Volunteer: Amazonian Forest Foods and Culinary Arts in Ecuador

Introduction to Amazonian Forest Foods and Culinary Arts in Ecuador

The Amazon rainforest is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems globally, boasting over 40,000 plant species and 2.5 million insect species, including an estimated 3,000 edible fruit species. Indigenous communities have passed down traditional recipes for preparing fish, meat, beverages, fruits, and starches through generations.

Many farming families, organizations, and community associations are dedicated to re-valuing and preserving traditional Amazonian dishes, often incorporating a modern culinary flair. As a Volunteer in Amazonian Forest Foods and Culinary Arts in Ecuador, you will learn about the vast array of edible species in the Amazon, including insects, fruits, herbs, and spices, and understand how these products can support local economies in an environmentally-friendly and sustainable manner.

Program Details and Location

This volunteer opportunity is located in Tena, Ecuador, requiring a minimum duration of 4 weeks. Start dates are available monthly; please enquire upon application. The program costs $500 for the first week, plus $350 for each additional week.

The fee includes: all food, accommodation, pre-departure and in-country support, orientation, and all project-related activities.

The fee does not include: flights, airport pickup, travel insurance, personal spending, visas, and vaccinations.

Please note: This opportunity is designed to provide contacts and experience to further your career. You will not replace any staff member but will assist alongside them while acquiring new skills.

Benefits of the Volunteer Experience

• Learn about Ecuadorian culinary arts, emphasizing interculturality and sustainability.
• Sample and study thousands of unique fruit, vegetable, nut, spice, and insect species.
• Collaborate with farmers on projects to diversify and enhance agroforestry farms.
• Research domestic and international markets for local Amazonian products.
• Opportunity to organize Farm to Table (Forest to Table) meals, showcasing forest riches and educating about traditional Amazonian foods.
• Gain knowledge in indigenous rights, ecotourism, Fair Trade, organic certifications, social entrepreneurship, and community tourism.
• Research and dissertation support is available with partner organizations and universities upon request.

Typical Internship Activities

Internships begin with an orientation in Tena. Following this, volunteers spend the first few weeks integrating with their host family and placement. Depending on placement needs, potential activities include:

• Learning ancestral farming, hunting, and fishing practices and their connection to modern cuisine and income generation.
• Identifying edible and medicinal plants, understanding their traditional culinary and medicinal importance.
• Preparing traditional dishes with locals and experimenting with flavors and spices.
• Contributing to work in the chakra (traditional agroforestry farm) through planting, weeding, and harvesting.
• Creating and/or clearing trails in medicinal plant gardens or chakras.
• Supporting eco-tourism projects and guiding visitors on forest foods, traditional Amazonian dishes, and agroforestry systems.
• Researching local Amazonian products and potential national and international markets.

Living with Host Families

Volunteers will live with host families, fostering meaningful connections within the Amazonian communities. Most host families reside in rural areas near the forest, many operating their own agroforestry farms and inviting volunteers to participate in planting, weeding, and harvesting. You will learn about and experiment with unique products like ishpingo (Amazonian cinnamon), ajo de monte (wild garlic), sacha inchik (Amazonian wild peanut), chontacuro (grub), chonta (a palm fruit), and locally-grown turmeric and ginger.

Please note: All information above is subject to change. Check the most up-to-date information on the Global Nomadic website when applying.

Key skills/competency

• Culinary Arts
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Ethnobotany
• Community Development
• Market Research
• Indigenous Rights
• Ecotourism
• Agroforestry
• Traditional Healing
• Biodiversity Preservation