Palombar - Associação de Conservação da Natureza e do Património Rural (Association for Nature and Rural Heritage Conservation) is a non-profit organisation, founded in 2000, whose main goals are conserving agricultural, wild and agroforestry ecosystems, as well as preserving its built heritage and respective traditional construction techniques. Even though its intervention territory has been expanding, it has mainly worked in Trás-os-Montes, Portugal. Trás-os-Montes is a region that carries isolation in its name - it literally means "behind the hills", which points to the distance that separates it from the central power and the big cities. Being historically peripheral, its inhabitants have always had difficulty accessing education, culture, payed jobs and even basic services (medical care, etc.). The fact that up until the 1950s their livelihoods were completely ingrained with agriculture and its cycles made them culturally isolated as well. Even though contemporary communication means have allowed for some openness, this region is still isolated, deserted and aged. Palombar's mission is to preserve natural and built heritage, through direct action in the field and by transmitting knowledge that has guided sustainable landscape management by local communities throughout centuries. We follow a pedagogical and cooperative approach, which is expected to be enriching to individuals and to bring dynamism to the rural world (both economical and social). These goals translate into projects and activities such as: reforestation programmes, monitoring of endangered species, maintenance of feeding sites for vultures, restoration and maintenance of traditional dovecotes and artificial feeding units for eagles' prey species, cultivation of traditional grain varieties, maintenance of a tree nursery, fire surveillance and restoration of other elements of architectural heritage such as dovecotes, water mills and dry stone walls. Since we are dealing with heritage, both natural and cultural, we involve local people and institutions as much as possible in order to ensure its continuity. People from older generations are regarded as stewards to the precious knowledge of this region, while at the same time still active and connected to rural traditions. We inform them about our actions and invite them to our events, raising awareness on environmental issues and specific measures to improve their well-being. We reach out to children and youngsters as well, through environmental education programmes including direct actions in the field. Amongst the local institutions we work with are the local and regional governments, schools and universities, farmers and hunting associations and other NGO's in our area. At the same time we recognise that nature conservation and cultural heritage have universal value, much beyond our local scope, and that collaboration with people and partners from other regions of the world is extremely relevant and valuable. Therefore, Palombar organises workshops, long-term volunteering projects and short-term work camps, appealing to a broad and international audience.

Palombar is a non-profit organization, founded in 2000, whose main goals are conserving agricultural, wild and forest ecosystems, as well as preserving its built heritage and respective traditional construction techniques. Its mission is to preserve natural and built heritage, ensuring their continuity by conserving resources and transmitting knowledge, through a pedagogical and cooperative approach which is expected to be enriching to individuals and to bring dynamism to the rural world. Nature conservation is one of the main areas of activity of Palombar. Its intervention in this area involves actions and projects focused on the preservation of wild fauna and their habitats, scientific research, indigenous forest, agriculture, awareness and environmental education, especially in the region of Trás-os-Montes. Palombar promotes the protection and conservation of wildlife species - focusing on birds of prey, necrophagous or predators, and mammals - threatened in Portugal.

Travel costs will be covered until the amount calculated by ESC distance calculator. Volunteers will be living in a fully equipped house, Located in the village of Uva, where is located the headquarters of Palombar, In case of any need, there are grocery stores in the nearby villages, each about 15 minutes drive. For work trips, essential shopping or special needs, transportation will be guaranteed by Palombar, either by hitchhiking or by regular car. Volunteers will receive a monthly amount of money and a budget for food.

Volunteers will receive training from expert Palombar’s staff to develop skills in nature and environmental management, including monitoring and management techniques. Initial theoretical and intensive training will be followed by gradual autonomy as volunteers adapt. Activities will include workshops, field trips, and daily practice, with support for language skill development. Volunteers will gain hands-on experience and insight into environmental conservation, research, and management. They will also have the chance to actively contribute to meaningful projects that benefit biodiversity.

The Participant profile: Participants must be between 18 and 30 years old and motivated to engage in intercultural activities, dialogue, and sustainable practices, particularly in nature conservation and environmental education. They should be eager to develop teamwork skills and language abilities, especially in English and Portuguese. Volunteers must be open to relocating to Uva - Vimioso, a small rural town, for the duration of the program. Priority will be given to young people facing fewer opportunities due to barriers such as discrimination, geographic isolation, health challenges, economic difficulties, or social and educational disadvantages. Ideal participants will enjoy being in direct contact with nature, living in a rural environment, and participating in physical tasks. Themes and Areas of Work for Volunteers 1. Wildlife Monitoring and Protection of cinereous vultures and Montagu's harriers. 2. Assisting with food supply processes at Supplementary Feeding Stations for vultures 3. Research and Data Management 4. Environmental sample collection 5. General Support, contributing to various activities organized by the association.
Deadline: No application deadline

The project is implemented under the European Solidarity Corps Programme, financed by the European Commission.
The participating organisations have to be mindful of these needs as they are responsible for providing a respectful and trusting hosting environment. At the same time, the organisations participating in the initiative devote a great deal of time, energy and resources to set up a high-quality activity; they should therefore expect that European Solidarity Corps participants show a similar level of respect for the local communities and the people that are directly concerned by the activities (https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/mission_en).
What do we provide ?

• Training before and after the project
• Health insurance during your project
• round-trip travel reimbursement
• accommodation and food
• pocket money
• language course
• Return Week-end
• Youth Pass and SVI international Volunteer passport

Before applying for this volunteering project, you need to enroll yourself at European Solidarity Corps Platform (https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en) and specify your European Solidarity Corps Participant Number (PRN).
This organisation holds a European Solidarity Corps Quality Label.
Contact the ESC coordinator at +32 2 888 67 13 to get more informations.