REGUA Nature Reserve - Volunteer Work

Volunteers planting seeds in the REGUA nursery, July 2006

Photo by Lee Dingain (volunteer, 2006)

Photo by Rachel Walls (volunteer, 2006)

Photo by Ben Michaud (volunteer, 2006)

The REGUA volunteer programme has been successfully up and running since the start of 2006. As a volunteer, not only will you have a wonderful experience in a beautiful environment, but you will also be making a genuine contribution to the conservation of the Atlantic Rainforest.

Patrolling the forest trails with our rangers aiding in protection

Working in the tree nursery with seed planting and collecting seeds in the forest.

Replanting deforested areas - a core part of the REGUA´s plan.

Environmental education. Helping with our successful young ranger programme and school visitation programme. Both programmes work with students aged 7 years up to University level, from the local and regional areas who visit the Guapiacu Conservation Centre and forests of REGUA.

Surveying tree plots in the forest.

Monitoring trees in the reforestation programme.

Maintaining the gardens and infrastructure all in a beautiful state of care.

Maintaining and marking REGUA´s extensive network of trails. You will be involved in making and painting the posts, which will later be used to mark out the trails.

Collecting weather data, which is then published in the quarterly REGUA newsletter.

Develop and update information relating to ecotourism. For example, further development of trail leaflets and keeping the website updated.

Research activities. There are a number of research activities that you can become involved in. Past volunteers have studied otters in the area and surveyed tree plots in the forest.

Teaching English to the young rangers.

Helping with REGUA day to day maintenance.

Assist with guests staying at Guapi Assu Bird Lodge.

Location. Located in a rural area, two hours north-east of Rio De Janiero. There are two villages within walking distance, which have a supermercado and local bars. The nearest town - Cachoeiras de Macacu - is a short bus ride away and has a variety of shops, bars and cafes.

Accommodation. There are two small houses to accommodate volunteers. The houses are tended to by a maid who provides an excellent cooking and cleaning service. Each house has two bedrooms (can sleep up to six), toilet and shower (with hot water), a small kitchen, a lounge with basic furniture and 110V electricity. Laundry facilities are also available.

Spare Time. There are many places of interest to visit during your spare time at REGUA and most can be reached via good public transport links. We have excellent bus links to Rio de Janeiro (approximately three hours by bus) and several local towns. REGUA is close to Tres Picos National Park which is a great place for hiking.

Previous Projects. Past volunteers have contributed in a huge variety of ways including: mapping the Guapiaçu River for signs of River Otters, surveying tree plots in the forest, mapping the reserve boundary and trails, seed collecting and stocking the tree nursery for our reforestation program, monitoring the weather, bird photography, assisting guests, building work and writing promotional material for the reserve´s ecotourism.

Working week Volunteers are expected to work 7am - 4pm, Monday to Friday. Weekends are free.

Cost US$250 per month, which includes your accommodation, meals, laundry facilities and free internet access in the evenings. For an extra, US$150 we can arrange for your transportation to and from the airport.

Commitment Minimum two months.

Who can volunteer? Adults of both sexes.

Languages English, Portuguese, Spanish. A basic knowledge of Portugese would be very useful.

Requirements The ability to adapt to new environments and cultures. Volunteers will work alongside local people. A good level of physical fitness is required as you will be working in a hot and humid climate.

If you are interested in becoming a REGUA volunteer, please send an informal CV to:
Nicholas Locke
REGUA
Caixa Postal 98112
CEP 28680-000
Cachoeiras de Macacu-RJ
Brazil
(0055) 21 274 539 98

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Working week	Volunteers are expected to work 7am - 4pm, Monday to Friday. Weekends are free.
Cost	US$250 per month, which includes your accommodation, meals, laundry facilities and free internet access in the evenings. For an extra, US$150 we can arrange for your transportation to and from the airport.
Commitment	Minimum two months.
Who can volunteer?	Adults of both sexes.
Languages	English, Portuguese, Spanish. A basic knowledge of Portugese would be very useful.
Requirements	The ability to adapt to new environments and cultures. Volunteers will work alongside local people. A good level of physical fitness is required as you will be working in a hot and humid climate.