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

CODE: CH-SCI 11.4

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 historic dry stone walls during the first week. Dry stone walls are built only with stones. Although no concrete or cement is used to build walls, it can last for centuries. You will learn a handcraft that is known for generations. You will help to preserve this cultural heritage which provides biotopes to highly adapted plants and animals. Please be aware that the work is physically demanding as you are lifting stones! In case you are suffering from back issues, this volunteer camp is not recommended. Be aware that the reconstruction of dry stone walls progresses slowly as each stone needs to be placed individually to fit well in the stone wall and this takes time to arrange – so it is normal, that this type of work progresses slowly.

During the second 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, or renewing traditional wood fences. Working days will be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Because of the hard work you will get an additional free day on Wednesday. Working days start at 8:00 am until 5:00 pm (including transport to the working site, multiple breaks per day and study time).

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

All volunteers will stay in a spacious underground accommodation (sleeping rooms are in a civil protection shelter - there are no windows in the sleeping rooms, but the accommodation is still comfortable). Mattresses, woolen blankets, and mattress covers will be provided. If possible, bring your own warm sleeping bag and slippers as it can be a bit cold during the evening and night. The accommodation is fully equipped with multiple toilets and showers and a washing room to do hand washing of your laundry (no washing machine available, therefore take enough clothes to change with you). There will be WiFi at the accommodation. There is also Free Wi-Fi in the village at the tourist office accessible 24/7 (you need to walk there).

Be aware that you will be sharing the spaces together with the other volunteers, please be therefore mindful in the use of the spaces and decide as a group, how you would like to use the spaces (night time, cleanliness, etc.) and how you plan to split-up the chores. The camp coordinator will assist the group with organising themselves.

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

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: Please be aware that the work is physically demanding as you are lifting stones! In case you are suffering from back issues, this volunteer camp is not recommended.

Additional information

Why did SCI Switzerland choose to support this volunteer camp? The project promotes the conservation and reconstruction of dry stone walls and therefore a lot of knowledge about local history and work traditions can be learned. The project meets SCI Switzerland's goals to support nature and landscape preservation and the conservation of local traditions.

Max. 3 minor volunteers are accepted.

For volunteers applying via Partner Organisations & Contacts of SCI, an additional fee of 50 EUR, also referred to as the incoming fee, is due and needs to be given in cash to the camp coordinator during the camp : https://scich.org/en/incoming-fee/