Your donation for my commitment in the rainforest in Peru!

My name is Swantje and I'll  do my A-levels this year. As part of my school's Tanzania club, I travelled there on an exchange to carry out various projects and hosted a Tanzanian girl at home. This raised in me a thirst for adventure to discover the world and meet new cultures.  The volunteer year offers a unique opportunity to do this. Of course, my project takes centre stage. Sustainability is not the only thing that is important to me, I am also fascinated by the rainforest and can't wait to explore it. 

 

The Ecoselva organisation is committed to protecting the rainforest by carrying out educational work and eco-social projects in Peru, India and the Dominican Republic. In cooperation with local partner organisations, it supports the locals in the sustainable use of the rainforest. In contrast to slash-and-burn agriculture, this offers economic prospects and preserves biodiversity. 

As part of the "Weltwärtsprogramm", Ecoselva sends young volunteers to support the partner organisations. Conversely, volunteers from the Global South come to Germany every year. 

 

My project is located in the rainforest village of Monte Video near the town Tingo Maria. The Empresa Comunal Montevideo was founded here in 1997 by 32 families with the aim of establishing joint cheese production and marketing. Another task is the economic and social development of the village. For example, the school is supported by developing school gardens and biodiversity is promoted by establishing tree nurseries. 

My tasks are varied and I am even allowed to set up my own projects. I will also support the English lessons at the school and work in the cheese dairy, carpentry and tree nursery. Work in the fields and milking cows are also on the programme. 

 

In Peru, a gap between urban and rural, rich and poor, indigenous and non-indigenous causes social inequality. Ore extraction in mines has led to many conflicts over resources and land use. Illegal deforestation of the rainforest violates the rights of indigenous communities and causes major losses in biodiversity and the economy. 

 

75% of the costs are subsidised by the BMZ, 25% I have to pay myself. That is why I would like to finance the volunteer year with a support group. With your support, you are not only helping me to finance my commitment as a special experience. You are also contributing to the sustainable development of the rainforest and the achievement of other Ecoselva goals, the realisation of which I would like to actively support through my work.