In 1998 local people and the government of Bahía de Caráquez invited the Planet Drum Foundation (PDF), a NGO providing a grassroots approach to ecology that emphasizes sustainability, community self-determination and regional self-reliance, to Ecuador after a series of natural disasters left their city in a terrible state.  Following this Bahía declared itself an “eco-ciudad” (eco-city), incorporating environmental policies into their by-laws.    

The current main activity of planet Drum is reforestation projects in the areas surrounding Bahía. These are long term projects repairs eroded areas, secure water supplies and return important biodiversity to these areas.
In addition the Foundation carries out an alternative environmental education program, for high school students, out of school hours. There the students learn about the natural environment surrounding them and the importance of its preservation. 

During the rainy season from December/January through to April/May the main work is tree planting. During the remainder of the year the tress are watered, for the first year of their life, the sites maintained and the ground is prepared and sites organized for the next reforestation project.  The work is manual labour and can be tough, but is only undertaken four hours a day in the morning.

Volunteers are also encouraged to assist with the eco-schools program in the afternoons, helping with materials, activities and excursions.

One month is preferred but if people want to come for less that is OK.

Bahia de Caráquez is a city of approximately 20,000 inhabitants. It is located on the central coast of Ecuador, half an hour south of the surf and beach spot Canoe, and close to other sporting and natural attractions.