Sustainability, Communities and Permaculture in Southeast Mexico

I first encountered Ninth Wave back in 2017 and journeyed with them in Mexico on the Usumacinta river as well as spending time in Campeche where they are based from. Not only are Jon and his amazing team pioneering truly sustainable approaches in development but the Ninth Wave ethos is powerful and deeply human. They work across a broad range of sectors, remote medical work, sustainable development, tourism, learning Spanish, so there are many fantastic opportunities to learn and get involved in the area that interests you or even just help in anything you can. The programs are run across Latin America and sometimes further afield always with an ethos which is humble, inquisitive and promoting help by listening, a refreshing approach but nontheless effective. I cannot recommend Ninth wave enough, there are so many opportunities and if you really want to learn about a place and connect with people this is how to do it. In an time of overabundant travel opportunities and 'experiences for sale' Ninth wave is unique, genuine and you will wish you had met Jon earlier.

Ninth wave were recommended to me by a friend who had volunteered with them and really enjoyed her stay. My two month stay with them from January to March this year was better than I could have imagined and I find myself back here again, like many of the volunteers who, like me, have found a project they feel they can get on board with. This is down to the leaders of the project, Jon and Amy a husband a wife team and the wonderful people they have working with them in the office, the campanario (the site for organic growing and composting) and in the community. This is a project which is highly motivating and gives responsibility to anybody who wants to take it. Campeche and the nature is obviously incredibly wild and beautiful too. You’ll have lots of free time to spend after mornings working hard, it’s a dream! wonderful vegetarian lunches included too!

I did a short but intense placement with Ninth Wave in December 2018, with my main focus being on Bat Research in Calakmul Jungle. The work these guys do is hugely inspirational. Ninth Wave consists of just a small team of massively dedicated individuals who really are making a big impact across the town. They've inspired and encouraged individuals from all over to recycle and reuse and find plastic-free alternatives in a country where sustainability isn't a priority. The amount of work these guys take on is admirable and I couldn't recommend enough a placement with them. They put in a lot of effort to make you feel at home and like an important component within the organisation. They fully support you utilising your own skills and developing interests you find along the way. I learnt so much that I never expected to learn; skills and general life lessons. You also get to experience an authentic side of mexico, and additionally how a small not-for-profit runs. You live in a traditional Mexican house in the centre of town and form strong relationships with the locals that have become an intrinsic part of Ninth Wave and it's philosophy.