📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
The Balkans are one the last surviving strongholds of free and untamed mountain rivers in Europe. The streams and rivers flowing through the mountain areas are a lifeline for both local communities and diverse ecosystems in the region. Recently, both have become endangered due to the construction of several small hydropower plants which have destroyed natural habitats and the community\'s main sources of drinkable water. In the name of ‘green\' and renewable energy, rivers and streams are being sacrificed for the production of little amounts of electricity. In addition to this, sections of the rivers which flow through the urban areas in the town are filled with accumulated trash due to a lack of infrastructure and understanding.
💼 What the programme involves
The local and international volunteers will be involved in two types of activities: cleaning up the mountain rivers of KaluÄerka, Bolovanka and Miljoštica within the town of Shtrpce, and creating an inspiring mural on the topic of rivers in a public space
The volunteers will be helping with removal of the trash from the rivers. We will be removing different types of trash such as plastic bottles, bags, furniture, glass and so forth. The waste will be disposed of to a regional landfill by a public company. A smaller team will work on the creation of the mural on a public surface. The mural will be on the topic of rivers and the mountain.
🏠 Accommodation on site
Volunteers will be sharing tents and small bungalows in a nearby camp, next to the confluence of Bolovanka and Kaluđerka rivers, around 10 minutes from the town center. The place is situated outside the town and as such provides a unique opportunity for spending time with nature. There will be access to electricity, showers and water but we encourage simplicity and mindfulness towards resources given the context and goals of the workcamp. Seasonal and vegetarian/vegan food will be provided and the meals prepared together by the volunteers in the camp.
📍 About the location
Shtrpce is situated in the south of Kosovo. It is a multiethnic municipality with Serbian community being majority, this Serbian and Albanian are used in every day communication. National Park Sharr covers parts of its territory, including the famous, though not very developed, ski center in Brezovica.
⚠️ Requirements
All volunteers will be required to provide proof of vaccination or positive test on anti-bodies or PCR/Antigenic test.
No other specific requirements will be needed, expect the strong will and motivation to free rivers from waste. For the team who will be working on the mural, a bit of artistic skills will be needed.