:: Conservation and community projects ::

Our first step in conservation has been to halt clearance of the forest for agriculture, by developing ecotourism as a sustainable alternative. We strive to minimise harm to the environment by practising Responsible Ecotourism, but we also go beyond that by actively promoting the health of the forest and the wellbeing of our wider community through our Reforestation, Conservation Monitoring, Agroforestry and Community and Education Projects.

Reforestation and Silvopasture Project

We have developed a native tree nursery and are extremely proud that with the support of Rainforest Concern UK and the hard work of many volunteers we have planted 8,000 native trees in 20 hectares. Currently we are working on planting endangered tree species within our reserve. In addition, we practise silvopasture whereby trees were planted in areas of degraded pasture to improve the soil quality, prevent erosion and provide habitat and food for wildlife, at the same time as creating sustainable pasture for our mules. Help from volunteers is needed seasonally. Click on Reforestation Brochure for more information.

Conservation Monitoring

The aim of the project is to monitor the health and status of the forest and the effects of eco-tourism and land use changes, in order to help us effectively protect and improve the biodiversity of the forest. An important part of the project has been to build on local people's wealth of knowledge of the forest and to train them as para-biologists or local naturalists.

In January of 2003, Santa Lucia began the first phase of the project to map important physical and ecological aspects of the reserve using GPS and GIS technology. With that complete we have begun monitoring the flora and fauna of the reserve. Ongoing studies include bird monitoring, collecting climatic data, a study of the forest understorey, and of certain trees' fruiting and flowering cycles. Other studies include a study of medicinal plants, of frogs and toads, and the Talaguanta, Dinomys branickii, one of the largest rodents in the world. Volunteers may design their own research projects or assist with ongoing studies. Visitors are welcome to participate in the early morning bird monitoring hikes.

Agro-forestry and Organic Gardening

To minimise the harmful effects of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and to serve as a model of sustainability, Santa Lucia supplies the lodge with as much food as possible from its organic garden and we also grow organic bananas, sugar, and coffee using agro-forestry techniques. We need volunteers to work on both of these projects.

Environmental and Other Educational Projects

Environmental classes in the local elementary school have included tree-planting and covered topics such as separating waste and recycling. The school now has a compost heap, and inorganic trash, which was previously thrown in the river, is now more safely disposed of in a hole. In a joint project with the local doctor and religious order, a Santa Lucia volunteer constructed a terraced garden for the school which is providing vegetables to supplement school lunches.

We need volunteers to lead our Environmental Education Club, teach English, and run other after-school enrichment programs. We welcome ideas from volunteers for new projects.