Sustainable Rural Development Internship in Ecuador

Interns required to help with CRACYP´s sustainable development projects in rural Ecuador.  This is an ideal opportunity for those studying sustainable development, ecotourism, rural development, organic agriculture or similar subjects to gain practical experience in the field.  Interns will help with a range of environmental and development projects as well as undertaking a small development project of their own and participating in monthly development workshops. 

CRACYP (which stands for Rural Reforestation and Progress Network Corporation, in Spanish) is a non profit organisation working in over 200 communities on the borders of the Cotopaxi, Bolivar and Los Rios provinces in Ecuador.  

CRACYP´s aim is "Progreso Verde" or "Green Progress" - conservation of the environment and economic and social development of local communities.  We aim to transfer appropriate technology and sustainable alternative agricultural methods, in exchange for community participation in reforestation.  This process also increases the production alternatives and resources of the communities involved, improving their quality of life.  

Interns will be based mostly in the organic sugar cane farming communities in the subtropical western foothills of the Andes.  Projects involve not only organic agriculture but also environmental issues, education and other development challenges for the sugar cane farmers and the communities they live in.

The program includes some Spanish tuition and is a great foundation for a career in rural development in Latin America.  Internships are available for 4 to 12 weeks.