About Chacapaya
Chacapaya is a restoration initiative located on the mountainside above the village of Sipe Sipe. Chacapaya is introducing agroforestry to local communities to address degraded land where climate change has further compromised livelihoods. The work mainly with local farmers, and sometimes with whole communities, on soil and water management and tree planting towards restoring the ecosystem and biodiversity, and creating income opportunities for this rural community.
What the position entails
The ERC would like to build a small house on site with natural materials, preferably with wood and adobe/clay. Construction will ideally take place between January and May 2025.
Skills required
Volunteers need to be motivated, practical and handy people with some (bio)construction and preferably design experience. Volunteers need to be able to speak basic Spanish. Sometimes you work in a team and sometimes you will work on your own.
Where are you going to live, work and eat?
The accommodation and food are basic. You will have your own room and there is a simple shower and toilet. There is a big kitchen, and mostly – but not always – you will eat with the team.
Staying and living on the site for this function is for free. However the team mostly goes to Cochabamba city on the weekends. So if you decide to stay in Cochabamba as well, there will be costs.
Things to be aware of
Not everyone finds volunteering at Chacapaya easy:
- The internet connection is sometimes bad
- It’s hard physical work (but with plenty of free time)
- As a volunteer, you may sometimes be the only non-local and a culture shock is possible
- The minimum stay is 14 days (you’ll have weekends free)
- If you haven’t spent time in Bolivia, it’s wise to acclimatise yourself for a few days in Cochabamba first (we can recommend a place).
Free time/what you can expect
During your stay you will be invited to see different eco-initiatives, mostly agroforestry, general tree planting and water management in different communities. At times we drive to isolated indigenous communities far away.
The team are dedicated and friendly people, who give advice to neighbours and local communities. Chacapaya has a beautiful agroforestry garden, where you are invited to work and study there as well.
The team mostly goes to the city on the weekend and you are invited to travel there with them.
If you want to travel during your stay this can be discussed. Bolivia has lots of places to visit (Salar de Uyuni, Coroico, La Paz, Rurrenabacque, etc.) Otherwise, Cochabamba has all the city life you may want.
How to apply
If you are excited about this volunteering position, please email your motivation letter and CV to us as soon as possible, along with any questions you have about this position.
Watch this video for an (idealised) impression.
Go here to learn more about ERC Chacapaya in Bolivia
