---

Conduct Research at a Ceiba Project Site

Part of the mission of the Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation is to promote the study of tropical ecosystems, their flora and fauna, and how they are viewed and utilized by local people.  We encourage researchers interested in the study of tropical systems, through biological, ecological, anthropological or sociological research, to consider conducting studies at one of Ceiba's project sites:  the El Pahuma Orchid Reserve, in Pichincha province, and the Lalo Loor Dry Forest in Manabí province.

Guidelines for Researchers

It is the responsibility of all researchers to obtain the appropriate permits for conducting their research in Ecuador.  Researchers are required to conduct themselves at all times in a professional manner while participating in Ceiba projects or working at Ceiba sites.  Researchers are requested to cite Ceiba and any project locations (e.g., reserves, etc.) in any publications relating to work conducted while working on approved projects.  Researchers must produce and submit a final written report on progress made during field work, which must be received by Ceiba no later than 60 days after the conclusion of the study.  All researchers are expected to provide Ceiba with copies of data, notes, maps, photos, recordings, theses or publications that result from your work.  Researchers are expected and encouraged to pass on their knowledge, and the information they have collected, to local people whenever possible.  If appropriate, you may organize workshops, seminars and other presentations, and should at all times strive to involve those with whom you routinely interact (landowners, local students, field assistants, et al.).

Liability and Insurance

Researchers that work on Ceiba projects or at our project sites are encouraged to carry personal health and accident insurance that covers any injuries or illnesses sustained while abroad.  All approved researchers, volunteers and interns that work on Ceiba-managed sites must sign a standard waiver releasing Ceiba from responsibility for any illness, accident, or injury incurred during their stay in Ecuador.  The Ecuadorian landscape can be quite rugged, and conducting field work in Ceiba sites will require that you to be in good physical condition.  Researchers should consult their local physician or travel health agency to obtain necessary or recommended vaccinations for travel and work abroad.

In-Country Travel

Ceiba can help you with transport from the airport to the site(s) of your field work.  We have excellent contacts with a number of private transportation companies, and staff routinely traveling from Quito to project sites may be able to take you along.  We can also provide you with information regarding frequent busses that service all parts of Ecuador. Please contact us if you would like further assistance with your travel plans.

Project Termination

Ceiba reserves the right to dismiss any researcher from a project site, for any reason deemed sufficiently severe by Ceiba and the local site managers.  Persons subject to dismissal will be notified in writing of the termination of their research project and the reasons for expulsion.  Expulsion of participants may result from cases such as:  1) gross deviations from approved research plan, 2) misuse of site facilities, 3) improper professional or personal conduct, 4) misrepresentation of Ceiba and our goals and 5) violation of management guidelines in reserves. To date, we have never had cause to dismiss a researcherñ we are confident in the qualifications and professionalism of our participants and provide these guidelines so that all are aware of our policy.

Researcher Rates

Researchers are responsible for their own housing and living expenses in Ecuador.  At the present time, we do not offer grants or other financial support for researchers.  The current housing rate for approved researchers is indicated below:

Researcher rates for the El Pahuma Orchid Reserveand the Bosque Seco Lalo Loor Reserve are:

Food and Lodging:	$ 15 per day (includes 3 meals)
	$ 450 per month (includes 3 meals/day)

Payment for your first month of housing, or for your entire stay if less than one month must be received by Ceiba at least 5 working days prior to your arrival at the project site.  Payment is accepted in U.S. dollars only by check, cash or money order at either Ceiba's U.S. office in Chicago or at our office in Ecuador (contact info and maps). 

Latin American citizens (Central and South America), may be eligible for subsidized housing at project sites.  If you would like for Ceiba to assist you in making housing arrangements in places other than in our on-site facilities, please contact Ceiba when you submit your application.

Application Procedure

Students and scientists interested in conducting research in Ceiba sites should submit the application materials listed below - incomplete applications will not be considered.  Researchers are expected to comply with the regulations and guidelines described in this document, including the general responsibilities.  While we will consider proposals on any relevant topic, we are particularly encouraging research related to orchid systematics, ecology and conservation, the ecology of the Spectacled Bear, montane and/or dry forest herpetofauna and avifauna, and the relationship between dry forest conservation and water quality.  Please note that researchers are responsible for obtaining the appropriate research/collection permits and visas from the government of Ecuador.  Ceiba can provide you with guidance on the proper authorities with whom to correspond.  Researchers will not be allowed to begin work at Ceiba sites until all appropriate permits and visas are obtained from Ecuador, so we urge you to begin the permitting process as soon as possible.

To apply, send the following materials to Ceiba no later than 45 days prior to your intended start date.  Applications should be mailed to the address below:

1. Ceiba research application (apply online - or download PDF file).
2. Your CV (curriculum vitae) or resume.
3. A research abstract in Spanish - 500 words or less, briefly stating the objectives, hypotheses, methods and expected results of your research.
4. A 2-page max. research proposal (in English or Spanish) detailing background, objectives and hypotheses, methods, expected results, anticipated publications, schedule and sources of funding; please provide a thorough description of any collections, introductions or other manipulations you propose to make.
5. Name, address, phone and email of at least three references who can comment on your proposed research.
6. A passport photo.
7. A $15 non-refundable processing fee (check or money order in U.S. dollars).

You may email or fax items 1-5, but we must receive items 6 and 7 by regular mail before your application can be considered.  Applicants who are already in Ecuador may submit the materials and application fee to Ceiba's representative in Quito (contact Ceiba for details).  Please send all materials to:

Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation
Volunteer & Research Coordinator
2319 North Cleveland
Chicago, IL 60614 U.S.A.
Fax: (773) 871-3798
Email Ceiba

You will be notified within one month of receipt of all your application materials if your research project has been approved - please plan your research schedule accordingly.  We may request to interview you, particularly for positions that require specific skills.  Ceiba may suggest alterations to your project, for example, to minimize its impact on the site ecosystem.

Mission and Goals of Ceiba

The Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation is a non profit organization dedicated to the preservation and rehabilitation of tropical habitats, and the conservation of their plants and animals.  Our mission is to sponsor scientific research, provide public education and support community-based actions that promote the conservation of ecosystem integrity and biodiversity.  Ceiba's specific objectives are:  1) support community-based wildlife and habitat conservation efforts in tropical South and Central America, 2) implement resource management practices that maintain ecosystem integrity and biodiversity, 3) teach applied ecology and management principles in field courses, seminars and technical training workshops, 4) monitor the impacts of human land uses on ecosystems, habitats and species diversity, and 5) facilitate communication between conservation organizations, farmers, scientists, and resource managers.