Maintenance of hiking paths in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Grosses Walsertal

  Austria

Feldkirch

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: July 5 - July 18, 2009

Description: Vorarlberg is the westernmost state of Austria. It borders three countries - Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The mountainous landscape is famous for skiing in wintertime and hiking in summertime. The Biosphere Reserve Grosses Walsertal is located in Vorarlberg. It is a model region for sustainable development in the alpine area, and was certified as UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The volunteers will intervene in order to speed up natural regeneration of flora and fauna. Besides, the volunteers will maintain the system of hiking paths in the valley Grosses Walsertal (cutting grass and bushes, renewing steps and railings, signposting). A few years ago, a flood of the small mountain river Lutz damaged a lot the nature in the valley, so some tasks might be dedicated to the revitalisation of the damaged areas.
The work will be physically hard in parts and the paths might be steep and far away from the accommodation! Please be prepared to work outside under each weather conditions!

The volunteers will be hosted by the municipality of Sonntag, a small mountain village with approx. 600 inhabitants who are very much looking forward to meeting the international group.

Next big city: Feldkirch; Next train station: Nenzing and Bludenz; Next airport: Zuerich, Stuttgart

Highlights: The volunteers will get to know about the environmental background of the Biosphere Reserve. As the valley and the mountains are really beautiful, hiking will be the favourite leisure time activity. The group will also have the chance to visit some museums (about local heritage and culture).

Cost in US$: US $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 Austria 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.