📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Discover the flora of Mediterranean beaches by participating to an environmental improvement project.
On the Mediterranean coast, the seaside resort of Portiragnes is awarded for many years by the European Blue Flag (proving the quality of its bathing water and beaches) but also by the Green Label as a result of the efforts toward the environment throughout the town. Besides, the town is also part of the Natura 2000 network which demonstrates its will to preserve natural areas. In this context, the community of municipalities (“Hérault Méditerranée”) invites international volunteers to get involved on the beaches to stop the spreading of an invasive plant, the « Carpobrotus » or « Witch claws » This exogenous (coming from outside) species was introduced by mistake (or intentionally) in the ecosystem and can potentially cause an environmental, economic or human health nuisance.
💼 What the programme involves
In the framework of the Natura 2000 network, you will work on the eradication (uprooting and other works) of the invasive Carpobrotus. The work have to be carefully done as you will need to distinguish the noxious species from prioritary local species to preserve.
🏠 Accommodation on site
You will be accommodated in a communal building with a kitchen and cloakroom. You will participate to the preparation of meals in turns. We'll favour the local products and the short supply circuits.
📍 About the location
Portiragnes-Plage is located in Herault County in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, 20 minutes far from Beziers city. During your free time, you will be able to stroll, cycle or walk on the banks of the Canal du Midi. Listed since 1996 on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, it runs through the city and links Portiragnes’ village and beach. For more information about the village, visit: www.tourisme-portiragnes.fr
⚠️ Requirements
Remember to bring your sleeping bag, work clothes, closed shoes, protection against the sun (hat, glasses, sunscreen...) and your best swim suit. You can also bring recipes from your home country, musical instruments and games. Foreigners belonging to the European Union must bring with them a personal EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), and everybody must, in any case, bring their insurance certificate. If health issues happen on the project, volunteers will have to pay for it, and then be reimbursed once back in their home country.
ℹ️ Additional information
Meeting point:
Portiragnes-Plage bus station.
Closest airport:
Montpellier, Marseille or Paris