Spain – Conservation Projects in the Valencia Region

Although the Valencia region is better known for its extensive coastline, its inland areas are home to diverse ecosystems with unique flora and fauna that thrive in the Mediterranean. The fantastic landscape is dotted with hills and mountains, rivers, forests, islands and wetlands, offering incredible contrasts. Explore the wonder of the Sierra Calderona, Sierra de Mariola, the Montgó Natural Park or the Sierra of Espadán.

Depending on the season, the current needs of the environments, and availability on site, volunteers will get a chance to work at one or both of the following options:

Albufera Natural Park:
Located only 15 kilometers from downtown Valencia, the Albufera Natural Park, one of Spain’s most important wetlands, also exists as one of the most emblematic locations in Valencia due to its biodiversity and great ecological interest. Home to a wide range of wildlife including water, wading and migratory birds as well as species in danger of extinction, the area is declared by the European Union as a place of special protection. The Albufera provides conservation support for the after effects of the intense agricultural (cultivation of rice), industrial, hunting and touristic uses; the consequences of which have upset the ecological balance. The conservation work performed by the volunteers will assist local teams with the recovery plan and park management activities.

Volunteering tasks and assignments may include:

• Participating in activities restoring bird habitats, nest construction and checking, and bird ringing
• Wildlife census/surveys and data collection
• Turtle monitoring
• Eradicating invasive vegetation
• General park maintenance

Projects around the Valencia Region:
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, mountains, rivers, forests, islands, and wetlands, offers incredible contrasts. Popular sites of this region include the Sierra Calderona, Sierra de Mariola, the Montgó Natural Park and the Sierra of Espadán. During this program, volunteers will experience different Spanish ecosystems and contribute in a practical way to the conservation of Valencia’s environment.

Volunteering tasks and assignments may include:

• 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

Schedule: Volunteers work approximately four-six hours a day. Work is done during the mornings from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Weekends are usually off. The volunteer work is about 30-60 minutes away from the accommodations.

Internet: Internet is available for use.

Laundry: Volunteers have access to a laundry machine.

Accommodations: Volunteers are provided with a single room within a shared apartment. Each apartment holds up to six volunteers at any given time. For an additional fee, there is an option to live with a host family with half-board (breakfast and dinner). It is possible to upgrade following registration. 16-year olds must upgrade to the homestay for an additional fee.

Food: Not included with the apartment accommodations, but you will have access to a fully-equipped kitchen. Volunteers who upgrade to a home-stay (for an additional fee) will receive breakfasts and dinners.

Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:

• Good level of English
• Basic level of Spanish is recommended
• Physically fit and prepared to work in the open environment

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 are 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 city rich 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, the fun and lively neighborhood of El Carmen or Ruzafa with exciting night life, it’s impossible to get bored in a city that offers so much.

Learning Spanish in Valencia (Not Included):
Participants that don’t know Spanish or wish to brush up on their language skills have the opportunity to sign up for a Spanish course, before or after your volunteer project. You also have the option to take private lessons.

Spanish classes can be arranged following registration. Please note there is an additional cost for this.