Reforest the Amazon on a farm in the Peruvian jungle while researching the agroforestry potential of native tree species. This is a 4 ha natural reserve, botanic garden and 4,500-tree experimental silvopastoral system in the Madre de Dios rainforest near Puerto Maldonado, Peru, which specialises in the development of sustainable agricultural production and landscape-scale rehabilitation. We envisage an Amazon where landscapes and farmers support one another to increase the provision of ecosystem services. Our mission is to promote the development and dissemination of sustainable agriculture in the Amazon, overcoming limited local uptake resultant from insufficient knowledge of the selection, productivity potential, effect on livestock performance and management of native species in silvopastoral systems.
Research Assistants needed now to be trained in and assist with the exciting final phase of monitoring, from August 2018 to December 2018. The system has now been established for 2 years with large amounts of data gathered on tree/grass biomass accumulation and growth, physical and chemical structure, responses of trees to pollarding, and the physical and chemical properties of soils. In the upcoming months, cattle will be introduced into a silvopastoral system to assess their impacts on plant traits and forage productivity via monitoring, data analysis and qualitative considerations. All monitoring skills that are required will be taught to you but experience of forestry monitoring techniques and/or experience with cattle and agro-systems is desirable. Alongside monitoring activities; farm maintenance, weeding and cooking tasks will also be undertaken and researchers are more than welcome to undertake their own research on-site. Cooks, website designers, marketing gurus, agro- anythings, biologists, accountants, etc. have also helped in many ways so please let me know if you have a skillset to contribute alongside research acumen. In exchange for food and accommodation you will be expected to contribute around 5 hours per day of work, six days a week. We take advantage of the early hours to work to mitigate the effects of working under full sun in the system, getting up around 05:00 for early morning work and another opportunity in the afternoon, leaving the rest of the day to data entry, discussion, cooking, and fun. Long sleeves, hats, sunblock and insect repellent and sleeping bags for the odd chilly night are recommended. Shared accommodation comprising a dedicated volunteer house with electricity, wifi, shower and toilet is included alongside a shared, fully-equipped kitchen with a view over the farm. Lentils, beans and rice are always available, but everyone can contribute food ideas if a more varied diet is wanted and we go into town at the weekend to do a big varied shop at the local market. TO APPLY FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY PLEASE EMAIL [email protected] WITH AN EMAIL TITLED 'REVERDE RESEARCH ASSISTANT', including your proposed dates of stay (minimum 4 weeks), and any relevant experience. You can also contact me on whatsapp 0051997 860 977 or skype lucy.dablin
