cattle farms
• English and basic Portuguese

Aditional Information

Arrivals and Travel Information: Volunteers must fly to Campo Grande airport in Brazil, where they will be met by on the team. At the end of the stay, volunteers will be dropped off at the same airport.

Included:

• Accommodation
• Food
• Transfers from Campo Grande Airport
• Training

Excluded:

• International and domestic flights
• Visas
• Personal items
• Alcohol
• Travel insurance
• Volunteer activities outside of the project