Nature Conservation Work in the Glacial Valley of The River Zezere

  Portugal

Coimbra

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Inquire for more information

Description: The local host is an informal non-profit group that develops activities contributing to the preservation and promotion of the natural and cultural patrimony. They organize seminars, workshops, concerts and trekking circuits.

The aim of the international volunteer project is preserving the banks of the river Zêzere and developing interpersonal relations among volunteers from different cultural and social realities. The volunteers will also help promote the culture and patrimony of the rural region. The group will work in the heart of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park and the activities include recovering and cleaning the banks of the river Zêzere, restoration and maintenance of hydraulic structures, creating sculptures with the collected material.

The free time activities include trekking circuits in the Park, use of the river swimming pool, visits to towns, monuments and museums, tasting of traditional food and exploring the nature.

The project will take place in the small village of Manteigas, in the heart of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, a few kilometers from the highest point of Portugal, surrounded by unique landscapes.

Cost in US$: USD 290

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: motivated to work voluntarily within an international team, tolerant, open-minded and cooperative person with adventurous spirit.

Age Range: 18 - 30 years old

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Participants Travel to Portugal Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

CADIP - Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects's Mission Statement: CADIP promotes peace, cooperation, tolerance and understanding in international, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural surroundings. The organization also promotes patterns and examples of civil activities focused on serving others, on building social ties and strengthening communities, on supporting civil society development. Aims and general objectives: * To promote volunteering as an expression of civic contribution * To strengthen the international contacts among young people * To build tolerance and understanding in multicultural and multi-ethnic surroundings *To promote multiunderstanding among youth all over the world * To facilitate the individual growth of the volunteers through the acquisition of work, life and learning skills * To work for the recognition and promotion of non-formal learning * To support the community initiatives and assist in community development.