Eco-Resilience & Sustainability Programme in Gran Canaria
Stichting Route 66
Arteara, Gran Canaria, Spain
Description
This ESC Volunteering Team takes place in rural Gran Canaria, in a natural environment surrounded by mountains and ocean views, and focuses on environmental restoration, biodiversity recovery and creative reuse of waste. Volunteers carry out clean-ups in semi-natural areas, remove invasive species, improve soil, plant native species and support permaculture-based food growing.
Within the “Waste to Wisdom” approach, collected materials are transformed into art and functional objects to raise awareness about circular economy and sustainable lifestyles.
Participants live and work in a simple rural setting, sharing daily tasks, preparing plant-based meals and contributing to community life. The project promotes low-impact living, teamwork and intercultural exchange. Learning is based on non-formal methods and reflection, supported through Youthpass.
Due to many applications, only selected participants will be contacted. If you receive no reply by 18 March, you have not been selected.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
Volunteers are accommodated in shared housing in the mountainous areas, of Gran Canaria, limited transport, with shared bedrooms and basic kitchen and sanitary facilities.
The location is remote and requires flexibility and independence in daily living.
Food is organised within a plant-based and low-impact living context. Volunteers are involved in grocery shopping, food preparation and shared meals.
Transport for project activities, including clean-ups in different locations across the province, is organised and supervised by the host organisation, using public transport where relevant.
Training during the activity
Volunteers receive ongoing training throughout the activity using non-formal learning methods. Training is integrated into daily practice and includes environmental protection, sustainability, upcycling and Waste to Wisdom activities. Learning is supported through hands-on tasks, teamwork and structured reflection moments. Participants are guided by guides and mentors, with additional support provided where needed. Intercultural learning, community skills and active citizenship are embedded throughout the programme. Learning outcomes are reflected on and documented through Youthpass.
Participant profile
We are looking for motivated young adults aged 20 - 30 who feel connected to nature and want to actively contribute to climate action, environmental protection and biodiversity restoration. Due to the remote living conditions and the level of independence required, participants must be ready to live and work in a nature-based environment and take responsibility within a small community.
Volunteers live and work in a beautiful protected natural environment on Gran Canaria. Accommodation is provided in shared houses, where participants share rooms and common spaces with other volunteers. The setting is simple and comfortable, designed to support cooperation, community life and shared responsibility. Living close to nature is an essential part of the learning experience.
Each volunteering group consists of a maximum of 8 volunteers. In order to ensure a balanced and diverse group composition, a maximum of 2 volunteers per country will be selected per group.
Participants engage in clean-ups, biodiversity restoration, permaculture activities and practical land-based work. They contribute to upcycling and creative waste-to-art initiatives within our Waste to Wisdom concept, transforming collected materials into awareness-raising outputs.
Volunteers also support storytelling, documentation and social media communication related to the ESC project and the Route 66 initiative. This includes creating content that highlights environmental actions, intercultural learning and European solidarity. Communication activities are part of the non-formal learning process and contribute to dissemination of project results in line with ESC visibility guidelines.
Participants help prepare and strengthen a nature-based learning environment designed for young people who experience mental overload and reduced future perspective. Through teamwork, reflection and peer support, they help lay foundations for future programmes offering structure, connection and renewed direction.
Volunteers are interested in a plant-based, low-impact and slow-living approach and are motivated to do more with fewer resources.
Participants must be willing to:
live and work in a remote environment
share accommodation with other volunteers
take shared responsibility for daily community life and group tasks
actively contribute to a respectful and supportive group atmosphere
The project is open to young people with fewer opportunities. Motivation, cooperation and willingness to contribute are more important than previous experience.
Activity dates
From 27/03/2026 to 16/04/2026
Activity location
Calle de Arteara 17, Arteara, Gran Canaria, Spain
Activity type
Volunteering teams
Looking for participants from
Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
Activity topics
Environment and natural protection
Health and wellbeing
Creativity and culture
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 02/03/2026 13:00
Project code
2025-2-NL02-ESC51-VTJ-000379106