Syros Trail Documentation, Mapping, and Cleanup Project & Empowerment Through Sustainability: Youth-Led Action for a Greener Future
KINONIKI SYNETAIRISTIKI EPICHIRISI SYLLOGIKIS KE KINONIKIS OFELEIAS APANO MERIA SYROU
Ermoupoli, Greece
Description
This 2in1 activity is aimed at providing positive learning experiences and outcomes for young people with fewer opportunities. It involves exploring, cataloguing, and cleaning the landmarks along some of the 40 hiking trails of Syros as well as a variety of activities focused on sustainable living, community empowerment, and environmental stewardship. Volunteers will engage in outdoor exploration, documentation, mapping, and cataloguing of significant cultural heritage, environmental features, and geological formations, while also conducting cleanup activities to remove waste, especially plastic, from the trails. Additionally, volunteers will help us take care of the building of our cooperative and thus learn to tend to the garden, practicing permaculture principles in vegetable and plant cultivation, and participating in up-cycling activities in our Precious Plastic lab. Volunteers will participate in outreach activities with the local community to raise environmental awareness.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
For the duration of their participation in the activity, volunteers' accommodation, food and transportation to outdoor activities will be fully taken care of by the organization. Volunteers will be hosted at Apano Meria’s Research Base, in the port town of Ermoupoli. They will stay in shared rooms with access to a common kitchen, bathrooms, garden and communal living spaces. Although public transport is available, electric bicycles are provided to explore the island of Syros.
Training during the activity
Volunteers will gain practical experience in documentation, mapping, permaculture, waste management and plastic recycling. Volunteers will develop skills in environmental conservation , and sustainable practices, valuable in various professional fields related to environmental science, sustainability, and conservation. Volunteers will encounter real-world challenges during the activity, building problem-solving and critical thinking. By collaborating with peers, delegating tasks, and coordinating efforts, volunteers will enhance their ability to lead, communicate, and work collaboratively.
Participant profile
We are looking for motivated young people (18–30 years old) who wish to experience and contribute to community life, sustainability and hands-on ecological work. No previous experience is required, only curiosity, openness and a willingness to learn by doing. Ideal volunteers can work independently but also enjoy teamwork, hands-on activities and creative expression. They are ready to adapt to simple living conditions, share responsibilities and participate actively in the projects of the SCE. An interest in topics such as environmental conservation, cultural heritage or social media is welcome. The project also values personal growth and community awareness, so volunteers should be open to practising tools like sociocracy, non-violent communication and collective decision-making. Apano Meria SCE welcomes people from diverse backgrounds and encourages applications from those who wish to explore a more sustainable, inclusive and mindful way of living on a small island. Requirements -Fluency of English language (knowledge of Greek will be appreciated but is not necessary) -Strong communication skills -Basic computer skills: Typing, Research, Collaborative tools for working in teams. Graphic design and multimedia editing skills are good to have but not a necessity. -Respect regardless gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, political opinion, disability or socio-economic status.
Activity dates
From 01/03/2026 to 31/03/2026
Activity location
Episkopiou 7, Ermoupoli, Greece
Activity type
Volunteering teams
Looking for participants from
Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland
Activity topics
Environment and natural protection
Education and training
Creativity and culture
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 31/01/2026 11:59
Project code
2025-1-EL02-ESC51-VTJ-000347558