Location
Although the Valencia region is better known for its extensive coastline, its inland areas are home to diverse ecosystems with unique flora and fauna in the Mediterranean. A landscape dotted with hills and mountains, rivers, forests, islands and wetlands, offering incredible contrasts, like the Sierra Calderona, Sierra de Mariola, the Montgó Natural Park or the Sierra of Espadán.
Sierra de Espadán
About the project
This program has two options, each accommodating between 6-8 volunteers at one time. The first is at the Albufera National Park close to the city while at the other volunteers work at a variety of different nature reserves in the region further inland.
Conservation project in the Albufera Natural Park
Located at only 15 kilometers from downtown Valencia, the Albufera Natural Park is one of the most important wetland areas of Spain and one of the most emblematic and important places of Valencia because of its biodiversity and great ecological interest. Home to a wide range of wildlife, specially water, wading and migratory birds, and also species in danger of extinction, is declared by the European Union as a place of special protection. But the Albufera supports also intense agricultural (cultivation of rice), industrial, hunting and touristic uses whose consequences have been breaking the balance. The conservation work performed by the volunteers will assist local teams with the recovery plan and park management activities.
Conservation projects around the Valencia Region (these programs run from October until June)
Although the Valencia region is better known for its extensive coastline, its inland areas are home to diverse ecosystems with unique flora and fauna in the Mediterranean. A landscape dotted with hills and mountains, rivers, forests, islands and wetlands, offering incredible contrasts, like the Sierra Calderona, Sierra de Mariola, the Montgó Natural Park or the Sierra of Espadán. During this program volunteers will experience different Spanish ecosystems and contribute in a practical way to the conservation of the Valencia Region environment.
Volunteer work and contribution
Albufera Natural Park
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Participating in activities of restoring bird habitats, nests
construction and checking, bird ringing
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Wildlife census/ surveys and data collection
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Turtle monitoring
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Eradicating invasive vegetation
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General park maintenance
Projects around the Valencia Region
- Tree planting
- River inspection and conservation
- Flora and fauna surveys and data collection
- Prevention of forest fires
- Construction and maintenance of walking tracks
- Conservation of the Valencia’s wildlife and its natural habitats
Accommodation
Accommodations for volunteers are in single rooms within a shared apartment. The apartments host between 3 and 6 volunteers at any given time. Food is not included however there is an equiped kitchen for the volunteers' use.
There is also an option for participants to live with a host-family with half-board (breakfast and dinner). The extra cost is USD130 for the first 2 weeks and USD50 for each extra week. It is possible to upgrade following registration.
Travel Highlights
In addition to volunteering at local projects that could not exist without support from volunteers, participants can explore the Valencia region as more than just tourists. There is plenty of opportunities for hiking, rafting, and exploring the city itself. Valencia is a coastal city with hot summers and mild winters. It is a rich city in culture and heritage and has more than 15 kilometers of beaches. From the old maritime quarter of El Cabanyal, the Albufera Natural Park, the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, the old town with its monuments and museums, to the fun and lively neighborhood of El Carmen or Ruzafa with never ending night-life, it's impossible to get bored in a city that offers so much.
Learning Spanish in Valencia
Participants that don't know Spanish or wish to brush up on their language skills have the opportunity to sign-up for the following options in Valencia:
Spanish Course before the volunteer project: USD420 per week; Includes 20 lessons and accomodation.
Spanish Course during the volunteer project: USD220 per week; includes 20 lessons. Available only during June, July and August.
Private Spanish lessons during the volunteer project: USD50 per hour
*enrolment fee to Spanish School is USD75
It is possible to request these options following registration. Prices are based on the Euro and are subject to change.
Minimum Requirements
- Minimum age is 18
- Good level of English
- Basic level of Spanish is reccomended
- Physically fit and prepared to work in the open environment
- Minimum 2 week commitment to the project