Thank you for your interest to participate in our effort to develop volunteer programmes in the Protected Area of Lake Pamvotis. The project “Volunteering in the Protected Area of Lake Pamvotis“ to be submitted under the EVS call (submission deadline 04/02/2015), is under establishment and involves the participation of three (3) persons. This call is open only to European citizens.
Prospective volunteers are young people who are interested in protecting the environment, and have a desire to offer their work for purposes that contribute to its protection. Priority will be given to young people who have relevant studies in environmental or related fields (legal, IT, design of information leaflets, social sciences, etc.) and want to contribute to the protection and enhancement of the natural environment while developing their knowledge and skills, as well as gaining work experience in environmental issues.
The work of the Management body is multifaceted, focusing on various areas and need the work and contribution of volunteers of various disciplines, such as contributing to office work (e.g. work involving filing, writing letters and proposals for funding, updating the website, designing brochures etc.), supporting the operation of PA’s information centre, participation in the guarding and surveillance of the PA, collecting of scientific data, and even offering labour work. Participants will work closely with Park’s staff and inspiring environmentalists, volunteers undertake various field work and office duties to assist in the implementation of the Parks’ day-to-day Management and conservation efforts. It is a great opportunity for those seeking academic credit and gain new skills in Environmental studies or individuals who seek to set specific learning objectives with a supervisor for their Environmental career development. The EVS programme includes practical experience in the management of PAs, field research, office work, scientific article writing etc.
The general framework of the volunteers’ work is set before their arrival and is specified after their arrival in Greece, on a close cooperation with the volunteer Supervisor and the Mentor.
Whether you want to get experience with the Protected Area Management, Biodiversity Monitoring, Environmental public Awareness etc., taking part in this EVS programme is a challenging learning experience that will not only help you to gain practical experience and improve your education and skills but also will assist you to increase your experiences relevant to your career and to stand out to future employee.
As this is the first time that such a program will run under the umbrella of the Management Body, we are very careful in all aspects of planning and running of the project and especially in the selection of volunteers.
Therefore, before we go ahead with your application:
• You should read the relevant information below concerning accommodation, food, travel insurance etc.
• You should read the related information in the official Erasmus+/ EVS website and the “Programme Guide”.
• We would like you to send us (malpi@otenet.gr) your CV or/ and a brief “motivation letter “ enclosing information about your education, explaining the reasons why you want to participate in this specific project, your expectations and needs, as well as a list of questions you might have.
If we go ahead with your application then we need to find a “Sending organisation” from your country and arrange a skype conversation to discuss details of your project engagement and travel to Greece.
Overview
Volunteers are based on the beautiful town of Ioannina, the capital of Epirus Region, which is in close proximity to two other National Parks. They will have the chance to get hands-on experience of the Lake Pamvotis’ unique ecosystems working with expert environmentalists on valuable PAs Management initiatives.
The Lake Pamvotis, is a very important immigration route and biotope for birds and host many endangered species.
The Volunteer Programme has been designed with a strong focus on learning and hands-on involvement in field projects and volunteers get involved in biodiversity monitoring, public awareness, PAs Management activities etc. There is a strong emphasis on teamwork and inclusiveness.
Duration
From 01/05/2015 – 30/11/2015. Participants must dedicate at least three months to maximum 7 months to this programme.
Key volunteer activities
Standard volunteer duties involve both office based work and fieldwork which include: maintenance and development of park’s website; setting up of resource centre; preparation of scientific reports and articles; writing letters; participation in field research and guarding patrols. Volunteers will work close to one another in the protected area’s abundant and diverse ecosystem and will play a uniquely rewarding part in researching and management of these unique Greek PA. However, volunteers are very much encouraged to develop their skills in their chosen field. You will learn a range of skills from those focused on research such as data processing, biological surveys, camera trapping, and species identification, to practical skills such as first aid, canoeing, rafting, wildlife photography and more.
Who can participate?
This EVS programme is mainly for university students (undergraduate, postgraduate etc.), who want to advance their academic education, develop their professional skills, or complete their postgraduate thesis. However, this PAs management programme can attract people of all ages and from all walks of life whether they are students or professionals taking career breaks.
Free Time and Optional Activities
Volunteers will have weekends off although some tasks such as patrolling and wildlife surveys might still need to be done on weekends. Ioannina is a very alive town as many university students live and study here and offers great opportunities for some time out in the evenings or for visiting the many important historical and cultural monuments located closed to the town. You can even get involved in adventure activities like rafting, skiing, hiking, cycling etc.
From Ioannina you can also explore more of the wonderful sights and experiences that this beautiful region has to offer. Depending from the season you can take a trip to many pristine and well known destinations like Metsovo, Vasilitsa and Anilio for skiing; Zagori and Tzoumerka for trekking, Preveza, Corfu and Lefkada for summer escapes; Thessaloniki for shopping and more.
Getting Here
Volunteers should fly into either Athens or Thessaloniki International Airport and then take either the bus or a connecting flight to Ioannina Airport. Upon arrival in Ioannina you will be picked up for your transfer to the volunteer’s guesthouse/ dormitory. There may be a number of ways to reach Ioannina.
Support
If you are selected to participate in this EVS programme, you will have a comprehensive pre-departure briefing with the programme coordinator that provides all the details you will need to prepare for your trip to Greece. This briefing will cover topics and information on accommodation, staff, visas, optional activities, medical advice, subjects of your work, activities and life in the project and more.
Upon arrival, your project coordinator will guide you through your volunteer tasks and help to broaden your understanding of the country where you are volunteering.
The Management Body staff will offer logistical and emergency support to volunteers and assistance such as illness, missed flights, lost luggage etc.
Travel insurance
Adequate and valid travel insurance is compulsory for all participants prior to their departure and while on one of our expedition/ tours/ programmes. You are responsible for ensuring that you are in possession of a valid travel insurance for the entire duration of your trip in respect of medical expenses, personal accident, legal expenses, medical emergency repatriation and death, as well as make sure that there are no exclusion clauses which limit cover for the type of sport or other activities included in your programme, such as, but not limited, to trekking, diving, rafting, cycling, canoeing, skiing etc.
Accommodation
Dedicated volunteer guesthouse or dormitory rooms. Volunteers will stay in the volunteer guesthouse or dormitory located in Ioannina town. If the guesthouse option is selected by the Management Body, the house will have an equipped kitchen (stove, refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave, cooking equipment etc.), bathroom and 1-2 bedrooms with single beds. In this case volunteers will prepare their own meals and will be responsible for dish washing and house cleaning. Volunteers may have a room to themselves or may share with another volunteer (same sex).
If the dormitory option is selected, the volunteer will share a room (two single beds) with another volunteer (same sex). Volunteers will prepare their own breakfast in the dormitory room and two meals per day (lunch & dinner) will be provided in the nearby restaurant located in the University camp.
Final decisions for accommodation will be made by the Management Body in May, 2015.
