Rainforest Retreat Eco Lodge and WARPED NGO
Job Location: Kodagu District, Karnataka – India
Employment Date: Semester Long
Work Schedule: Full-time
Salary: Up to 5000 Rs per month may be paid to management interns. Plus room and board
Organization Description:
The
eco-lodge: Rainforest Retreat is a unique project that combines
sustainable tourism with sustainable agriculture and environmental
education. The eco-lodge (6 rooms) is situated on a Certified Organic
farm in the rainforests of the Western Ghats of Karnataka state. We
cater to environmentally conscious travelers who want to experience a
harmonious existence with nature. We also organize and host workshops
and educational programs with emphasis on organic farming, sustainable
living, rainforest ecology and biodiversity for students and special
interest groups such as organic farmers. We are recognized as one of
India's leading eco-lodges and received a 1st prize award from Eco-Club
International in 2005. We have also been featured in several articles.
The
farm: The Mojo Plantation spice farm is located in one of the highest
rainfall zones of Kodagu District, Karnataka. At 1100m altitude, we
receive 3500-5000mm (200 inches) of rain annually, most of it between
June and September. The plantation is also densely forested with native
trees. While this environment places limitations on the types and
quantities of crops we can grow, it creates its own unique flavors which
are reflected in the excellent quality of our organic produce. Our
crops are: cardamom, coffee, black pepper, vanilla, kokam, fruits and
some tree spices.
We
welcome and encourage all forms of organic farming whether it be
revival of traditional practices (such as panchkavya), biodynamic
farming, permaculture or natural farming; they all result in alive and
healthy soils which are the foundation of a strong agri-ecosystem.
The
NGO (WAPRED): WAPRED was established in 1996 to raise environmental
awareness and develop sustainable means of agriculture for this fragile
environment. Until now the major research project has been to develop
and field test botanically derived pest control agents and integrate
them with both scientific and traditional methods of organic
agriculture.
In
addition to cultural experience of rural India, the intern would gain a
valuable experience and learn about sustainable livelihoods in rural
India, fragile and complex rainforest eco-system, conservation vs
development issues, eco-tourism etc.
Job Description:
· There are two types of internships offered:
· 1)
Hospitality and tourism - Manager/Naturalist Apprenticeship This
position is for someone in the hospitality/tourism sector who wants to
gain some practical 'hands on' experience in managing a well established
small eco-resort. basically, they would be required help out in all
aspects of management including supervision of house-keeping, kitchen,
office (accounts, internet) public relations and conducting interpretive
tours of the property and discussing ecological issues (after receiving
adequate training from us). some science background is useful but not
essential as long as the person has an interest in nature/ ecology/
agriculture. Other requirements are physical fitness, computer
proficiency, good communication skills (in English), self-confidence and
sense of responsibility. after a suitable training period, the
candidate will be expected to independently manage and supervise overall
smooth functioning of the retreat. Free accommodation and food will be
provided and because this is the equivalent of junior manager position a
stipend of up to rs 5000/month can also be given if required. No
language requirement other than English. Duration of 9- 10 months, from
September to June (5 months of January to June is also possible).
· 2)Intern
in ecology/agriculture/sustainable development - In addition to the
cultural experience of rural India, the intern would gain a valuable
experience and learn about sustainable livelihoods, organic agriculture,
fragile and complex rainforest eco-system, conservation vs development
issues, eco-tourism etc. There is always a need for helping hands with
the farm, NGO and guesthouse activities. The specific duties will be
determined by the background and interest of the intern but they should
be willing to help out wherever needed. The activities are quite diverse
and can include general farm work (landscaping, gardening, and
maintaining nursery), visits to local farms, research, documentation,
packaging and marketing of organic produce, teaching English, helping
with educational workshops, conducting interactive interpretation tours
of the farm with student groups and guests of the retreat.
Qualifications: We
welcome interns from any academic background. Students with backgrounds
in biology, agriculture, ecology, development are obvious candidates
but there is good scope for creative persons with arts/design and crafts
(pottery, carpentry) skills.
Must be sincere, enthusiastic and have some interest in nature/agriculture and sustainable living.
Language Ability Needed: There
is no specific language requirement (other than English) but a
willingness to learn will be an asset. The local language is Kannada and
the national language is Hindi.
Duration of Internship: 3 to 10 months between September and June