Quick Facts
Program code
PG-WN100
Category
Volunteer Work, Animal Welfare, Nature Protection
Country
Paraguay
Location
Neembucu
Program start
year round, start and end dates are flexible
Minimum duration
2 weeks
Minimum age
18 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
(+1) 954 762 7607
(+56) 9 7516 9816
(+49) 7735 425 339
skype: chileinside
8 am - 4 pm EST
Program details
Far from the hustle and bustle of the modern world, volunteers can enjoy a down-to-earth lifestyle in the middle of Paraguay, while helping the environment. The project site is located next to Lake Ñeembucú, which flows into the impressive Rio Paraguay. The region offers several touristic attractions such as a beautiful cathedral, natural sceneries, artisan markets, and old colonial-style buildings.
The project is run by a non-profit conservation organization that protects habitats and species in Paraguay through scientific research and community outreach. Our partner also promotes a responsible approach to conservation, allowing tourists to contribute to social, scientific, and conservation projects that are designed to have a positive impact on Paraguay.
The country’s natural environment is facing continuous destruction due to the expansion of agricultural activities, such as cattle ranching and soy production. This conservation-oriented, non-profit organization purchases land in order to protect it from exploitation. In addition, they help maintain crucial wildlife paths that link remaining rests of original vegetation.
Situated in the region of Ñeembucú, volunteers can experience a natural habitat that is home to a wide variety of species including apes, reptiles, bats, various birds, caterpillars, and moths. Since 2010, the organization has discovered and documented dozens of new species in Paraguay. Nevertheless, there are still a lot more species to be discovered and many to protect. This project is particularly suitable for biologists, veterinarians, educators, librarians, etc., however, these careers are not a requirement.
Tasks
This wildlife protection project allows volunteers to assist with a variety of different tasks. As a volunteer, you can choose your preferred activity after a short introduction upon arrival. Depending on the length of your stay, you can help in one or several departments on the project site. You can choose between research, museum and library work, as well as educational work with children from nearby schools and other local residents. The organization has its own museum and library, which are among the best equipped in the entire country! In the research department, you can either conduct your own research projects or participate in the projects of others.
Currently, the ongoing projects include:
Monkey Project:
The aim of this project is to develop long-term studies regarding sociology, dietary and sleeping behaviour, demography, ecology, and the natural habitat of Capuchin and Howler Monkeys. Alongside an onsite primatologist, you can learn about the so-called “Atlantic Rainforest” as you observe and actively use neo-tropical ecology and conservation techniques. You will learn how to set up camera traps while recording and analyzing the sounds of the primates. This project is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience living and working on a field research site to study wild primates.
Reptile and Amphibian Survey:
This project allows you to observe and study reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitat. There are many brightly colored species of reptiles and amphibians. Rio Paraguay is only two blocks away from the research center and is home to many species of fish, frogs, snakes, and insects – some of which are yet to be discovered! Learn how to research amphibians and other animals that live close to the water. As a volunteer in this area, you will install traps, go on night explorations, and collect data on many fascinating creatures.
Museum and Education:
The volunteer project runs their very own Fauna-Museum that is considered the second best of its kind in Paraguay after the National Museum in the capital, Asunción. It is connected to one of the largest libraries in the country and contains hundreds and thousands of journals and books, both electronic and physical. As a volunteer, you can assist keeping the museum and databases in good order and up to date. You will also help showing the exhibitions to visitors and may design and develop new educational materials, posters, and displays.
Outreach:
With sufficient Spanish skills, you can also help with a community outreach project. The volunteer project involves working in the communities that are close to the research center and providing environmental education to adults and children. Often, local schools ask for supplemental educational sessions that allow children to learn about different species, sustainability, the environment, and ecological responsibility.
Rainforest Expedition:
For a surcharge payable onsite, you can participate in a 2-week expedition in the Atlantic Rainforest. Originally, the rainforest was very large, covering territories in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. It also used to be a paradise of biodiversity. Today, only an estimated 7% of this forest remains. During the expedition, you’ll walk along the same tracks as primates and midsized mammals.
ou will stay on the grounds of the animal rescue center that is located in the middle of the jungle. This opportunity is the perfect opportunity for those who want to live and conduct professional research in nature. This program must be booked in advance.
Please keep in mind that not all of the projects are available year-round. Eventually, you will be assigned different tasks.
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.
Accommodation
Volunteers will stay in a large house with four spacious rooms (2-8 people). Each room has its own bathroom and shower with hot water. Volunteers will be provided three meals per day,including a family-style lunch with home cooked dishes. The house has a large common room and a barbeque area, both of which are frequently used by the volunteers to sit together, eat, play, study, chat and do other activities. Volunteers can use the house’s Wi-Fi. There is also a small town close to the project site, which offers a variety of activities too.
If you volunteer during the summer, please bring a mosquito net. You should also bring a sleeping bag in the winter.
Note: In Latin America, especially in remote areas where many of our volunteer projects take place, the cellular or internet connection is not always reliable and fast.
Location
Ñeembucú is located in southwestern part of Paraguay. The distance to the capital Asuncion is about 6 hours by bus. It is one of the most touristic areas of Paraguay and particularly popular with amateur fishermen and water sports enthusiasts, since Ñeembucú is very water-rich thanks to the two huge rivers Paraguay and Paraná.
The Ñeembucú wetlands are a vast region made up of rivers, streams, estuaries, lagoons and springs. They form large freshwater reserves and a veritable paradise with a rich variety of native flora and fauna.
The climate is quite warm and comfortable. The average annual temperature is around 22 °C, in Paraguayan summer temperatures of over 32 °C can be reached, in winter the thermometer drops to around 10 degrees. The months with most rainfall are January, March, April and October, while the driest ones are the winter months from May to August.
Language skills
In our Wildlife & Nature projects, our volunteers get along well with English language skills.
For optimal program preparation and cultural integration in the destination country, we recommend participating in a Spanish course in Paraguay (optional).
You can book your Spanish course in Paraguay directly with us!
Requirements
- English skills. Basic Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Paraguay!)
- Minimum age 18 years
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel insurance here!)
- Yellow fever and Covid vaccination. Rabies vaccination not mandatory but recommended; please ask your doctor for advice.
Pre-departure and in-country support
Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us 24/7 in case of emergency.
In addition to the assistance given by our office staff you will be supported by the on-site volunteer coordinator.
Costs & Services
Our volunteer project in Nature and Wildlife Protection in Paraguay includes:
- Shared room in Volunteer House
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Pick-up and drop-off from Pilar bus terminal
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your placement in the volunteer project
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Costs
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 910 (minimum stay 2 weeks)
Each additional week: US$ 330
Additionally, you can book:
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Volunteer Guide
Find valuable information about volunteering abroad in our program guides. Find out about all the benefits, possibilities and challenges, that a stay abroad offers you. Read more about the great opportunities that South America Inside has at your disposal.
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