2-weeks Marine Conservation Volunteer Program in Sardinia

Program Description

MareTerra - Environmental Research and Conservation is a non-profit organization committed in research projects focused on the understanding of natural phenomenons and their interaction with human activities. We monitor animal population size and conservation status, in order to evaluate human pressure and management actions and we are committed in educational projects to raise awareness of the general public, students and tourists for conservation concerns.
If you are a nature lover and an enthusiastic person, if you dream of an experience, that is funny but also useful for the environment and the ocean, take the opportunity to live an experience in contact with the fantastic nature of Sardinia, helping an international team of researchers, students and enthusiasts in achieving our mission.
Participating at this program, you will be involved in a wide array of research and conservation activities of marine coastal species, mainly referred at these two projects:
1. Bottlenose dolphins conservation.
2. The study of the effect of tourism and climate change on marine and coastal ecosystems.
Some of your tasks may include:
- Observation, photo identification, behavior and acoustic data collection about bottlenose dolphins.
- Data collection of marine and costal flora and fauna.
- Drone flights, snorkeling and trekking surveys, image processing.
- Beach cleaning.
- Public awareness activities.
Researchers are volunteer like you and do not receive any salary! We need your help!

Highlights

- Take part in the dolphin-watching trips of our partner Progetto Natura, study bottlenose dolphins in the field and raise the awareness of the local community regarding the effects that humans and tourism have on marine mammals.
- Participate in the experimental investigation concerning the consequences of human activities on seagrass meadow and coastal ecosystems.
- Educate tourists on the importance of responsible tourism and the negative impacts from popular tourist activities.
- Collecting data through observation, photo identification and snorkeling/trekking surveys as well as taking part in activities to educate the public and raise awareness for marine conservation.

Qualifications

The project's minimum requirements are:
- Basic level of English.
- Ability to swim, walk, and work for 6 hours per day.
- High level of independence.
- Ability to prepare meals independently.
Important note: this project is designed for mature, independent volunteers

Volunteer Types

What`s Included

- Accommodations: shared rooms in mobile homes with a furnished kitchen.
- Orientation: all necessary training will be provided upon arrival.
- Airport transfers: airport transfers provided on both arrival and departure days.
- Insurance: comprehensive travel health insurance with volunteer abroad coverage.
- Support: local in-country team and 24-hour emergency support.