We offer volunteer placements at three stations in three different communities. The stations altogether covers more than 3000 hectares or 7400 acres of primary forest and involves approximately 100 indigenous Shuar and Quichua in the work and management of the stations.

The stations are owned and managed separately, sharing the same vision, but all have individual development objectives, staff and volunteer activities.

The oldest and biggest station, Arutam Forest Reserve, is managed by FUNDECOIPA and located in the small Shuar community Arutam. Arutam Forest Reserve is the most extensive with 2710 hectares of forest set aside as reserve.

Download additional information about Arutam here (pdf)

The Chinimp Tuna Station is located on the boundary of Quichua and Shuar territory and is a truly bicultural station that offers a unique opportunity to experience two different cultures. The station is located approximately 20 km from Arutam by bus.

Download additional information about Chinimp Tuna here (pdf)

The Irshim Station is the most isolated of the three stations and only accessible by foot. Irshim is roughly 4 hours walk from Arutam and offers a great opportunity to enjoy the culture and peacefulness of the forest.

Download additional information about Irshim here (pdf)

The role of the volunteers at the stations is to help out in the conservation activities as well as community development projects. The long term vision of all the stations is to find a way of making a living from the forest without having to sell the timber. This means that we are trying to develop tourism initiatives, craft production, fiber production and production of small livestock for selling and consumption. Moreover, volunteers are also engaged in health promotion and education.

In order to go to Chinimp Tuna or Irshim, there is a minimum stay of one week at the Arutam station in order for the personel to make the necesarry arrangements and get a guide to take you there.

Meet other volunteers on Facebook

Meet other volunteers and read their statements on Facebook. If you have a profile on Facebook (www.facebook.com), you simply log in and search for Arutam under groups and join to contact other volunteers.