Micro-Plastics? Big Problems
A Rocha - Associação Cristã de Estudo e Defesa do Ambiente
Mexilhoeira Grande, Portugal
Description
A Rocha Portugal wants to continue a preliminary assessment of the current situation of microplastics in the Ria de Alvor by collecting data (sampling shoreline sediments and counting all plastic fragments up to 5 mm in diameter in a 2.500 cm2), public involvement by means of citizen science, public awareness questionnaires (e.g. testimonies collection from fishermen) and information dissemination (through informing those whom we ask the questionnaire).Through the ESC project we aim to collect more information, contributing to a better understanding of the problem while informing the public of this problem. We want to develop the project in a way that it involves international (ESC) volunteers, local communities and partners from other sectors that are not directly related to the environment, so that we can better understand the environmental impact of our choices and actions. In making this a community based conservation project, we aim to create a greater sense of belonging.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
Accommodation: The volunteer will stay at the Centre run by the organization, in single sex dormitories, which will share with others, either short or long term volunteers or students. Meals will be taken with all the team, and visitors, working and living at the Centre as well. Transportation to the Centre for the first time (return flight and return train) will be fully supported by the hosting organization up to a maximum of 500 EUROS/volunteer (for the total of the return trip). Transportation, while in the project dates, if for personal usage, will be paid by the volunteer.
Training during the activity
Depending on the project type we might be developing, specific training might be needed. Above all it has been a very normal situation for us either to have volunteers in their gap year, and therefore prepare them for university studies and living on their own, or to have them straight after university and therefore encouraging them to share their knowledge while giving them freedom to experiment their newly learnt skills and encouraging the development of a professional mentality.
Participant profile
We are looking for enthusiastic and energetic volunteers, with a heart for environmental matters, with capacity to work hard , either in a team or by themselves, and following scientific protocols . Volunteers must also be willing to engage in other environmental activities run by the organization, whether on science, education or dissemination. Volunteers must have a sense of fun and come prepared to enjoy a good time, come with open mind for other cultures and other ways of doing things, and be ready to share their experience while also learning from others.
Activity dates
A total of 36 week(s) during the period 01/09/2025 to 31/08/2026
Activity location
Apartado 41, Mexilhoeira Grande, Portugal
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Germany, Czech Republic, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belgium, Denmark, Egypt, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, France, Ireland, Greece, Greenland, Iceland, Italy, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Finland, Ukraine, Austria
Activity topics
Citizenship and democratic participation
Environment and natural protection
Health and wellbeing
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 24/08/2025 23:59