IPBio
IPBio is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that develops and supports projects in environmental education and scientific research on biodiversity, ecology as well as on the behavior of species of fauna and flora of Brazilian ecosystems. IPBio was created in 2007 and is located on the Betary Reserve, a 60 hectare preserved area, in the municipality of Iporanga which is situated in the Ribeira Valley. The region is home to the largest surviving contiguous area of Atlantic Forest. IPBio always combines research with education. Our infrastructure was designed to conduct research while simultaneously allow visitors on the reserve to visualize and learn about our native species. Our research always strives to have educational applications, such as the production of eBooks, so that our projects not only pertain to the scientific world but entice citizens to understand and care about nature. In addition to research and education, IPBio’s mission is to encourage conservation, management and sustainable use of natural resources; and promote the development of eco-tourism and cultural projects.
Location
Betary Reserve - Iporanga, São Paulo, Brazil
320 km from São Paulo/SP and 180 km from Curitiba/PR
General info
Duration: all programs start at 4 weeks.
Languages: intermediate knowledge of either portuguese or english necessary in all programs
Prerequisites: you must be at least 18 years old
Dedication: 30-40 hours a week
Accommodation and food:
All volunteer programs developed at IPBio include accommodation inside the project ranging from shared dormitory and bathroom to private room with private bathroom.
Food is not provided, but cooking facilities are available for your use.
We currently need help with
Aquarium Research & Maintenance
The volunteer will be in charge of the research as well as general care of the aquarium.
Animal Release Center Collaborator
You will primarily focus on the release of native birds and monitoring their progress after reintroduction.
Biodiversity Research Assistant
Specific research project as an assistant, split your time between a couple of projects or assist in all research projects where needed.
Bioacoustics Research
Research sounds of nature and operate specific equipment to document your findings.
Tree Inventory and Monitoring
Collected information on morphological characteristics, occurrence, wood, utility, ecological information and more.
Amphibian Researcher
Conduct research on amphibian reproductive habits and embryology in captivity
Bioluminescent Mushroom Researcher
Our region has the highest concentration of bioluminescent mushrooms in the world, come work with us to preserve it.
Website Developer
IPBio is looking for a web developer to add new content and new features to our website.
Volunteer Coordinator
We are looking for a Volunteer Coordinator who can support the Volunteer Manager in organizing the daily tasks of volunteers.
Communicator
Help raise awareness about the Institute and its projects. Support our communications!
Reserve maintenance and Gardening
Our gardener, Rafael, always needs help maintaining the grounds, trails, animal enclosures, vegetable patch and microclimate greenhouse.
Not what you were looking for? At IPBio all help is needed as long as nature is your thing! So if you like this organization, send an email to and find out how you can help.