The project
Fundació Emys is a non-profit organization dedicated to nature conservation. Emys orbicularis is the native water turtle of Catalonia. In 1987, a group of young people discovered that an endangered water turtle lived in their region. These people began entering into management agreements with local landowners to protect ponds, streams, and lakes. And so, the Emys Foundation was born. In reality, Emys orbicularis is still at risk of extinction due to the destruction of this striking, exotic species and water pollution. The organization works on natural heritage values, sustainable management, and long-term conservation through volunteering, land management, research, conservation, education, and utilization. The main goal of this project is to teach participants about the natural environment in the Sils nature reserve and how they can contribute to the conservation of the wetlands. Participants gain knowledge about the biodiversity of these habitats and methods for the conservation and management of these natural areas.
Lake Sils is a protected nature reserve in Catalonia. It is part of the European Network of Natural Areas Natura 2000, which forms the core of European biodiversity policy. Over the past centuries, areas with natural flood risks have declined, and today they are scarce in Catalonia. In the Mediterranean context, the conservation of areas such as Lake Sils has become of the utmost importance. Due to the unique humidity and flooding conditions, various species of flora and fauna characteristic of wetlands are still present in this area. Therefore, this area has been undergoing restoration since last year to transform it into a biodiversity reserve for both fauna and flora, and an important resting, feeding, and shelter site for a wide variety of birds and other animals.
Volunteer work
Volunteers will contribute to: the improvement and preservation of the wetlands of the Sils nature reserve; learning about the biodiversity and characteristic habitats of these wetlands; land management, the actors participating in the area, and best practices; conveying values of cooperation and respect for the environment and its inhabitants; providing a space for exchange and discovery, particularly in the field of environmental issues and the conservation and management of natural areas; promoting responsible consumption; motivating participants; and getting to know Catalan culture. The work is suitable for everyone and no experience is required. Participants in the project will be involved in daily tasks, cleaning, and keeping the site tidy. Volunteers work 6 hours a day, from Monday to Friday, and the rest of the day consists of workshops on environmental education, games, swimming, and leisure time. The volunteers will also be involved in planning leisure activities.
Accommodation
Deelnemers verblijven in het lokale culturele centrum "La Laguna". Er is een grote kamer om in te slapen, met gescheiden toiletten en douches voor mannen en vrouwen. Daarnaast is er een keuken en activiteiten ruimte. De accommodatie bevindt zich in de "Sala Cultural" van La Laguna (het lokale culturele centrum). Er worden per dag 5 maaltijden verzorgd. Om beurten zorgen de vrijwilligers zelf voor het bereiden van de maaltijden. Vegetarische en veganistische deelnemers zijn van harte welkom en er kan rekening worden gehouden met voedselallergieën. Er is WiFi en elektriciteit, geen wasmachine of droger. Vrijwilligers wassen hun kleding met de hand. Graag zelf meenemen: slaapzak en een kampeermat. Bord, bestek, beker en servet, werkkleding, werkschoenen, werkhandschoenen, regenjas, zaklamp, zonnehoed, zonnebrandcrème, zonnebril, handdoek, insectenwerend middel, zwemkleding, lunch voor de 1e dag.
Leisure
Excursies, groepsdynamiek, spelletjes, uitstapjes naar Girona en de steden aan de Costa Brava. Er zijn elke dag vrijetijdsactiviteiten en op sommige dagen ook excursies. • Kennisactiviteiten • Dynamiek van de groepscohesie • Zelfmanagementactiviteiten "Doe het samen" • Excursie naar Can Moragues, het hoofdkantoor van Fundació Emys. Een landhuis, gelegen in Riudarenes, naast Sils. • Excursie naar Girona • Excursie naar de stad Costa Brava • Excursie naar het kasteel van Farners
Travel
The meeting point is at the Sils train station. The project leaders will be waiting for the volunteers there, as the train station is located 100 meters from the accommodation. Nearest airport: Girona/Barcelona.
You arrange the travel to your project yourself. IBO asks all volunteers to travel in the most sustainable way possible, so preferably by train or bus. What you at least can do, is compensate your CO2 emissions. You can find more information about this on the website of Milieu Centraal. You can also compensate your emissions via IBO, by donating to our partner’s tree planting project in Uganda. You can read more about that here..
Preparation
IBO offers a good preparation for your volunteering work abroad.You will receive a digital information package and an invitation to a preparation meeting. Read more about the proces from departure until return.
Cost
IBO asks €50 registration fee. In addition, you pay a participation fee of €189 for this project. You can also become an IBO-supporter, then you do not pay a registration fee.
Would you like to know more about how your contribution is made and how it is spent? Read about the costs for participation.
Register
Register as a volunteer at IBO here.