Portugal: ESC: HumAnEn: Human-Animal-Environment Connections 4 future

About the local hosting organization

AEPGA (Associação para o Estudo e Proteção do Gado Asinino) is an Environmental NGO. It was created in 2001 and its works and activities aim towards the protection and the preservation of the Portuguese endangered breed of Donkeys “Burro de Miranda”, to value the landscape and the cultural heritage linked to this animal, and to provide welfare and veterinary care to donkeys in Portugal, promoting donkey valorization. This donkey breed has its geographical origins in the northeast part of Portugal, in the place called Planalto Mirandês, with one of its main cultural centres the village of Miranda Do Douro. With the mechanisation of agriculture in the past decades, these animals lost their role in farmlands and their number critically decreased. On the other hand, the existing animals lacked proper health treatments, the welfare concerns were few, and they were mistreated by the end of life. AEPGA mission since its beginning was to address these problems, to dignify the donkey and its importance as genetic heritage and as a symbol and actor in the socio-cultural landscape of the region. In order to do that, we work closely with the local communities and with the donkey owners at a regional and national level. We manage three centers where we daily treat, feed, and take care of more than 80 specimens of this autochthonous rural breed and give shelter to abandoned or mistreated non-breed donkeys. Besides the veterinary support and the disclosure of information on donkey welfare in the community, we organize activities aimed towards the promotion of the local, cultural and environmental richness of the area, we perform daily ecological activities as well as other long term international projects. Some of them relate to the maintenance of the ecological landscape. Others are based on ludic foundations, as art festivals and cultural walks in nature alongside the donkeys as journey companions. As part of that, we keep alive and share with new generations, the past and the present roles of donkeys in society, focusing on rural development, ecological agriculture, and rural tourism.

Presentation of the programme

AEPGA (Association for the Study and Protection of Donkeys) operates in a rural area of northeastern Portugal, caring for more than 100 donkeys and supporting donkeys owned by local communities. Volunteers take part in the association’s daily activities, mainly related to donkey welfare and facility maintenance. Tasks include feeding, cleaning, environmental enrichment, basic behavioral training, assisting with health treatments, and maintaining green spaces and infrastructures. Volunteers may also support educational and recreational activities organized by AEPGA to promote animal welfare, environmental awareness, and the preservation of the natural and cultural heritage of the region. These activities provide opportunities to interact with local communities and visitors while contributing to meaningful conservation and outreach work.

About the accomodation

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 one of the centers run by AEPGA. The village where it is has a local bar. In case of some needs, there are grocery stores in the villages and cities nearby, each about 10 to 20 minutes by car. For work-related trips, for travel to make essential purchases, or for special necessities, transport will be guaranteed by AEPGA, either by ride or by a common car. Volunteers will get a monthly pocket money amount.

About the leisure activities

A theoretical introduction to the tasks and to the overall environment will be held during the first days of the project. Volunteers will receive initial more intensive training during the first month, and then, according to their ability to adapt to the tasks, they will gradually gain more autonomy. Volunteers will have the opportunity to express their personal interests, and there will be room for deepening their knowledge and practice in the area in which they show particular interest. They will be encouraged and helped in the development of language skills through practice.

Requirements

The Participant profile: We're looking for proactive, engaged, and curious people, willing to learn, get involved, and work with animals. Priority for young people with fewer opportunities will be given (related to discrimination, geographical, health, economic, cultural, social or educational barriers). Volunteers should like to be in direct contact with nature, live in a rural environment, and don't mind doing physical work. A place where animals and people will welcome you with friendliness.Deadline: 30/06/2026 23:59