Cleaning of nature reserve - 2

CODE: IG25-ESC11

Local Partners

The "Isola delle Femmine" is a nature reserve established in 1997 by the Sicilian Region and managed by LIPU (Italian league for birds protection) since then. This little uninhabited island is located in a strategic place for the migration of a specific species of bird called Gabbiano reale (Larus michahellis), this area allows them to rest from migration and to grow numerically. The regular support received along the year is not sufficient for the maintenance needed, this is the reason why InformaGiovani with LIPU organize together every year volunteering projects to support the maintenance of the natural reserve and to sensitize the local community towards the place.

Work
Work will be run on the little uninhabited island in the middle of the sea every morning. Volunteers will take a boat every day to join this place, therefore, it is compulsory to be able to swim for safety reasons! Volunteers will support natural reserve’s staff in: restoration of the flora by planting of new plants (this action is part of over thirty-year plan put in practice by Lipu and volunteers), and maintenance of existing vegetation (watering plants), maintenance of the protected area (re-building stone paths) cleaning of the protected area from litter (the area is exposed to different marine streams that bring waste from the sea) cooking meals for the group in couple and following shifts other tasks. Work will be done mainly in the morning and in case of wind or rain it will be postponed. Work is manual and demands physical effort, it is also tiring due to hot temperature and Southern sun (hat and sunblock are compulsory). Study part: Workshops on environmental topics can be implemented during afternoons following volunteers’ interest (e.g. marine litter and related-environmental disasters, reduction of plastic and the impact of incorrect waste management on seas, etc.).

Accommodation and food

Please be aware of a very basic condition provided in a camping area. ACCOMMODATION. is provided at CAMPING LA PLAYA. ONLY 2 big tents + 1 smaller will be provided for the whole group. Camp beds will be provided per person. Important! Volunteers need to bring two single bed sheets: one to be laid on the camp beds and another for covering oneself. If you need a pillow for sleeping please bring it with you (inflatable travel pillow is recommended). A small fridge will be provided mainly for storing water. FOOD. Grocery shopping is provided and volunteers will be responsible for preparing meals (lunch and dinner) divided in groups and following shifts; Toilets and showers are provided in sharing with guests in the camping area. Washing machines are available at the camping as extra costs (to be paid by volunteers if needed).

Location and leisure

Isola delle Femmine (PA), Sicily, Italy. Isola delle Femmine is an Italian town in North-Western Sicily, in the province of Palermo. It is next to the sea so volunteers can spend their free time at the beach, do water sports, snorkeling, etc... Isola is a coast-town close to Palermo and connected by bus/train. Palermo is a beautiful city where there are many sights and places to spend the free time.

Requirements

Since volunteers will take a boat every day the ability to swim is compulsory for safety reasons. Volunteers need to be highly interested in environmental issues, protection of the sea and coast. High sense of adaptation and flexibility is demanded! Volunteers need to suggest 2 topics related to the environment to organise a workshop during the project. Volunteers have to apply by writing a ML with a proposal for a workshop.

Meeting Point
Isola delle Femmine train station

NOTE: Asian Volunteers will be supported 100 Euros (in cash) on arrival