Gap Year Project Georgia Gajardo

My Charity-GVI Global Vision International non-political, non-religious organization that runs over 100 projects in 25 countries Play a critical role in the fields of environmental research, conservation, education and community development. formed in 1997 to provide support and services to international charities, non-profits and governmental agencies, through volunteering opportunities, internship programs, training and direct funding. it offers safe, responsible travel experiences, exceptional training and career development opportunities, and enables regular people to have the ability to make a real difference. GVI sends over 3,000 volunteers away every year Offers gvi-foundations programs in which students aged from can have the opportunity to volunteer overseas and even give schools the opportunity to participate in expeditions.

Ecuador in South America Subject to natural hazards including frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions (2010), floods, landslides and periodic droughts Suffer from several environmental issues including deforestation, soil erosion, desertification, water pollution and pollution from oil production wastes in ecologically sensitive areas in the Amazon Basin and Galapagos Islands

Research and Conservation of the Ecuadorian Amazon Goes for 4, 8 or 12 weeks (I’m going for 4) Costs $ This environment is home to 30% of all known plant and animal species. I will be directly supporting local conservation and community efforts by recording vital data on targeted animal species such as reptiles, butterflies, birds and amphibians The program aims to: - Identify and catalog bird, reptile, amphibian, butterfly and plant species -Provide support in conservation, ecotourism, education and community development -Facilitate learning of English through TEFL-based lessons -Support small scale infrastructure development projects

Schedule On this project day to day life would go something like this: -Wake up at first light -Trek through primary and secondary rainforest whilst learning research techniques and collecting data to be used for the exhibitions species list -Taking part in nocturnal treks -Return to project base or go in the onsite library During the program I will also be processing data collected on treks, leaning Spanish and helping out on the base.

How this Program Makes a Difference The program has vastly expanded the species list for the Yachana Reserve. They are currently at over 750 species and have produced free online guides of both frogs and reptiles. This data is shared with Yachana to be used by their guides and tourists, as well as the Ministry of the Environment to use in the protection and management of the reserve The team has also discovered a rare species of glass frog in the reserve found only once before in Ecuador

Application Process To apply for this program I had to complete an online application form which included basic and personal information as well as medical background. I also had to include why I chose this specific program, my interests as well as my past volunteering and language experience. Then you click “apply” and they will get back to you. Once you have been accepted, you must attend intensive training to gain basic knowledge of the environment and how to use all the necessary equipment.

Which Issues are this program addressing? This program is addressing the Catholic Social teaching that it is our duty to look after that in need. The environment in Ecuador is suffering due to the effects of deforestation, desertification and pollution and by helping research and discover species it allows us to improve methods of preserving such animal groups. It also assists in achieving one of the 8 the Millennium Development Goals; Ensure environmental stability. By improving and guarding the preservation of tropical animals, this program is greatly assisting in helping achieve this goal.

Bibliography Ecuador. (n.d.). Retrieved May 27, 2012, from Central Intelligence Agency : factbook/geos/ec.html GVI. (2012). Research and conserve the rainforest on this Amazon expedition. Retrieved May 27, 2012, from gvi: conservation-expedition-ecuador UN. (n.d.). Goal 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability. Retrieved May 27, 2012, from United Nations :