ECHOis a recently created conservation NGO working to protect the Yellow-shouldered Amazon Parrot on the island of Bonaire, in the southern Caribbean. We conduct research, ecological management and outreach to protect the wild parrot population. We also have a rehabilitation and release program for injured and illegally captured parrots. The dedicated Echo Team operates from our new field camp located in a beautiful and wild area. This camp is located in a Birdlife International Important Bird Area and just outside a Ramsar area. One of the goals for parrot conservation is to restore their habitat, which is why we are looking for people.
Role: VOLUNTEER ORGANIC FARMER/NURSER
Location: Echo’s field camp at Dos Pos, Bonaire, Caribbean
Role purpose: Restoring, developing and maintaining the plant nursery at Echo’s new field camp using sustainable, organic technologies wherever possible.
Key responsibilities:
• Nursing the native, fruit and vegetable plants and trees;
• Create optimal conditions for the plants to grow, such as:
o Building shade areas
o Composting
o Pruning and shaping
• Maintaining and improving the water system;
• Pruning of trees and bushes to create trails, working areas and fences;
• Fencing to keep the future camp dogs in, the goats and donkeys out of
the nursery and the pigs out of the pond.
Skills required: The suitable candidate would have experience in nursing plants and trees and is willing to turn their hand to a variety of tasks. Knowledge and experience in using biological, sustainable and low impact techniques would be a pro. Ideally the candidate would work in a proactive manner, show initiative and take time to contribute ideas for site development.
Other details:
• One-month minimum, with possible extension.
• 5 days per week, with two days off.
• Camp accommodation provided at field site – see below.
• Volunteer position. As a young and small conservation organisation we’re not in the position to pay somebody for this position so the applicant must be financially self-sufficient. The applicant will assume the costs for travel to Bonaire, food and other living expenses. There are many non-financial rewards, however, including living in an incredible area, being part of an incredible team and making a difference to the conservation of an incredible parrot and its ecosystem!
• We aim to provide a vehicle for use in free time. This will depend on the other needs of the organisation. A contribution to on island free-time travel (fuel only) is expected.
Living situation:
• Echo’s field camp and conservation centre is located at Dos Pos within a Birdlife International Important Bird Area and just outside the Gotomeer Ramsar (wetland) area. This beautiful hilly location is a hot spot for wildlife, has nearby walking trails and scenic areas .
• The living conditions are extremely basic, which is why we also need a site developer! There is a growing solar power system, which is used to power lights and charge batteries. Additional power is typically produced from a generator.
• There is no Internet at the field site.
• There is almost no mobile phone reception at the field site.
• The team currently have to collect drinking water in town, which is laborious, but we are developing a rain and well water purification system.
• The field camp has a small house, with two bedrooms and around which centres the living area. Cooking and socializing happens at the house.
• We plan to build individual shelters for team member’s bedrooms.
• All the members of Echo team are expected to contribute to the day-today running of the field site.
• Use of Internet and shower is possible once a week in an other location.
Living at the field site is tough and it is not for everyone. Please consider how you will feel about needing a head torch every night and sleeping outside. Other positions will be advertised soon and so long as you are happy to live with shared communal areas we are open to couples applying for two positions.
Dos Pos, is a special location at the heart of parrot land. There are wild and released parrots all around the area. It is one of the rare locations on Bonaire that has fresh water, there is even a seasonal pond and the location is a hotspot for migratory birds. There are many (relatively) large Mango trees from when the kunuku (farm) was previously active. We hope it will be a productive growing site for native plants and vege’s again soon.
To find out more:
www.echobonaire.org
Really interested? Please contact us and tell us why you would like to come and what you can offer for the team! Sam@echobonaire.org