Etna explorers

CODE: LEG03

Work:

Cleaning of the Basilian monks' path. Specifically, the activities will involve clearing stones and vegetation to make the path accessible. At the same time, fire prevention checks and surveillance will also be carried out.

Accommodation and food

Considering the commitments of the young members of the Circolo Etneo on the territory and aiming for increased international participation (taking into account the need to organize the camp during the summer to make the most of daylight hours and better weather). After considering various options in the area, the final choice fell on accommodation located in Montargano. The facility is surrounded by greenery, features a large outdoor space for possible gatherings, and has ample indoor space to accommodate about thirty overnight guests. Inside the facility, there are: A communal area, three Sleeping quarters, A kitchen, two bathrooms and one shower indoors and one shower outdoor. There is signal for internet and the menu will be vegetarian.

Location and leisure

The camp will be based in Montargano, in the municipality of Mascali, a small rural village of about 50 inhabitants located 656 metres above sea level on the eastern side of Mount Etna. The entire area, which looks like a veritable balcony overlooking the Ionian Sea, with its alternating wooded areas and wide lava fields, is characterised by the presence of several natural features of particular value. Among these, the so-called “Sciare di Scorciavacca” stand out, a vast lava expanse originating from one or more eruptive fractures located at an altitude of 850/900 metres, with characteristic and picturesque “slab”, “scoriaceous block” and “cord” shapes and “gut” shapes, with the presence of lava flow caves and sparse vegetation characterised by scrubland of various Mediterranean species. From an ethno-anthropological point of view, the Sciare Scorciavacca have long been used for grazing, yet there is no shortage of land reclamation and agricultural or pastoral support works, such as terraces, hydraulic works, paths, mule tracks, sheepfolds, wine presses and cisterns, built with poor materials from the same area. The secondary road network consists of a network of agricultural roads, mule tracks and paths of significant historical value due to the presence of fine stone walls along the edges and earth, cobbled and paved road surfaces. This location is ideal for nature excursions for the promotion of sustainable eco-tourism.

Project hosted by

The Circolo Etneo of Legambiente aims to protect and promote the Etna Park and the municipalities that are part of it in an eco-sustainable way. Since its establishment in 2021, the Club has promoted various restoration and clean-up initiatives in natural areas in collaboration with several municipalities. It has brought campaigns of national importance (Tree party, To school with energy!,Goletta Verde, Project SUP - Single Use Plastic, Let's clean the world, Life Earth) in collaboration with other Circoli and Legambiente Sicilia. It has organised and carried out numerous environmental education activities in schools and on the trails of Etna, making use of suitably trained educators; has received funding to launch a project (still ongoing) called “Aula Natura” (Nature Classroom) for environmental education and the restoration of historic trails; organises and runs a monthly programme of excursions every year to raise awareness of the unique features, beauty and critical issues of Mount Etna. It promotes awareness-raising activities with the aim of attracting new volunteers. It is accredited by the University of Catania for university internships. It has already organised a local volunteer camp (“Custodi dell'Etna”) and an international volunteer camp (“Guardians of Etna”).

Directions to meeting point

From the airport, take the Alibus to Piazza Giovanni XXIII station, then from there take the train to Giarre-Riposto station, where we will be waiting for you.

Requirements

A basic level of fitness is necessary, as participants will work in such enviroment not always suitable for veihicle transport.