Loreto Project Intern- Washington, D.C.
Organization: The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL)
Internship Title: Project Intern
Location: Washington, D.C.
Hours and Compensation: Full time, unpaid internship
Position Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Rolling
Posted on: February 7th
Organization Overview:
The northwest Amazon is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, with possible world records for everything from amphibians to trees. It may also serve as a biological refuge as the corner of the Amazon least vulnerable to drought as climate change intensifies.
In the heart of the northwest Amazon lies Loreto, a vast region in northern Peru roughly the size of Montana. Loreto is a strategic focal point in that it contains some of the most remote, intact, carbon-rich, and biodiverse tracts of rainforest remaining in the Amazon.
A group of biologists, including CIEL project scientist Dr. Matt Finer, recently found that a section of Loreto is part of a small, unique zone where four key biological groups—amphibians, birds, mammals, and vascular plants—all reach their maximum diversity within the Western Hemisphere. Scientists dubbed this zone the Quadruple Richness Center in recognition of it being the only known spot where all four groups reach peak diversity together.
In addition, many parts of Loreto are refugia for globally endangered and threatened species disappearing from more disturbed Neotropical forests. Loreto also contains numerous regional endemics found nowhere else in the world.
Loreto is also home to an incredible diversity of ethnic groups, including some of the planet’s last uncontacted peoples living in voluntary isolation.
In short, Loreto is a region of primary global significance.
However, Loreto now faces a wave of major development pressures. Oil extraction, palm oil plantations, dams, transportation projects, logging and mining concessions, and other development could, individually and cumulatively, significantly impact biodiversity and the vitality of Loreto. Illicit activities such as illegal logging, mining, and coca production are also rapidly expanding in Loreto.
The “Sustainable Loreto” project will support Loreto’s regional government and people in responding to these development projects and threats.
This research is funded in part by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and in collaboration with our Peruvian partner, DAR, the Sustainable Loreto project will help build the knowledge and the forums needed for local communities, civil society, and others to contribute to development decisions that protect biodiversity.
This information will continue to be updated as the project advances.
Description
The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) is seeking exceptionally motivated undergraduate students, graduate students, and graduates for the opportunity to gain experience in environmental policy and assessing economic development activities in Loreto, Peru. Interns/externs work full or part-time during the school year, and may receive credit from their schools. Summer interns typically work full-time during the summer months. Due to limited resources, internships and externships are unpaid.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities of an intern for the “Sustainable Loreto” Project include researching and writing about land use and economic development activities, environmental and social policies, and indigenous peoples’ territories and rights; research on current events in the Loreto region; assisting with policy analysis; attending meetings and conferences; assisting with the production of CIEL publications; translation of materials between English and Spanish; work on website maintenance and other social media; data entry; and otherwise working closely with CIEL staff on various projects.
Qualifications
Successful applicants generally possess excellent research and writing skills and a strong dedication to public interest work. Applicants for the Loreto Project internship must be fluent in written and spoken Spanish. CIEL actively seeks applicants with diverse backgrounds.
How to Apply
To apply for the Loreto Project internship in Washington, D.C., please send a cover letter, resume, and short writing samples in English and Spanish to [email protected] with “Loreto Project Intern Application” in the subject line, or mail them to:
Center for International Environmental Law
Attention Intern Coordinator – Loreto Project
1350 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 1100
Washington, D.C. 20036
