Greece: Wildlife and environmental protection on the Ionian Islands

Your tasks as a volunteer

Volunteering in our program offers a diverse range of tasks, and no special knowledge is required. Your passion for environmental protection and commitment to making a difference are what matter most. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, conservationist, or interested in organic farming, there is a role for you. Here are some of the tasks you can expect to be involved in:

• Building an eco-community on one of the islands in the Ionian Sea and an experimental organic fruit and vegetable farm.
• Monitoring wild cats on a small group of islands in the Ionian Sea.
• Monitoring marine ecosystems, including Mediterranean monk seal monitoring and seagrass mapping.
• Conducting ornithological habitat surveys, studying bird behavior and population dynamics.
• Engaging in wildlife surveillance.
• Participating in agricultural work such as planting, weeding, seeding, harvesting, and growing in the eco community.
• Occasionally, you may assist with special projects, such as planting trees to study their impact on bird breeding behavior.

You will typically work five hours a day, five days a week, from Monday to Friday. However, the schedule may be adjusted due to weather conditions. In cases of adverse weather, work might be postponed to a different day, and you may have some flexibility in your weekly schedule.

During your volunteer period, you will have the opportunity to experience various aspects of environmental conservation and wildlife monitoring. From June to September, the focus will be on seagrass monitoring, making the most of the favorable weather conditions. Throughout your stay, you will actively contribute to preserving the island’s biodiversity and natural habitats, making a positive impact on the environment.

Accommodation Catering

As a volunteer, you will be accommodated in a charming and recently renovated traditional stone house, sharing it with up to 13 other volunteers. The house features two floors, with the first floor serving as an open-air laboratory and meeting space. On the second floor, you will find a shared kitchen, two bathrooms, two interior seating areas, and a total of 14 beds. During the summer, fans are available to keep you cool, while a wood stove provides warmth in the winter months.

The kitchen is spacious and well-equipped, allowing you to cook together with fellow volunteers and the team. Essential kitchen utensils and food items like oil and spices are readily available. You can source fresh and locally grown ingredients nearby. Periodically, the team also enjoys dining together at local taverns. Additionally, you have access to a free-to-use washing machine and drying areas, and a cleaning service comes once a week to take care of bed linens, towels, and dishes.

Conveniently, shops, restaurants, cafés, bars, and beaches are all within walking distance from your accommodation. There’s even a sports facility nearby for basketball and football enthusiasts.

While going to the deployment site, you’ll usually travel in teams of two or more, either on public roads or footpaths. Occasionally, you’ll also have the opportunity to travel by boat, exploring the Mediterranean Sea on your way to work. Depending on the island you’re heading to, the boat journey can take up to three hours.

Approximately 10 to 15 days a year, the team and volunteers go on camping trips for monk seal monitoring and other environmental activities. These camping expeditions typically take place on the northern part of Kastos or Atokos islands. The specific duration and timing of camping periods may vary depending on ongoing activities and needs. All camping equipment will be provided, and the local team will take care of transportation arrangements. During camping trips, you’ll be responsible for your own meals, making it a unique and adventurous experience in your volunteering journey.