Foro de Desarrollo Sustentable

Project : Foro de Desarrollo Sustentable is a civil society organization, working in Chiapas, implementing
economical, environmental and social alternatives in order to improve indigenous farmers' life conditions.
The association is focusing on an agro-ecological farm (greenhouse, laying hens and sheep grazing and
farming).
Work : Within the association, volunteers will help in different projects : work in the greenhouse
tomatoes project, to learn more about the first cycle of production, irrigation systems, pruning plants,
organic seeds, fertilizers, laying hens and sheep grazing and farming, control of diseases, crossing of
species, bio-construction projects (ecological dry toilets, irrigation channels, rainwater collection systems,
sewage water treatment, alternative tourism, etc.)
Accommodation: Volunteers will sleep in shared cabins and will have all the basic services. Be prepared
for hand washing your own clothes (or send them to a laundry). Try to be environmentally friendly as
possible and use resources with care and modesty, especially because your behaviour is part of the
project ;)
Location : Ocosingo is located 1h30 away from San Cristobal de las Casas. The State of Chiapas, where
Ocosingo is located, is also one of the regions with the most biodiversity in the world. It offers many sights
and adventures such as waterfalls, white-water rivers, lagoons, mangroves, tropical jungles, canyons,
ancient Mayan ruins, and magnificent Pacific coast beaches, all within a half-day’s travel. Guatemala is
also a few hours away. Volunteers will have a wealth of opportunities to discover and experience this
cultural richness.
Language: English is the most common language used in workcamps, however, being able to
communicate in Spanish can be very useful. Taking the opportunity to learn or improve your Spanish while
here, will greatly enrich your experience!
Comment: You are invited to join the Intensive Spanish Week Program for Volunteers, or also a Mayan
Language Week Program if you are a Spanish speaker and you would like to discover the richness of the
Mayan living culture. The courses take place a week before your workcamp.
Terminal: The closest international airport: Angel Albino Corzo, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas (TGZ). Bus
Terminal: OCC San Cristobal de las Casas.
Extra-fee: Since we do not receive funds to support your participation in the camp, you are asked to
contribute 2,950 Mexican pesos (170 euros aprox.). It includes accommodation, food, administrative
costs, transportation within the project, and some extra activities. The fee has to be paid by volunteers to
campleader or to Natate’s Workcamps Coordinator upon arrival to the meeting point.