CREES Foundation

We develop our research, projects and initiatives from our Manu Learning Centre (MLC) situated along the river Madre de Dios in the heart of the Amazonian rainforest.

Aside from being in an incredibly beautiful and fascinating Biosphere rich in diversity, the MLC enables us to experience, share and investigate first-hand the changes and problems being caused by the increasing destruction of the Amazonian rainforests.

Through one of the CREES Foundation branch, CREES Expeditions, we are able to invite researchers, universities and volunteers to work on our sustainable development projects. We are also able to invite visitors to experience the wonder of Manu and sustainable tourism in action, spreading our message throughout the world and inviting the support the region so urgently needs.

We are a group of passionate people determined to protect the incredible diversity of the region and generate truly sustainable development that creates decent livelihoods in harmony with the natural environment. We believe that mankind and nature can support one another through balance, respect and innovation.

Ever wanted to do something different? Take a less traveled road and throw yourself into a meaningful adventure in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest. Work alongside local communities and a team of experts in conservation and help ensure a sustainable future for the Amazon and its people.

Our Vision

Join a group of passionate people determined to protect the incredible diversity of the region and generate truly sustainable development that creates decent livelihoods in harmony with the natural environment. We believe that mankind and nature can support one another through balance, respect and innovation.

Who’s Welcome?

Are you willing to take on new challenges and work to benefit others? Do you want to learn new things and meet new people? This is the spirit that makes volunteers so important to the work we do. Whether you are interested in building your CV or escaping a desk job, the CREES Volunteer programme is able to engage your individual skills, allowing you to have a unique important impact. All you need is to be 18+, be a team player, have a basic level of fitness and have more than 2 weeks free.

Program Overview

Fly in to the ancient Inca capital, Cusco, Peru and spend a day exploring the capital with your guide and team members before starting your journey to the Amazon. Leave the bustling cities behind embarking upon a journey over the Andes mountains and through the cloud forest, emerging into the lowland rainforest valleys and arriving at our research station, the Manu Learning Centre (MLC)

Here we will train you to become an active member of the ongoing project teams. The training combines some theory and overviews on subjects such as tropical ecology, climate change, sustainable agriculture, forest composition, and species recognition, but also engages volunteers in hands-on work in the field. After honing your skills, you will get involved in one of the three specific areas:

Conservation Research
Sustainable Community Initiatives
Community Capacity Building

You should have an intermediate level of Spanish to become a full time participant on this project, although no Spanish is needed to get involved.

Project Location

Peru’s rainforest is one of the last bastions of non-contacted indigenous people, a real natural paradise. The programme is based in the UNSECO World Heritage site, the Manu Biosphere Reserve. Half the size of Switzerland and hosting some of the world’s last virgin primary rainforests, it is fast becoming endangered by unsustainable activities within its borders.

Accommodation

The MLC provides comfortable, airy accommodation and top level research facilities. It is a great base for both hard work and relaxation. The centre boasts a solar powered internet connection, environmentally sound septic system and gravity fed water pumps in order to minimise its impact on the environment and reduce it's carbon footprint. What really makes the place however, is our fantastic staff who are refreshingly enthusiastic, helpful and caring.

What’s Included:

Pre Departure Pack and support by our UK office
Airport Collection and Drop-off in Cusco, Peru
Lodging in Cusco, the Manu Cloud Forest & Manu Learning Centre
Full Training and Project participation
Volunteer Certificate
Plus, a free 4 day expedition: trek to hot springs, river raft and visit native communities to try your hand at skills like weaving, cooking and archery.

What’s Not Included:

Airfares (international and domestic), insurance or vaccines.

Requirements:

Yellow Fever Vaccine
Comprehensive Insurance

What Makes Us Different?

We are a small but dedicated team of professionals who are focused on one project, in one area. We firmly believe that everyone, provided the right tools, is capable of making a positive impact. Our programme gives you real skills and understanding of conservation and community issues whilst providing an unforgettable experience.

However, most important is knowing that you leave behind a real positive impact on the lives of others.

Where Your Money Goes:

CREES Volunteer works non-for-profit and your involvement supports the projects. Please take a look at where your money goes: (*based on a 4 week programme)