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 (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).
Accommodation and food
LIPU offers a room inside their office. All the volunteers will be accommodated in one common room equipped with 3 bunk beds and share one bathroom. Volunteers should be aware of a very basic condition and willing to live as such! Volunteers will be responsible for cooking and cleaning.
Location and leisure
Location: 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. Interest in environmental issues, protection of sea and coast. High motivation is requested. Volunteers should be aware of a very basic condition.