Volunteering for ecological restoration in protected areas - Amplifying the Voice for Climate Action (AVCA Project)
ASPEm
ASPEm Bolivia
Cochabamba, Bolivia
Description
The volunteer sent by ASPEm will support ASPEm and Armonía in reforestation activities, carried out in teams and during the early hours of the day, as well as in the production of seedlings - such as kewiña - in community nurseries, in collaboration with women participation. They will also contribute to monitoring planted areas and analyzing soil and environmental conditions, through tracking plant development, checking for pests or diseases, and managing irrigation. The volunteer will participate in logistical support activities for workshops focused on forest fire prevention and control. They will also take part in exchange activities and visits with students from local schools, fostering the sharing of local and technical knowledge about native plants and their benefits, and encouraging collective reflection on the importance of conserving high Andean forests, protecting watersheds, and ensuring water access for all.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
The accommodation is located in Cochabamba, where ASPEm’s local office is based. The city offers a variety of activities, courses and services, as well as shops, pharmacies, banks and restaurants (including some vegetarian and vegan options). The house is shared with other volunteers; each person has a private room. Basic utilities (water, gas, electricity and internet) are included. The house has good access to safe and affordable public transportation to reach Tiquipaya, where the activities will mainly take place (about 30 minutes from the city center and 15 minutes from the ASPEm's office.
Training during the activity
The volunteer will participate in a pre-departure training organized by ASPEm in Italy. In Bolivia, ASPEm offers training and exchange spaces focused on ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation, along with practical learning in reforestation and environmental monitoring. Within the project, online meetings with other volunteers are planned as spaces for training and for sharing experiences, challenges and practices. Transversal competences such as autonomy, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving will be strengthened. Competences will be certified through Youthpass.
Participant profile
A motivated, empathetic, and committed person is sought, with an interest in environmental protection, ecological restoration, and biodiversity conservation. A willingness to work in rural community contexts is essential, along with intercultural respect, adaptability, and openness to learning and knowledge exchange. A strong sense of responsibility, flexibility, and interest in fieldwork are key. A background in or studies related to fields such as Biology, Agronomy, or Forestry Engineering is valued, together with a proactive and collaborative approach to activities. Knowledge of or interest in reforestation, environmental monitoring, sustainable land management, and climate resilience is appreciated, as well as motivation to work with local communities in conservation efforts. It is essential to understand how reforestation, technical knowledge, and community leadership contribute to protecting a threatened species that is vital for ecosystem balance. Strong teamwork, communication, and facilitation skills are also important, along with a respectful attitude toward fieldwork, often carried out outdoors and in the early morning. Eligibility: Candidates must be 18 to 35 years old, reside in one of the eligible countries (EU Member State, North Macedonia, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Turkey), have completed the compulsory Humanitarian Aid Volunteering training and not have participated before in individual Humanitarian Aid Volunteering. When adding together this new volunteering opportunity and any previous participation in EU volunteering programmes, the total duration cannot exceed 12 months.
Activity dates
A total of 48 week(s) during the period 09/10/2026 to 13/09/2027
Activity location
C. Luis H. Baya y Greco, Nº 232, Cochabamba, Bolivia
Activity type
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye
Activity topics
Disaster prevention and recovery
Environment and natural protection
Disaster Preparedness
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 15/05/2026 23:00
Project code
2025-1-EACEA-VOLUN-101250792