Nature Parc Ela - Preserving traditional cultivated landscapes (Savognin GR)

CODE: CH-SCI 10.4

Description: Parc Ela is a regional nature park in the east of Switzerland in the canton of Graubünden. It is located in the middle of the Alps. The nature parks organisation is committed to preserve the cultivated landscape, support local sustainable economy and cultural heritage. The park maintains diverse wildlife from 740 to 3418 meters above sea level. One of the Parc Ela's projects is to maintain and reconstruct dry stone walls that characterize the landscape and historic routes for centuries.

Type of Work: Together with professionals from Parc Ela, you will reconstruct dry stone walls along a historic road during the 1st week. Although built with stones only, these walls can last for centuries. You will learn a handcraft that is known for generations, preserving a cultural heritage which provides biotopes to highly adapted plants and animals. During the 2nd week you will promote the maintenance, care and protection of the alpine biodiversity by supporting organic farmers maintaining their alpine grazing lands. The work in a breathtaking alpine landscape can include tasks such as, removing trees and bushes from the grazing lands, trail maintenance to ensure access for the animals to the grazing lands, renewing fences around ponds, to protect the biodiversity in the ponds (e.g. dragonflies).

Study Theme: Every day you will receive various inputs with interesting information about your tasks, local wildlife and regional history. Topics will be adapted to the volunteer's interest. These informative inputs will be an integral part of your work time and last up to an hour per day.

Accommodation: Volunteers stay in a spacious underground accommodation (sleeping rooms are without windows in a civil protection shelter, but are still comfortable - see pictures). Mattresses, woolen blankets and bedsheets will be provided. If possible, bring your own warm sleeping bag and slippers, as it can be a bit cold during the evening/night. The accommodation is equipped with a washing room to do hand washing, multiple toilets and showers. There will be WiFi at the accommodation. Please be aware, that the connection can be slow. There is Free Wi-Fi in the village accessible 24/7.

Language: Camp language is English. Local languages are Romansh (regularly spoken by only 60'000 people) and Swiss German. Spoken languages at the camp site are English, Romansh or German.

Requirements: For work, it is necessary to wear good hiking/working boots that cover the ankles & to bring working clothes. Please be aware that the work is physically demanding as you are lifting stones! In case you are suffering from back issues, this workcamp is not recommended.

INCOMING/ADDITIONAL FEE for volunteers applying via Partner organisations & Contacts of SCI: https://scich.org/en/incoming-fee/

Notes: Max. 3 minor volunteers living in Switzerland are accepted.

Be prepared to spend time without your phone.

Volunteers cook the food that can be bought at the local grocery store (and therefore mostly from regional and sustainable resources) on their own. We recommend to limit your meat consumption, so as to contribute to the camp’s principle of sustainability.

You will get an introduction to the Romansh language, receive information about its history and learn some basic words. On Sunday, 10th of August, the traditional Felsenfest (Rock and Stones Festival) takes place in Bivio, where the African and Eurasian continents meet. You can visit the festival, enjoy some local meals, meet locals and visitors and experience the fascinating world of stones and rocks.