📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Parc Ela is a regional nature park in the east of Switzerland in the canton of Graubünden. It is located in the middle of the Alps. The nature parks organisation is committed to preserve the cultivated landscape, support local sustainable economy and cultural heritage. The park maintains diverse wildlife from 740 to 3418 meters above sea level. One of the Parc Ela's projects is to maintain and reconstruct dry stone walls that characterize the landscape and historic routes for centuries.
💼 What the programme involves
Together with professionals from Parc Ela, you will reconstruct dry stone walls along a historic road during the first week. Dry stone walls are built only with stones. Although no concrete or cement is used to build walls, it can last for centuries. You will learn a handcraft that is known for generations. You will help to preserve this cultural heritage which provides biotopes to highly adapted plants and animals. During the second week you will help to maintain ponds, that provide biotopes to frogs and various dragonflies. We will build fences around the ponds, which prevent farm animals from entering. For two days you will promote the maintenance, care and protection of the alpine biodiversity by supporting organic farmers maintaining their alpine grazing lands.
🏠 Accommodation on site
Volunteers stay in a spacious underground accommodation (the 2 sleeping rooms are without windows in a civil protection shelter, but are still comfortable - see pictures). Mattresses, woolen blankets and bedsheets will be provided. If possible, bring your own warm sleeping bag and slippers, as it can be a bit cold during the evening/night. The accommodation is equipped with a washing room to do hand washing, multiple toilets and showers. Access to the Internet cannot be guaranteed at all times as there is no Wi-Fi in the accommodation. There is Free Wi-Fi in the village accessible 24/7.
⚠️ Requirements
For work, it is necessary to wear good hiking/working boots that cover the ankles & to bring working clothes. Please be aware that the work is physically demanding as you are lifting stones! In case you are suffering from back issues, this workcamp is not recommended.
INCOMING/ADDITIONAL FEE for volunteers applying via Partner organisations & Contacts of SCI: https://scich.org/en/incoming-fee/
ℹ️ Additional information
Max. 3 minor volunteers living in Switzerland are accepted.
Be prepared to spend time without your phone.
Volunteers cook the food that can be bought at the local grocery store (and therefore mostly from regional and sustainable resources) on their own. We recommend to limit your meat consumption, so as to contribute to the camp\'s principle of sustainability.
You will get an introduction to the Romansh language, receive information about its history and learn some basic words.
On Thursday August, 1st is the Swiss National Day. You can visit the festivity in Savognin.
On Sunday August, 4th you can go to the traditional Felsenfest (Rock and Stones Festival) that takes place in Bivio, where the African and Eurasian continents meet.
