Are you passionate about water resilience and sustainability in the Amazon?
The UNESCO Amazon Water Resilience Challenge: Ecuador Edition is calling for young changemakers to take action! This program empowers youth and young professionals to develop innovative water solutions for the Podocarpus-El Cóndor Biosphere Reserve while joining a unique program of training, mentorship, field work and the opportunity to get seed-money to implement your solution! Read the stories from past UNESCO Water Resilience Challenges here.
Check the eligibility criteria and application details below and register no later than 19 April 2025!
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the program, it is required that:
- You have the Ecuadorian nationality.
- You work, study or live in one of Ecuador’s 7 Biosphere Reserves (*).
- You are between 18 and 35 years.
- You study at a university or you have graduated from a university.
- You are passionate about water, environment and climate.
- You want to make a personal contribution to sustainability.
- You commit to fully participate in all online and offline program activities.
- You have a computer/laptop with internet access and a webcam to participate in the online training program.
People with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We offer equal opportunities to women and men.
(*) The following cantons are covered by Ecuador’s Biosphere Reserves:
1. RB Podocarpus-El Cóndor: Saraguro, Yacuambi, Loja, Quilanga, Espíndola, Palanda, Chinchipe, Nangaritza, Zamora y Paquisha
2. RB Yasuní: Pastaza, Arajuno, Tena, Fransisco de Orellana y Aguarico
3. RB Sumaco: Gonzalo Pizarro, El Chaco, Quijos, Archidona, Tena, Carlos Julio Arosemena Tola, Loreto y Fransisco de Orellana
4. RB Galápagos: Toda la provincia
5. RB Chocó Andino: Quito, San Miguel de los Bancos, Pedro Vicente Maldonado y Otavalo
6. RB Macizo del Cajas: Cuenca, San Fernando, Girón, Santa Isabel, Pucará, Camio Ponce Enriquez, Pasaje, Machala, El Guabo, Balao, Naranjal, Cañar, Biblian, Azogues y Deleg
7. RB Bosque Seco: Zapotillo, Macará, Sozoranga, Celica, Pindal, Puyango, Las Lajas y Palta
Key Activities & Dates
Online welcome for all selected participants.
Online official launch
Online training from 09:00-12:00 Ecuador time (UTC-5).
Field week in Loja and the Podocarpus Biosphere Reserve. If you live outside Loja, we expect you arrive on 15 May (hotel will be arranged for you). On 19 May, the program will end late afternoon. If you are not able to travel back home that day, we will arrange an extra night hotel.
Work on the team assignment. You and your team can plan your own time to work on the assignment. You should expect to spend at least 20 hours on the assignment.
Final solution presentation (online)
If your team is selected for the Implementation phase, you should expect to spend time on your project (also in the Podocarpus Biosphere Reserve). The amount of time will depend on the scale and complexity of your project. Your team will receive seed-money to pay for expenses and materials.
Cost of participation
- There are NO cost to register and participate.
- If you are selected, we pay for all travel, accommodation and meals for you to join the field week.
Application Deadline
Deadline: 19 April 2025, 11:59 PM Ecuador time (UTC-5). Selected participants will be notified via email by 23 April, 2025. Ensure your contact details are correct and check your email regularly!
If you have further enquiries, check our Frequently Asked Questions.
Application & Submission Process
Step 1: Express your Motivation
We ask that you provide a motivation to explain why you want to participate in the program. You can choose from two options:
- Write a motivation letter of maximum 300 words in which you explain (1) why you want to participate, (2) what you believe you can offer to the program and (3) what your expectation is about what you can learn and achieve during the program.
(OR)
- Record a 1-minute personal video in which you explain (1) why you want to participate, (2) what you believe you can offer to the program and (3) what your expectation is about what you can learn and achieve during the program.
Step 2: Submit the motivation letter or video
Email your motivation letter or video to [email protected] with the subject line “[Your Name] Registration for UNESCO Amazon Water Resilience Challenge: Ecuador Edition”. (If your file size is too large to send by email, please upload it in Google Drive and email us the link.)
Step 3: Complete the Registration Form
Registration Form for UNESCO Amazon Water Resilience Challenge: Ecuador Edition
