Brazil Conservation

Those interested in Brazil’s preservation efforts should also visit the TAMAR turtle reserve in Bahia’s Praia do Forte or engage one of the preservation-conscious tour groups around Manaus.

Earthwatch International, 3 Clock Tower Pl., Ste. 100, Box 75, Maynard, MA 01754, USA (+1-800-776-0188; www.earthwatch.org). Conducts research expeditions focused on issues of biodiversity and conservation with paying volunteers. Current programs in Brazil include Amazon River expeditions for conservation and identification of endangered aquatic wildlife and conservation efforts in the Pantanal marshes and Emas National Park. Programs average US$2750 for approximately two weeks. Volunteers must arrange their own travel and other arrangements.

Instituto EkkoBrazil, Ed. Centro Executivo Velloso, R. Araujo Figueiredo, 119 - Sala 801, Centro Florianopolis, SC 88010-620 (+55 1448 3237 5071; www.br.ecovoluntarios.org). Associated with the international organization Ecovolunteer (www.ecovolunteer.org), Instituto EkkoBrazil directly organizes environmental and conservation volunteering opportunities in Brazil, from whale study and conservation to animal rescue, starting at R$2500. Travel and insurance are the responsibility of the volunteer.

Iracambi Atlantic Rainforest Research and Conservation Center, Fazenda Iracambi, Caixa Postal No. 1, Rosario da Limeira, MG 36878-000 (+55 32 3721 1436; www.iracambi.com). This scientific center for professional researchers also runs a volunteer and internship program. Responsibilities include direct conservation efforts and general scientific support. Basic costs are US$500 for room and board up to 3 months; volunteers arrange their own transportation.

Ipeterras, Estrada do Mocozeiro, km 03, Caixa Postal 27, CEP: 44900-000, Irecê, Bahia (+55 74 9121 0776; www.ipeterras.org). A permacultural farm in the Northeast that oversees several projects, including ecological and agricultural education and sustainability. Focuses from application of solar power to soil preservation to forest preservation, all in the arid environment of the sertao. The institute also coordinates local cultural and political projects. Volunteers are welcome, with cost of living on the farm approximately R$60 per week, though costs vary.

Fazenda Rio Negro, Av. Getúlio Vargas, 1300, Belo Horizonte, MG (+55 31 3261 3889; www.conservacao.org/programas). An area of the Brazilian wetland, the Fazenda Rio Negro region hosts the organization Conservacao Internacional, which coordinates wildlife preservation efforts between professional scientists and volunteers who stay at one of three pousadas in the area—one of which, Fazenda Santa Sophia, organizes horseback expeditions through the surrounding wilderness.

Amizade, 200 Robinson St., Ste. 2, Pittsburgh, USA (+1-412-586-4986; www.amizade.org). This organization works to arrange opportunities for individuals and groups to volunteer with local humanitarian and conservation nonprofits. Its Brazilian programs cover a variety of efforts in the Amazon from a base in Santarem. Current programs average 2 weeks, start from US$1400 from two weeks, and include room, board, and program fees. Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation and other costs.