Located near the coast in the of the Ecuadorian province of Esmeraldas, Monte Saino is a true taste of rural Ecuador. Located far from the hustle and bustle of Quito and Guayaquil, the residents of this area mainly dedicate themselves to small-scale fishing or self-sustained farming. A three-hour hike following the San Francisco River brings you deep into lush green tropical forests that are home to many rare animals such as howler monkeys, wild boars, poisonous snakes and tree frogs. The over 200 species of birds found here will enchant with beautiful song and brilliant color. Surrounded by nearly untouched tropical forest on all sides, visitors staying at Monte Saino are engulfed by the green of the palms and the buzz of life all around them.
Monte Saino is a unique conservation project created by members of Ecociencia, a leading scientific foundation interested in the conservation and protection of Ecuador 's natural resources. More than an eco-reserve, Monte Saino is interested in finding new and sustainable means of using locally produced goods to benefit the local community without destroying the surrounding forests and wildlife. Situated on two distinct fragments of land making up 200 hectares of the most untouched forest in the area, Monte Saino attempts to work with small neighboring farms to propagate ideas of sustainable forestry and innovative, analogous farming techniques.
Volunteers of Monte Saino will be invited to perform a variety of tasks including: working in the nursery, helping neighboring farmers, collecting and assessing seed viability, reforestation and support of analogous forestry in and around Monte Saino, product creation and marketing for products coming from Monte Saino and neighboring farms, assistance in other various conservation projects in the area and creation of new projects that follow the philosophy of Monte Saino.
For more information please contact Mario Larrea directly by email.
