Italy: OASI LIPU MASSACIUCOLI

About the local hosting organization

The Massaciuccoli Oasis, located in the Chiarone Nature Reserve within the Migliarino-San Rossore-Massaciuccoli Regional Park in Tuscany, Italy, was established in 1985. Managed by the Italian League for the Protection of Birds (LIPU/BirdLife Italia), it has evolved into a center for conservation welcoming over 40,000 visitors annually. The Oasis focuses on habitat protection, bird monitoring, and biodiversity conservation, aiming to preserve Lake Massaciuccoli’s unique ecosystems through research, education, and volunteer involvement in protecting rare species and promoting sustainability. Main activities: LIPU is responsible for environmental planning and management of the Reserve, maintenance of visitor facilities, and monitoring of flora and fauna. It also manages tourism activities and handles environmental education through organizing events, summer camps, and implementing educational projects in local schools.

Presentation of the programme

Bird monitoring and biodiversity conservation.Volunteers task & role:• bird monitoring;• feeding and temporary care of injured birds;• monitoring of plant species;• gardening;• trash collection in lake, beach, and reserve;• renovation and creation of bird observatories;• habitat maintenance and various constructions;• helping in the on-site shop and small museum;• guiding small eco-walks; driving little boats;• administrative tasks (explaining paths to visitors, receiving payments, track bookings, etc);• preparation and cleaning of rooms for guests;• cleaning spaces and cooking meals.

About the accomodation

Volunteers will share a room with other volunteers.

About the food

The food will be provided by the hosting organization. The host organization provides ingredients; volunteers prepare their own meals individually or as a group.

About the location

Massaciuccoli is a village on the eastern shore of Lake Massaciuccoli, located in the municipality of Massarosa in the Province of Lucca, Tuscany. The lake is the largest in Tuscany and lies on the coastal plain between Pisa and Viareggio.Lake Massaciuccoli is a shallow coastal lake — its depth seldom exceeds 2–3 meters — the remnant of an ancient lagoon formed by the delta of the River Serchio. It is surrounded by reed beds, marshes, and hygrophilous woodland, and constitutes one of the most important wetland ecosystems in Italy thanks to its rich biodiversity.The area around Massaciuccoli has deep historical roots: on the eastern shore lies the archaeological site of Villa dei Venulei, a Roman-era villa complex dating back to the 1st century CE. Visitors can see remains of ancient thermal baths and a well-preserved floor mosaic depicting marine animals — tangible reminders of the region’s Roman past.

Requirements

Strong interest for the subject of the project;Patient, flexible and proactive personality;A friendly, communicative and active attitude;Willingness for live in a small, traditional and provincial town;Open-minded and responsible attitude.