ECOSARA - Estación Ecológica de San Rafael

ECOSARA, the Estación Ecológica de San Rafael, is a new volunteer programme developed by Pro Cosara. Charged with the conservation of San Rafael, arguably the most threatened and biodiverse reserve in Paraguay, Pro Cosara and ECOSARA offer volunteers the opportunity to work on year-round scientific and conservation projects in one of the most important but under-studied reserves on the planet. With a permanent scientific staff and the forest on the doorstep ECOSARA has been designed to stimulate biological research in the San Rafael area to establish a scientific basis for conservationist claims as to the importance of San Rafael.

The Vision

ECOSARA is a not for profit biological station staffed by professionals and assisted by a constant stream of ecologically-minded volunteers with one stated aim, to help save one of the world´s most important, but little known Atlantic Forest Reserves - San Rafael National Park in southern Paraguay.

The Mission

"To assist in the conservation of Parque Nacional San Rafael through the study of its biodiversity and highlight the local and international importance of the reserve by widespread dissemination of its findings"

What does ECOSARA offer?

ECOSARA offers a variety of programmes for conservation-minded volunteers, students and professional scientists. Click the links below to find out more about them.

• Research Volunteerships in which volunteers assist with scientific field work, learn new techniques and get the opportunity to see their name and the results of their work in print. No scientific experience necessary.
• Conservation Volunteerships for volunteers with a social conscience, including community programmes, conservation administration and the opportunity to work as a park ranger.
• Internships for students considering a career in research, this is the opportunity to get some real experience of fieldwork in the Neotropics, develop your own research project and learn new skills to make you a more effective scientist.
• Visiting Researcher all the support needed for professional scientists so that they can work in safety and in comfort - the only thing you need worry about are your results!