BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION INTERNSHIP IN BRAZIL
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
HELP REVERSE THE CLIMATE CRISIS BY RESTORING THE BRAZILIAN ATLANTIC RAINFOREST
Develop a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity conservation and gain practical experience in ecological restoration as you live and work in one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop a wealth of conservation knowledge and skills whilst making a tangible impact for the climate crisis.
Join an organization taking a multifaceted approach to restoring and protecting the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. They run a range of projects proactively rebuilding the forest, restoring its ecosystems, and promoting sustainable development in local communities. Not only is the rainforest of vital importance to those living there, it is one of the most significant conservation areas on the planet. Home to a multitude of endemic and endangered species, learning to effectively protect and restore the Atlantic Rainforest will benefit biodiversity conservation the world over.
As a Biodiversity intern, you’ll assist their flagship reforestation project. With this project they aim to combat water shortages in the area whilst reversing the effects of the climate crisis globally through ecological conservation. Since their project has been active, they’ve planted over hundreds of thousands of trees and plan to reach 1 million trees planted by 2030.You’ll contribute to the project by helping with data collection, assisting with strategizing, planting trees, monitoring their growth, and tending to their seedling nurseries.
ORGANIZATION
Founded in 1999, this nonprofit is an accomplished conservation and sustainability focused organization located in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions: the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Their mission is to help reverse the effects of the climate crisis by restoring the rainforest.
They take a multi-faceted approach to this mission. Not only do they proactively plant their trees, they also work with local communities to create a paradigm shift by which the preservation and sustainable use of the forest is more attractive than its destruction. Among their projects are research into medicinal plants, huge-scale reforestation, and educational programs in local schools and communities. They’ve also hosted thousands of researchers, volunteers and interns and their alumni can be found in academia, business, the arts, and government across the world.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
Your work as a Biodiversity Conservation intern will be varied, hands-on research and development for their reforestation strategies. Due to the seasonal change, the focus of your conservation internship will vary throughout the year. Between March and September, work will focus more on the nursery, and October through to March is when planting and monitoring takes place. You’ll need to be able to withstand the challenging climate of the rainforest, willing to get your hands dirty, and passionate about making a difference for the environment.
Responsibilities
- Plant trees and monitor their growth
- Take soil samples and analyze them in the lab
- Collect, process, and analyze data to facilitate the restoration of important rainforest ecosystems
- Help to maintain and develop their seed bank and seedling nursery
- Plan and strategize the logistics of tree planting operations
- Assist with the construction of nursery structures
- Maintain forest trails and access roads for local farms
- Content Creation: you can assist the organization with their marketing, communication, and fundraising needs by gathering content in the field from your project work and general internship daily life. You can also help edit & curate the content for various purposes. If you’re keen to get involved with any kind of content creation, be sure to let your supervisor know.
Requirements
- Academic background or prior experience in agriculture, forestry, conservation, or related field is preferred
- Knowledge and understanding of the climate crisis and ecological restoration
- English language skills; Portuguese isn’t necessary but will come in handy when interacting with community members
- A passion for ecological conservation
- Willingness to get involved with a range of hands-on reforestation work
- Ability to withstand the difficult conditions of the rainforest
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
You’ll stay at the Research Center, located in the outskirts of the Serra do Brigadeiro State Park, 12 kilometers from the nearest town, Rosário da Limeria. This is a fully immersive experience, so you’ll need to be keen to spend the majority of your time in the forest. Facilities at the center include accommodation for researchers, interns, and visitors, a computer lab, field laboratory, their multi-use Forest House, forest nursery, and systems of forest trails. You’ll stay either in the main house or in one of the cabins and take all your meals at the on-site restaurant with other volunteers & interns.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Far from the big cities, it is extremely safe so you can relax and enjoy the the natural beauty on all sides. Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before yor internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. The organization is not located in a malarial area, but if you plan to travel to other parts of Brazil, such as the Pantanal or the Amazon, you will need a suitable prophylactic, which you can find in Brazil. Your doctor may also suggest Hepatitis B and Rabies, but you are unlikely to need them.
Though the organization takes precautions to ensure the safety of all interns and volunteers, they regret tha