Environmental project in the
botanical reserve in Monte Barro
Monte Barro, Lomabardia
May 26 - June 8, 2013
Volunteer project: Monte Barro is a
really interesting small mountain, located in a hilly area between Milan
and Lecco. In such a small area (665 ha), volunteers will find a high
variety of landscapes and biodiversity, matching with history and
culture. From their accommodation on the top of the mountain, volunteers
will have the chance to admire the beautiful landscape offered by the
pre-Alps chain and Como Lake. The volunteers will also have the
possibility to visit the archaeological site, the bird-watching point
and the ethnographic museum located inside the Monte Barro Park, while
having relaxing walks. International volunteer groups have worked for
years in the Park, helping in the conservation and enhancement of the
biodiversity.
The volunteers will be manually removing weeds on the top of the mountain to encourage the breeding of rare flowers, which makes the Park an extraordinary natural botanical garden.
Special remarks: Ability and predisposition to walk and work on mountain paths is required.
Language: English
Accommodation: The volunteers will be hosted in a guesthouse provided with beds, showers, and a well-equipped kitchen.
Location: Galbiate, Lecco district, Lombardia region, North of Italy - Monte Barro Regional Park
Terminal: Milan International Airports / Lecco railway station
Age range: 18 and over
Restoration of urban and green
areas in Abruzzo
Guardiagrele, Abruzzo
June 10 - June 23, 2013
Volunteer project: The project is dedicated to the restoration of urban areas and green areas in the town of Guardiagrele, the main centre of the Parco Nazionale della Majella.
The volunteers will use manual tools like rakes, blades, picks, hatchets, brushes, saws. Every morning, we'll go from the hostel to the different sites and trails, and work until 5 o’clock.
Language: English
Accommodation: The volunteers will be accommodated in a hostel.
Location: Guardiagrele is a town in the province of Chieti, part of the Abruzzo region of central Italy.
Terminal: The closest airport is the International Airport of Abruzzo. The closest train station is Pescara Centrale or Chieti.
Age range: 18 and over
Revitalizing green spaces in
Campania
Afragola, Campania
June 17 - June 30, 2013
Volunteer project: The project will take place in Afragola, a city near Naples. There are large green areas that will be recovered by the international volunteers. The group will also take part in sporting and cultural events, organised in cooperation with the local community.
The volunteers will work on cleaning and recovering of large green areas of the city. New signs will be installed in cooperation with local volunteers, who are involved in the environmental safeguarding and the development of the area.
Language: English
Accommodation: The volunteers will be hosted in a community centre.
Location: Afragola, Napoli, in Campania region.
Terminal: Capodichino Napoli Internation Airport and Casoria FS train station
Age range: 18 and over
Environmental
cleanup and fauna monitoring at Pusiano Lake
Valle del Lambro, Lombardia
June 23 - July 6, 2013
Volunteer project: The Lambro Valley looks like a long green tunnel that connects Milan to the Pre-Alps. This area is very important as it represents a natural defense against soil exploitation. The park, located in the green Brianza, is also very rich of historic treasures like ancient villas and churches.
The volunteers will be involved in cleaning the beaches of Lake Pusiano. They will also help the park staff in monitoring and capturing the Louisiana Shrimp, as well as bird ringing activities.
Language: English
Accommodation: Volunteers will be hosted in a guest house.
Location: Pusiano, Como district, a small town overlooking the lake, Lambro Valley Park
Terminal: Milano Malpensa or Milano Linate or Orio al Serio Airport / Ferrovie Nord from Milano Cadorna to Erba (Co) Railway Station.
Age range: 18 and over
Renovating a historic trail and
preparing the traditional festival of Pollone
Pollone, Piemonte
June 25 - July 9, 2013
Volunteer project: The project will take place in Pollone, a small village hosting the Special Nature Reserve of Burcina Park. In this landscapes, it’s possible to walk in mountain paths, see farms, churches, beautiful villas that adorn the road from Pollone to the next village Sordevolo. A characteristic element is the agriculture with the breeding cow “Pezzata rossa d’Oropa”.
The volunteers will be involved in cleaning and maintenance of the historical path dedicated to Pier Giorgio Frassati (a prominent figure in the local history and culture) and helping in the preparation of the traditional festival “Palio dei Rioni”, in cooperation with local volunteers who work for the environmental safeguard and the development of the area.
Language: English
Accommodation: The volunteers will be hosted in the building of the middle school in Pollone, in mixed rooms.
Location: Pollone is a small village in the Elvo Valley, one of the 5 valleys that compose the district of Biella, in Piedmont region.
Terminal: Milan or Torino International airports; Biella train station.
Age range: 18 and over
Preserving, promoting and
improving access to the archeological park of Cava Ispica
Cava D’Ispica, Sicilia
June 29 - July 14, 2013
Volunteer project: Cava Ispica can be considered as one of the most enchanting naturalistic areas of the whole region and it is also an important historical site that dates back to prehistoric times. Moreover, the historical centre of Modica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The project aims to recover this archeological and natural area.
The multiple objectives of this initiative aim to the conservation of the archaeological site through voluntary work and cultural exchange, covering a range of activities such as nature walks, visits to the baroque city, museums and participation in all initiatives promoted by the local community. The workcamp experience can be an occasion for learning about and promoting the historical-architectural and natural characteristics of the Iblean region.
The project activities will take place in the "Archaeological Park Cava Ispica": cleaning the paths from weeds, restoration of the trails which are no more accessible and organization of cultural events.
Special remarks: The place is very isolated, and it won’t be possible to use cell phone (there is no reception). Resistance to hot climate is required.
Language: English
Accommodation: Volunteers will be hosted in a typical Iblean building, with 15 beds, bathrooms and a kitchen.
Location: Cava d'Ispica is a 13 km natural canyon, between the towns of Modica and Ispica, surrounded by the typical Mediterranean vegetation of South East Sicily. This area is a very important naturalistic site and represents an important historic site from prehistoric age to middle age. The Historical centre of Modica and the Val di Noto Valley are part of UNESCO Heritage Sites in Italy.
Terminal: Catania Airport
Age range: 18 and over
Restoration of urban parks in
Novara
Novara, Piemonte
June 30 - July 13, 2013
Volunteer project: The volunteers will work in three major parks of the city of Novara, cleaning, restoring, giving them a new identity and raising people’s awareness, in order to use the green areas in a responsible way.
The volunteers will be involved, in cooperation with local volunteers, in cleaning the parks and collecting waste, pruning the trees, restoring and painting the benches.
Language: English
Accommodation: The volunteers will be hosted in the gym of an elementary school in mixed rooms.
Location: Novara is a city on the edge of the Ticino Park, a few kilometres from Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta. Symbol of the city is the dome of Saint Gaudenzio’s Basilica, 121 metres tall.
Terminal: Milano Malpensa Airport; Novara train station.
Age range: 18 and over
Environmental and historic
preservation of the area of Lavino Hot Springs
Scafa, Abruzzo
July 1 - July 15, 2013
Volunteer project: The Regional Park of Lavino Hot Springs has
a huge archaeological, historical and environmental importance thanks to
its peculiar hot springs, the old mineral caves, the canals and an old
water mill.
The volunteers’ tasks include the restoration and conservation of the
area of Sulphureous Sources of the Lavino River and the Mill of the
1600. The main actions will be: the restoration of the Mill, cleaning of
some features of the paths that are more used by tourists, maintenance
of the equipped areas, cleaning of the area of the ancient flour mill,
fed from the Sulphureous Sources of the Lavino river.
Volunteers will be involved in cleaning paths, maintaining of the equipped areas, cleaning adjacent area of the 17th-century flour mill, contributing to the organisation of local events.
Language: English
Accommodation: Volunteers will stay in a guesthouse near the Park.
Location: Scafa, a lovely small village in Abruzzo, near Pescara, in Central Italy, about 170 km from Rome. The volunteers will work in the Sulphureous Sources Park of Lavino.
Terminal: Roma International airports; Chieti train station.
Age range: 18 and over
Restoration of the historic park
and lake in Spresiano
Spresiano, Veneto
July 1 - July 14, 2013
Volunteer project: In Spresiano, there is Villa Giustiniani Recanati, a mansion from XVI century, placed in a wide historical park. A part of this park (12000 square meters) is open to the public and it’s maintained by the local government and volunteers. The park has a big naturalistic importance, and inside there’s a small artificial lake that was abandoned and now needs maintenance.
Volunteers will be involved in the works of maintenance of the ancient park. The activities will be cleaning paths, consolidation of the banks of the small lake, repair of the fence of the lake.
Special
remarks: All participants have to be able to ride a bike.
Language: English
Accommodation: The volunteers will be hosted in a school.
Location: Spresiano is a village of 12.000, located in the middle of the Trevigiana’s plain, on the right side of Piave river.
Terminal: Venezia - Marco Polo airport / Treviso – railway station
Age range: 18 and over
Building and renovating hiking
paths near Florence
Montemurlo, Toscana
July 1 - July 15, 2013
Volunteer project: Montemurlo is a village situated 20 km from Florence’s centre. This area has various geological compositions and the site got the “maintenance interest”. From Monteferrato hills is taken off the precious green marble that was used to build parts of the Cathedral of Florence. Many and various kinds of woods and agriculture sectors are present in this area.
The international volunteers in this project will be involved in making and renovating paths.
Language: English
Accommodation: In a school
Location: Montemurlo, Prato, Toscana region.
Terminal: Florence and Pisa international airports
Age range: 18 and over
renovation and development of
ancient paths in Sila National Park
San Giovanni in Fiore, Calabria
July 1 - July 14, 2013
San Giovanni in Fiore, Calabria
August 19 - September 1, 2013
Volunteer project: In the Sila National Park, near the naturalistic Oasis Ariamacina, volunteers will be involved in the recovery of a path along an old railway. The aim of the project is to restore and enhance the old transhumance routes, along which there is a precious local architectural and cultural heritage.
Volunteers will contribute to the renovation and development of ancient paths, in order to create the "greenways" that hikers, bicycle and disabled, tourists and students will be able to use.
Language: English
Accommodation: The volunteers will be hosted in a guest-house
Location: San Giovanni in Fiore (Cs), Parco Nazionale della Sila, Calabria
Terminal: Lamezia Terme airports; Cosenza train station.
Age range: 18 and over
Improvement
of trails and organizing a traditional festival in the Oasi Zegna conservation area
Trivero - Mosso, Piemonte
July 4 - July 18, 2013
Volunteer project: The project will take place in the mountains near Trivero and Mosso, two neighbouring villages in the Oasi Zegna. The Zegna oasis is a park that covers an area of around 40 sq.km along the oriental side of the Biella Alps. Volunteers will have the chance to admire this marvellous alpine landscape by taking nice walks in the woods.
Volunteers will be involved in cleaning and maintenance of mountain paths, cooperating with local volunteers. They will also participate in the organization of the traditional fest of Bulliana hamlet.
Language: English
Accommodation: The volunteers will be hosted in the local school and they will sleep in mixed rooms.
Location: Trivero and Mosso are two small villages in the Mosso Valley, one of the 5 valleys that compose the district of Biella, in Piedmont region, North-West Italy.
Terminal: Milan or Torino International airports; Biella train station
Age range: 18 and over
Preserving
and restoring the archaeological, natural and cultural heritage of
Certosa Island
Venezia, Veneto
July 6 - July 20, 2013
Volunteer project: The main objective of the project is to contribute to the prestige of the lagoon and its islands by preserving and restoring the archaeological, natural and cultural heritage of Certosa. The work to encourage authorities, citizens and public opinion to take care of their World Heritage and to ensure the protection of their natural and cultural heritage is also an important aspect of the project. Finally, the project aims at raising awareness about environmental values to improve the ecological and cultural education in the region. The project is organized for the sixth year in Certosa Island, and has involved more than 200 national and international volunteers since the beginning of the activities on the island.
Volunteers will be involved in the maintenance of Certosa’s structures and naturalistic paths, in order to make the access to the natural park and its archaeological sites easier. Furthermore, volunteers will organise community activities and events.
Special remarks: Volunteers should be able to adapt to a camping life-style.
Language: English
Accommodation: Volunteers will be hosted in a green area of the Island, in one big tent for 12, people equipped with camp beds.
Location: Certosa Island is located in the splendid landscape of the Park of the Lagoon. It has an important and strategic position between the Venice city centre and the sea.
Terminal: Venezia “Marco Polo” Airport or Treviso Airport.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 80 Euro
Trail maintenance and cleaning of mountain areas in the Orobie Alps
Alpe Dosso, Lombardia
July 7 - July 20, 2013
Volunteer project: The Valtellina Orobie Valtellinesi Mountains
Park covers the northern side of the Orobie Alps chain and it is
characterized by deep and almost parallel valleys that drop steeply
towards the plain valley crossed by Adda river. We have been
collaborating for years with the Park and Municipalities to enhance the
value of these important valleys with their historical richness,
culinary traditions and biodiversity.
Alpe Dosso (1500 m above sea level) is a mountain pasture, located in
the wildest of these valleys, Val Lesina. Due to its harshness, the
Valley has never been urbanized, so that it has been almost entirely
preserved in its original natural environment rich in vegetation and
animals.
Volunteers will be involved in the cleaning and maintenance of paths, woods and pastures.
Special remarks: Predisposition to live, walk and work in the mountains is required.
Language: English
Accommodation: The volunteers will be hosted in a restored alpine hut, provided with beds and equipped kitchen.
Location: Alpe Dosso, 1.500 m above sea level in Lesina Valley, in the Orobie Valtellinesi Park, Sondrio district, Lombardia region, North of Italy.
Terminal: Milan International Airports or Orio al Serio Bergamo International Airport. Morbegno railway station.
Age range: 18 and over
Maintenance
of green areas and pasture lands in Bitto valley
Gerola Alta, Lombardia
July 7 - July 20, 2013
Volunteer project: Gerola Alta, located at 1050 m above sea level, is one of the towns that lie within The Valtellina Orobie Mountains Park. The Orobie Alps is the first alpine chain you meet, as you come north along the Great Plain of Lombardia region. The Park covers the northern side of the chain and it is characterized by deep and almost parallel valleys that drop steeply towards the plain valley crossed by Adda river. We have been collaborating for years with the Park and Municipalities to enhance the value of these important valleys with their historical richness, culinary traditions and biodiversity. The valley where the project will take place is well known because of its landscape with beautiful alpine lakes, but also because of the important production of a typical cheese called Bitto.
The international volunteers will be involved in the maintenance of paths, woods and pastures.
Special remarks: Predisposition to live, walk and work in the mountains is required.
Language: English
Accommodation: The volunteers will be hosted in an apartment.
Location: Gerola Alta, in the middle of Bitto Valley of Albaredo - Orobie Valtellinesi Park, Sondrio district, Lombardia region, Northern Italy.
Terminal: Milan International Airports or Orio al Serio Bergamo International Airport / Morbegno Railway Station.
Age range: 18 and over
Preservation and maintenance of
the historical defense system Linea Cadorna
Bizzarone, Lombardia
July 8 - July 22, 2013
Volunteer project: The Valle della Lanza Park is located in the lake area between the provinces of Como and Varese. It includes the Lanza River till its end into the Olona River. The valley is covered with several kinds of vegetation and has a rich fauna. The park was created in order to safeguard the valley from the expansion of the urban areas and to improve sustainable tourism. The network of paths of the Park represents an important “greenway” that connects Milano’s hinterland with Switzerland.
The volunteers will be in charge of cleaning and maintenance of paths and of a historical defense system known as “Linea Cadorna” at the border with Switzerland. Work is in collaboration with local groups of volunteers.
Special
remarks: Volunteers may use bicycles.
Language: English
Accommodation: Gym and tents with camp-beds and a house with a big common room and a kitchen.
Location: Bizzarone (a little village near the border with Switzerland), Como district, Lombardia region, North of Italy.
Terminal: Milan Malpensa Airport / Malnate railway station
Age range: 18 and over
Cleaning and restoring ancient
mountain paths in the Cervo Valley
San Paolo Cervo, Piemonte
July 8 - July 22, 2013
Volunteer project: San Paolo Cervo is a little mountainous village in Valle Cervo (850-900 m above sea level). Volunteers will be immersed in the happy atmosphere that characterizes this place in the summer. Local people will teach them the most important aspects of their ancient culture. Some mountain walks will be organized to show to the volunteers the beauty of that landscape and also some of the problems related to such a difficult environment.
The international volunteers will be involved in the
maintenance and cleaning of mountain trails, especially wood cleaning,
with a particular attention to
restoring ancient tracks. They will also contribuite to the safeguarding
of parks and green areas in the area.
Language: English
Accommodation: The volunteers will be hosted in the hut of the local cultural association, in mixed rooms.
Location: San Paolo Cervo is a small village in the Cervo Valley, one of the 5 valleys that compose the district of Biella, in Piedmont region.
Terminal: Milan or Torino International airports; Biella train station.
Age range: 18 and over
Restoring a trail at the foot of the Alps
Ivrea, Piemonte
July 12 - July 26, 2013
Volunteer project: The project consists mainly of restoring a
path along forests and lakes in order to allow reaching the hills from
the countryside by foot. It is a continuation of the last year's
activity.
Learning about the territory and its culture is to be considered part of
the work.
Ivrea was founded by the Romans and there are still signs of this. It is
in the centre of an area that is the largest European Morenic
Amphitheatre. Ivrea is also known in the world because of the Olivetti
typewriters, computers and printers and the social imprinting given by
the founder Camillo and his son Adriano.
The volunteers will be involved in maintaining sign posts, pruning bushes, clearing brambles. Another task could be helping experts to organise events and excursions on naturalistic and anthropological themes.
Language: English
Accommodation: Volunteers will be hosted in a hostel in Ivrea.
Location: Ivrea is a city at the foot of the Alps, in Torino district, Piedmont region.
Terminal: Airports: Torino Caselle, Milano Malpensa, Milano Linate, Orio al Serio. Railway station: Ivrea
Age range: 18 and over
Path maintenance and installation
of hiking signs in Tuscany
Poggio alla Malva, Toscana
July 14 - July 28, 2013
Volunteer project: Poggio alla Malva is a small village in Tuscany, situated in a wonderful area near Carmignano with high archaeological interest. The area is close to the most important artistic cities of Tuscany, like Florence, Siena, Volterra, Pistoia. The surrounding landscape is the typical Tuscany one, rich in woods, hills and olive trees.
Volunteers will work in order to remove the overgrowing plants and clean the path inside the protected area of Artimino, and will be involved in the construction of signage for the use of the protected area. The aim of the project, thanks to work of volunteers, is to create a new path usable by tourists, hikers and knights. Volunteers are also committed to helping the communities in the country to look for solutions in the fight against invasive species.
Language: English
Accommodation: The volunteers will be hosted in a nursery school
Location: Poggio alla Malva, Carmignano, Prato, Toscana
Terminal: Florence and Pisa international airports; Prato and Empoli train station.
Age range: 18 and over
Organizing an environmental
festival and monitoring a natural reserve at Lake Maggiore
Baveno, Piemonte
July 15 - July 29, 2013
Volunteer project: Baveno is a village (5000 inhabitants) on the Borromeo Gulf of Lake Maggiore. Many paths start from Baveno to the surrounding mountains (from 210 to 1000 m above the sea level) and offer the chance to admire a lot of wonderful views. It is possible to have nice hikes and practice bird watching.
The volunteer group will be involved in monitoring
and cleaning the natural reserve of “Fondo Toce”. Park rangers will take
care of the training sessions.
In the final weekend of the project, the volunteers will help preparing
an environmental festival. The event will focus on subjects such as
environment, peace, justice and solidarity and it promotes alternative
and sustainable ways of life.
Language: English
Accommodation: Volunteers will be hosted in a parish recreation center, with a professional kitchen.
Location: Baveno, Verbania district, Piedmont region, Northern Italy, Lake Maggiore
Terminal: Baveno is in Piedmont region. It is 90 km (north) from Milan and 120 km (east) from Turin. You can reach the closest railway station Stresa from Caselle (Turin), Malpensa (Milan), Linate (Milan) and Orio al Serio (Milan-Bergamo) airports.
Age range: 18 and over
Voices for Freedom
Rosolina Mare, Veneto
July 15 - July 28, 2013
Volunteer project: “Voci per la libertà” is a festival promoted by the Italian section of Amnesty International and local cultural associations. It was born in 1998 on the 50th anniversary of the declaration of Universal Human Rights.
The volunteers will be involved in all the activities of the festival, as well as keeping the area tidy and aiding people to do proper garbage separation. Furthermore, they will be involved in cleaning the surrounding beaches and monitoring tourists.
Special
remarks: Volunteers need to be able to ride a bicycle
Language: English
Accommodation: Volunteers will be hosted in a camping site with all necessary facilities.
Location: Rosolina is a small town in the Delta of the river Po, the biggest river in Italy.
Terminal: Closest airports are Venezia Marco Polo (VCE) and Bologna (BQL)
Age range: 18 and over
Improving
parks and trails around Piave River
Ponte di Piave, Veneto
July 16 - July 29, 2013
Volunteer project: Ponte di Piave is a small village that lies in a completely flat area along the Piave River, in a beautiful natural environment rich of water. Ponte di Piave is also well-known for its historical buildings like the Church of San Bonifacio that dates back to the X century. In the pre-roman age the area was inhabited by a lot of horse farmers and in the XI century monks started growing grape-vine. Indeed, the area is famous for its vineyards which allow the production of different and precious kinds of red and white wines such as the "Raboso Piave", a unique red wine made of an ancient local grape. The municipality is a member of the National Association "Cities of Wine".
Volunteers will take part in environmental activities such as cleaning up and maintaining parks in Ponte di Piave and nearby villages, as well as cleaning and maintaining walking and bicycle trails around the Piave river.
Special
remarks: All participants have to be able to ride a bike.
Language: English
Accommodation: The volunteers will be hosted in a school.
Location: Ponte di Piave, Treviso district, Veneto region, North of Italy.
Terminal: Venezia Marco Polo Airport / Treviso Railway Station
Age range: 18 and over
Preserving the coastal environment
of Paestum
Paestum, Campania
July 16 - July 30, 2013
Volunteer project: Paestum has a coastline of sandy beaches where the sand vegetation grows. It is a very delicate habitat that needs a lot of attention, especially during summertime when the beaches are crowded. The volunteers will help a local group in the activities of environmental protection and in the realization of signs. Moreover, the volunteers will cooperate in the activities of social animation intended to raise awareness among tourists and all the people who spend time on the beaches every day, often with a little consideration of the delicate habitat that lives on the dunes.
The volunteers will be involved in the maintenance and cleaning of a pinewood which stands along the beaches, which is part of a protected area. They will also work on the coastline at the archaeological site of Paestum.
Language: English
Accommodation: In a fully equipped flat and a cottage right on the beach.
Location: The Territory of Paestum is very beautiful: archeology, sea, sandy beaches, sun and good food.
Terminal: Napoli Capodichino international airport. Paestum railway station
Age range: 18 and over
Discover
and preserve the unique natural environment of Dora Baltea Canavesana
Quincinetto, Piemonte
July 18 - August 1, 2013
Volunteer project: The volunteers will contribute to the recovery of ancient mountain paths and other old human works in order to allow a promotion of a naturalistic and sustainable approach to the mountain environment by tourists and visitors.
The volunteers will be involved in maintaining sign posts, pruning bushes, clearing brambles, restoring stone walls and fences, street furniture and buildings of special artistic and historical value.
Language: English
Accommodation: The volunteers will be hosted in a public school in Quincinetto village.
Location: Quincinetto is a small village in the valley of the Dora Baltea Canavesana in the North-West of Italy. It stands at the feet of the Alps, on the border of the region of Aosta and extends along the right bank of the Dora Baltea River.
Terminal: Airports: Torino Caselle, Milano Malpensa, Milano Linate, Orio. Railway station: Ivrea
Age range: 18 and over
Environmental protection and
enhancement work in Umbria
Poggiodomo, Umbria
July 19 - August 3, 2013
Volunteer project: The project will take place in Poggiodomo, the smallest town in Umbria, at about 1000 meters above sea level in the heart of Valnerina, in the Natural Area Coscerno-Aspra. With its valleys crossed by rivers with clean and clear water, pastures, wooded mountains, the country churches and the rest of the cultural hermitages. Places that still show traces of rare animals and wild animals such as wolves, deer and eagles.
Volunteers will work with the local Center for environmental education in the maintenance of green areas and the cleaning and maintenance of the mountain paths. They will also participate in the organization of the town festival.
Language: English
Accommodation: Volunteers will be hosted in the Centre of Environmental Education in Poggiodomo.
Location: Poggiodomo is located in Valnerina, in one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes of Umbria.
Terminal: Roma or Perugia International airports; Spoleto train station.
Age range: 18 and over
Environmental
maintenance work in Orobie Valtellinesi Regional Park
Albaredo per San Marco, Lombardia
July 21 - August 3, 2013
Volunteer project: The Orobie Alps is the first alpine chain you meet, as you come north along the Great Plain of Lombardia region. The Orobie Valtellinesi Park covers the northern side of the chain and it is characterized by deep and almost parallel valleys that drop steeply towards the plain valley crossed by Adda river. It is a very beautiful and interesting area both from naturalistic and landscape point of view. We have been collaborating for years with the Park and Municipalities to enhance the value of these important valleys with their historical richness, culinary traditions and biodiversity.
The project will take place in a mountain pasture surrounded by fir woods. The volunteers will be involved in the cleaning and maintenance of paths, woods and pastures.
Special remarks: Predisposition to live, walk and work in the mountains is required.
Language: English
Accommodation: Volunteers will be hosted in a mountain hut, still used by shepards who make their typical cheese.
Location: Albaredo per San Marco, Sondrio district, Lombardia region, North of Italy. Albaredo is a small village (950 m above the sea level) of nearly 450 inhabitants, located in the middle of the Bitto valley, which has been included amongst the European List of Community Important Sites. The area is still strongly characterized by breeding and forestry. Albaredo is famous in the world for the Bitto cheese.
Terminal: Milan International Airports or Orio al Serio Bergamo International Airport / Morbegno Railway Station.
Age range: 18 and over
L'Aquila after the Earthquake
Pescomaggiore, Abruzzo
July 21 - August 2, 2013
Volunteer project: The project will
take place in Pescomaggiore, a village located at the slope of Gran
Sasso Massif, along a ridge overlooking the valley of L’Aquila, a city
which has been almost completely destroyed by an earthquake 4 years ago.
In this village, a local organization, with the help of international
volunteers, has self-built some houses with wood and straw-bale. It’s a
technology which has great energetic and anti-seismic performance.
The purpose of the project is the cleaning and
maintenance of the historic paths, that fit into an already outlined net
of hiking trails, pertaining to the Gran Sasso National Park. The whole
on-field activity will be mapped using GPS and cartographic material
will be produced, using GIS software, and attached to the final activity
report.
Volunteers will work on cleaning and maintenance of the paths. New marks
will be designed, built and installed.
Furthermore, there will be a study session about the Self-Built
Eco-Village, the straw-bale construction and the recovery of cultural
heritage after an earthquake.
Language: English
Accommodation: The volunteers will be hosted in tents. Kitchen, toilets, showers, wi-fi area and a refuge in case of severe meteorological events will be provided.
Location: Pescomaggiore, “Eco-Villaggio Autocostruito” (Self-Built Eco-village). Rural area close to L’Aquila.
Terminal: Pescara National and Roma Fiumicino International airports. L’Aquila train Station, L’Aquila Bus Terminal “L. Natali”.
Age range: 18 and over
Extra fee: 80 Euro
Help restore the Dreams Garden of Monte Magre
Schio - Monte Magrè, Veneto
July 22 - August 4, 2013
Volunteer project: The volunteer
workcamp will take place in Monte Magrè, a village of 350 inhabitants
situated 5 km far from Schio (province of Vicenza, Veneto region, North
East Italy), in a wonderful natural area.
On one of the hills surrounding the city of Schio, in a beautiful
natural context, there is the little “Dreams Garden”, created 20 years
ago by a man who wished that one day the hole world could become a huge
marvelous garden. Unfortunately this area is now in ruins because no one
takes care of it. But thanks to your help, it can return to its original
beauty!
Volunteers will be working on cleaning and maintenance of this little garden which hosts more than 300 kinds of different plants. Carpentry skills will be useful if you wish to develop your creativity by making something new with your own hands for the garden.
Language: English
Accommodation: Volunteers will be hosted in a little house.
Location: Schio is the main city around Vicenza, surrounded by pre-Alpine hills with a peculiar amphitheatre shape. Traces from the Neolithic age show the ancient presence of land settlement, which benefited from this environment rich of clear water, wool and minerals, which gave local people the opportunity to start an economy based on crafts activities.
Terminal: International airports: Verona or Venice/Treviso. There's also a good comunication with Milan. Train Station: Schio
Age range: 18 and over
Preserving
the archaeological sites of the Pantalica Necropolis
Sortino, Sicilia
July 23 - August 7, 2013
Volunteer project: The Necropolis of Pantalica contains over 5,000 tombs cut into the rock near open stone quarries, most of them dating from the 13th to 7th centuries BC. Vestiges of the Byzantine era also remain in the area, notably the foundations of the Anaktoron (Prince’s Palace). Pantalica is situated in the valleys of the rivers Anapo and Calcinara. Together with the city of Syracuse, Pantalica has been included in the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites.
The project will take place in different locations: the archaeological sites of the Pantalica Necropolis, the Anapo Valley and the Heritage site of Santa Sofia. Volunteers will be involved in different activities in these archaeological areas around Sortino: cleaning paths, monitoring and raising awareness among tourists, helping a local group in the organization of social and cultural events.
Language: English
Accommodation: The volunteers will be hosted in an ancient building, recently restructured and located right outside Sortino.
Location: Sortino is located on the Iblei Mounts, Siracusa district, in the eastern Sicily, South Italy.
Terminal: Catania International Airport, Siracusa train station.
Age range: 18 and over
Maintenance of hiking paths and renovation of mountain huts in the beautiful Valle Veddasca
Veddasca, Lombardia
July 24 - August 7, 2013
Volunteer project: “Valle Veddasca” is a beautiful and remote valley located in the Pre-alpine zone of the Varese district near the Swiss border. The area is characterised by large broadleaf woods (chestnut and beeches in particular) and it hosts a great number of animals as well as traditional mountain farms and villages. Stretching into one of the most famous Italian lakes, the “Lago Maggiore”, the valley offers a unique panoramic position. The area is famous for hiking, and for the production of a typical cheese called “Formaggella del Luinese”. After the industrial development nearby, the valley was abandoned for a long time. Today, it's becoming more and more important for tourism, but also for the pasture of goats, thanks also to the people who came back from the cities looking for a different lifestyle.
Volunteers will work in the maintenance of the rural landscape and of paths, and also for the reconstruction and renovation of mountain houses, using natural materials and renewable energy sources.
Special remarks: The place is not well connected with the cities, so it won't be possible to move from the project site often.
Language: English
Accommodation: Volunteers will be hosted in a mountain hostel, one big room with bunk beds. A kitchen and showers with solar panels will be available.
Location: Veddasca, Varese district, Lombardia region, North of Italy.
Terminal: Milano Malpensa international airport, Luino train station
Age range: 18 and over
Preserving
the natural heritage in Piemonte
Chiaverano, Piemonte
August 2 - August 16, 2013
Volunteer project: Chiaverano is a small village located at the foot of the Western Italian Alps in Torino district, Piedmont region. As a former rural village, linked to the mountain environment, the area is characterized by ancient walls, terraces, huts made of carved stones, streams that water cultivations and activate water mills. In collaboration with local organizations, the Chiaverano Council Administration has implemented a program aiming to preserve and maintain the whole environment. Aside work, volunteers will enjoy sports and excursions, as well as local culture and traditions, surrounded by nature. The activities will be done together and in coordination with some local volunteers.
The project will continue the work started last year: restoring paths leading to the Ivrea border in order to allow access to the hills from the countryside by foot in a nice environment (woods and lakes). Furthermore, touristic indications will be developed and put in place. Volunteers will be involved in maintaining sign posts, pruning bushes, clearing brambles, and restoring stone walls and fences. Other activities could be helping experts to organise events and excursions on naturalistic and anthropological themes. During the project, the international volunteers will have the opportunity to learn about the region and its culture.
Language: English
Accommodation: Volunteers will be hosted in a hostel in Chiaverano village.
Location: Chiaverano is a small village in Piedmont region, in the largest European Morenic Amphitheatre. The landscape is full of woods and lakes. The nearest town is Ivrea, known in the world since here was the headquarter of Olivetti, the most important Italian industry of computers and printers.
Terminal: Airports: Torino Caselle, Milano Malpensa, Milano Linate, Orio al Serio. Railway station: Ivrea
Age range: 18 and over
Maintenance
of paths and mountain meadows in Campo Dei Fiori Park
Campo dei Fiori, Lombardia
August 3 - August 16, 2013
Volunteer project: The Natural Park “Campo Dei Fiori” overlooks the hills of the Province of Varese and the Po Plain. The particular geographical location and the geological features have favoured the presence of various vegetation, with chestnut tree and beech tree woods, typical flora of the rocky areas, marshy and peaty zones, rich in wildlife. In addition, there are several interesting historical and architectural sites around the area. The project’s aim is the improvement of opportunities for “green” tourism in order to prevent abandonment and degradation of the region.
Volunteers will work mainly in paths cleaning and maintenance in a garden around a historical building and in removing weeds from meadows at the top of the mountain.
Special
remarks: Volunteers may use bicycles.
Language: English
Accommodation: Volunteers will be hosted in a common room with camp-beds. A camp-kitchen will be available.
Location: Cagnola village, administrative division of Rasa di Varese, Varese district, Lombardia region, North of Italy.
Terminal: Milano Malpensa, Varese train station
Age range: 18 and over
Improving the landscape and signposting in Curone Valley Park
Montevecchia, Lombardia
August 4 - August 17, 2013
Volunteer project: The project takes place in the Curone Park which stands between the hills of Montevecchia and the valley crossed by Molgora’s stream. The area is rich in flora and fauna and it is characterized by heterogeneous environments and landscapes. The paths in the park and along the Molgora river need renovation and maintenance; information signs are also needed around the park. The volunteers will be also involved in preserving the meadows and cleaning an ancient fountain (Fontanile Gallarati-Scotti) placed inside the park.
Volunteers will be involved in mowing meadows and improving paths, with particular attention to the sign-posting. Besides, volunteers will do maintenance and cleaning of the ancient fountain Gallarati-Scotti.
Language: English
Accommodation: Volunteers will be hosted in a guesthouse, Montevecchia (LC).
Location: Montevecchia and Curone Valley Park, a very important green area rich in biodiversity.
Terminal: Milan Malpensa Airport, Milan Linate Airport, Orio al Serio Airport / Olgiate Molgora Railway Station.
Age range: 18 and over
Preserving ancient trail on the
hills of Montalbano
Monsummano, Toscana
August 4 - August 18, 2013
Volunteer project: Following the work of last year, the main aim of the project is the safeguarding of ancient paths in another area of the valley Valdinievole. This year the project will be in Montevettolini, a middle age village on the hills of Montalbano. The hills where Leonardo da Vinci was born are part of a unique landscape that is identified with Tuscany all over the world. The region is also known for its typical oil and wine production. As in other international workcamps one of the main aim is also cultural exchange.
Volunteers will be involved in working activities for about 30 hours per week. In this workcamp we are going to clean a footpath which goes around the middle age village of Montevettolini. Clean the path means to cut the plants that have grown on the path, build little stone walls, restore signs on the path.
Language: English
Accommodation: The public gym building.
Location: This workcamp will be in Monsummano Terme (District of Pistoia, in the region of Toscany).
Terminal: Pisa Airport or Florence Airport. Monsummano can be reached by train from both directions (stop in Montecatini Monsummano railway station)
Age range: 18 and over
Renovating ancient paths and organizing a local festival in Soligo valley
Refrontolo, Veneto
August 7 - August 20, 2013
Volunteer project: Refrontolo is a small village located in the Soligo valley, between the hills covered by vineyards and the Crevada valley. Refrontolo is also called “The Island Of Refrontolo Passito DOC” for the local sweet and aromatic wine obtained by Marzemina grapes. It’s crossed by the Prosecco wine road and by a lot of cycle routes. This is a land of good wine and good food, with many restaurants and agritourism. Near the center of the village, there’s the Battaglia-Spada XVII century villa and the panoramic Tempietto Spada. Between the hills, along the Lierza stream, there’s the enchanting Molinetto della Croda (XVII century), an ancient mill restored and still working.
Volunteers will help in the organization of the local festival. Moreover, they will be involved in environmental activities like cleaning and maintaining paths that begin from “Molinetto della Croda” and go up the surrounding hills.
Language: English
Accommodation: Volunteers will be hosted in a school's gym.
Location: Refrontolo, Treviso district, Veneto region, North of Italy.
Terminal: Venezia - Marco Polo airport / Treviso – railway station
Age range: 18 and over
Fire prevention in Vallone Piano
della Corte natural reserve in Sicily
Agira, Sicily
August 17 - August 31, 2013
Volunteer project: The project will take place in the ‘Vallone Piano della Corte’ natural reserve, which extends to more than 194,375 hectares in the valley nearby Agira, Enna district. Since 2000 the natural reserve has been set up in order to preserve and defend the wet area of particular botanic interest. The project’s objective is the maintenance of existing nature trails in the Natural Reserve and fire prevention through the creation of firebreaks and fire lookout.
The volunteers will be involved in the maintenance of the existing nature trails, removing weeds and cutting brambles. The group will also help in the creation of new paths.
Special
remarks: All participants have to be able to ride a bike.
Language: English
Accommodation: The volunteers will stay in an ex-monastery (S. Agostino), used as a school building, in the centre of Agira.
Location: The Natural Reserve “Vallone Piano della Corte”, in the province of Enna is located in a valley known as the stronghold of Agira.
Terminal: Catania Airport and railway station
Age range: 18 and over
Creating a public park in Lama Polesine
Lama – Ceregnano, Veneto
August 19 - September 1, 2013
Volunteer project: For this project, we are cooperating with an association that takes care of accompanying elderly people in their daily tasks such as shopping, going to the doctor, etc. The idea is to create a park in the area next to the train station of Lama. Volunteers have already planted several fruit and ornamental trees in the area. Little by little the park is coming to life and the work of the international group this year will help develop this area even further.
The volunteers will be involved in environmental work for the improvement of the park with tasks such as cutting grass, cutting invasive vegetation and flattening the surfaces.
Special
remarks: Volunteers must be able to ride a bicycle.
Language: English
Accommodation: Volunteers will be hosted in the former ticket office and back-offices of the train station of Lama.
Location: The village of Lama Polesine in the municipality of Ceregnano. Ceregnano is located in the eastern part of the Polesine, the territory between the rivers Adige and Po, in the north of Italy. Already populated since the Roman ages and abandoned after the fall of the empire, it passed under the domain of Ferrara. In 1484 it passed under control of the Venetian Republic.
Terminal: Venezia “Marco polo” Airport, Bologna Airport
Age range: 18 and over
Help boost the artistic and
cultural tourism in Anticoli Corrado
Anticoli Corrado, Lazio
August 26 - September 8, 2013
Volunteer project: Anticoli Corrado could be a milestone for tourism for number of reasons: its proximity to Rome, its location in the Aniene Valley (which can be visited on foot or by bike), its long artistic history, and its charm. Anticoli became known in the 19th century because its young inhabitants used to pose as models for the community of artists living near Piazza di Spagna in Rome. Some artists eventually went to see the birthplace of their models and found Anticoli a very picturesque site to the point of living there for some time. The town attracted artists until World War II. Anticoli and some of the neighbouring towns were portrayed in many paintings.
After so many years of splendor, however, now it is just the second home of many Romans, but is not well known to tourists. Volunteers will carry out recovery activities to valorize the historical heritage of the village, getting to know the artists who have been here and their works.
The volunteers will contribute to the creation of a
promotional campaign, to develop artistic and cultural tourism in
Anticoli Corrado. Furthermore they will work for a presentation of the
work done and a feast for the inhabitants of Anticoli to be held during
the last day of the project.
During the free time, it will be possible to have excursions in the
Aniene Valley, to visit the nearby villages and Rome.
Language: English
Accommodation: “Il Casone”, a structure at the foot of the hill of Anticoli Corrado.
Location: Anticoli Corrado is a village with less than a thousand inhabitants, 50 km from Rome.
Terminal: Rome international airports
Age range: 18 and over
Environmental
preservation of a stopover site for migratory birds
Pian di Spagna, Lombardia
September 8 - September 21, 2013
Volunteer project: The Natural Reserve of Pian di Spagna and Mezzola Lake was established in 1985 to ensure a suitable environment for the stop-over and the nesting of migratory birds, to protect and keep safe the nature and the landscape characteristics of this wet zone, to regulate and control the fruition of the area for didactic-recreational purposes and to regulate the socio-economic activities present in the area with respect to the conservation needs of the environment.
The volunteers, in collaboration with the reserve's staff, will help in the maintenance and promotion of the environment, and preventing the invasion of weeds. They will also assist the park staff in the bird ringing activities.
Language: English
Accommodation: The volunteers will be hosted in a guesthouse.
Location: The natural reserve of Pian di Spagna borders the Como Lake. It is one of the largest natural reserves in Lombardy as well as one of the most important swamp zones in the whole Alps.
Terminal: Milano International Airports, Bergamo airport, Colico railway train station.
Age range: 18 and over
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Cadip volunteer project review:
"One
month after our volunteer project in San Benedetto Po, Italy, my wife
and I are still thinking/feeling the same as during and immediately
after the project. It was a great project and a wonderful experience.
The other volunteers and the people organizing the project were kind,
and friendly and helpful. The work was sometimes challenging so we slept
well at night and we got a lot of satisfaction from meeting new people
from different countries and hopefully we did our little share to help
"make a difference".
We got to see part of the real Italy, not just the touristy part where
all you really meet is other tourist. Anyway, it was a great experience
and we will cherish many memories from our experience and someday
possible meet again some of our new friends.
We hope to do another project in the next year or two. Thank you."
Jerome B.,
Cadip volunteer 2009 and 2011
and Nicole C.,
Cadip volunteer 2011
