Team Runa in Napo


 

Fausto García Regional Director of the Napo Province
With extensive experience as an Agronomy Engineer in the Amazon, Fausto brings detailed technical knowledge, humility, and dedication to his role as leader of Fundación Runa in Napo.  As a Project Coordinator for numerous organizations working with agroforestry and environmental protection, Fausto has a diverse background of experiences working with the indigenous communities in the region.  Fausto recently completed his term as Vice Mayor for the City of Archidona (where Runa is based in Napo), and appreciates this opportunity to further the growth of Archidona as a tradicional indigenous cultural and comercial center.

 

Silverio Mamallacta Technical Coordinator
Silverio is a dynamic Kichwa leader from the indigenous community of Santa Domingo.  As a technical agronomist, Silverio has worked in Yasuní Nacional Park, Costa Rica, and in numerous projects along the Napo River.  As President of the Sumak Causay Association, he guides over 50 native communities in their efforts toward more sustainable and profitable farming opportunities.

Cristina Yumbo Local Field Technician in Canton Archidona
Cristina recently joined Team Runa in Napo and we are waiting for a bio from her.

Pedro Grefa Local Field Technician in Puerto Misahualli
Pedro is a highly experienced indigenous Kichwa technician in agroforestry management, botany, and reforestation. He obtained a high school degree from the technical school in Tena, with a focus on renewable energy and natural resources. Pedro worked for over 10 years as a forestry and nursery manager at the well known Biological Reserve “Jatun Sacha” located in the Napo Province before joining Team Runa.

Fernando Grefa Local Field Technician in Cotundo
Fernando is one of our local technicians, with a very focused, humble, and respectful personality.  Fernando has worked for over 25 years with the local and regional governments to develop more sustainable and productive agroforestry plots for family farmers, focusing on cacao and coffee production.

Alex Hermosa Local Tield Technician in Canton Archidona
Alexander has been working with different public institutions in Napo on environmental conservation for the last 15 years.  He received his agronomy degree from the technical high school in Archidona, and then graduated from the Universidad Ecologica Amazonica with a degree in Administration of Eco-touristic Companies. He has worked for the National Chamber of Tourism, and also served as a coordinator of several agricultural projects.

Laura Burns Assistant Regional Coordinator

As a graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in International Studies, Spanish and Environmental Studies, Laura is excited to apply her knowledge and experience to Fundación Runa’s work. While working as a bilingual assistant at an immigration services center, as well as teaching and mentoring a college freshman class, Laura has developed her ability to foster community among a diverse group individuals. Having lived in Spain as well as traveled throughout Europe, Costa Rica and New Zealand, Laura has developed a world-view, and is always enthusiastic for a new adventure. Laura believes that involving local people in conservation and environmental efforts is integral to developing a sustainable economy and environment, and is excited to serve as Runa’s Assistant Regional Coordinator in the Napo Province to further this development.  

 

Vanessa recently joined Team Runa in Napo and we are waiting for a bio and photo from her

WANTED: independent, entrepreneurial and adventurous people to join us in the jungle!

----- FALL 2010 PROGRAMMING BEGINS OCTOBER 5th!-----


Invitation for Volunteers:

With Runa’s unique combination of environmental, social, and business aspects in its work, volunteers receive a unique opportunity to participate in the growth of a budding social enterprise.  The focus of the volunteer program is working on Runa’s new Conservation, Training, and Research Center outside of Puyo, Ecuador.  Volunteers will work primarily in our diverse nurseries of organically managed tree and fruit species, and assist our technicians and engineers in the creation and maintenance of organic agroforestry plots.  All volunteers also partner with our field technicians to visit individual family farms, participate in cultural exchange events and guayusa tea ceremonies, and have the opportunity to develop their own research projects.


Qualifications:

  • Basic Spanish required (although Intermediate to Advanced level of Spanish is highly recommended)
  • Independent, entrepreneurial spirit
  • Good health and physical fitness (due to level of outdoor work)
  • Interest in Ecuadorian indigenous culture, agroforestry, sustainable development, and / or organic gardening

Accommodations & Food

Runa’s research station has a newly renovated home for volunteers, with the capacity for six people, including a live-in volunteer coordinator. The house has indoor cold showers, and well maintained composting toilets.

Lunch and dinner will be provided daily by a local mother who lives on the property with her husband, who serves as a 24-hour guard and groundskeeper.  Granola, eggs, and other breakfast foods are available in the volunteer house for self-service.


Planning & Coordination

A Quito-based volunteer coordinator provides trip coordination, including airport pickup, and an on-site American volunteer coordinator lives on the research site full time and coordinates all volunteer activities.

The Research Center in Fatima is conveniently located off of a major interprovincial bus route and is a convenient 30 minutes away from Puyo, the capital of the province of Pastaza.

Cost

$100 per week (includes 3 meals per day M - F, program coordination, housing, and pre and post trip support).

For volunteers with higher levels of Spanish, relevant background experience, and who are willing to stay for at least 2 months, discount payment structures can be offered.


Duration

Volunteers are welcome to stay for a minimum of one week and as long as six months. Small groups are welcome as well.

 


INVITATION FOR INTERNS:

For students and professionals with technical skills in agroforestry management, carpentry, plant-biology research or other applied fields, special discounted long-term arrangements can be made. Research and Development internships can also be based out of our house-office in Archidona, Ecuador. This slighlty more urban jungle site is more suited for interns with specific skills in strategitic planning, organizational management and cultural research.  Internships are arranged on an individual basis by contacting our volunteer coordinator. Interns are expected to be exceptionally independent self-starters who will propose and execute their own projects according to Runa's needs. 2 months is the minimum suggested duration for an internship.


Questions contact: volunteer@runa.org

Please apply at least 2 months in advance of desired dates.


TO APPLY:

Email volunteer@runa.org with the following materials:

1. Brief letter of introduction

2. Volunteer Application (click here to download)

3. Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae