Marine and coastal conservation vacation, Greece

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

The project studies the Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows and the sand dunes along south-east Kefalonia, categorised as vulnerable on the UN Red List which are vital environments for endangered sea turtles.
Seagrass meadows are a larger carbon sink than the rainforest and play a critical role in mitigating climate change. They form an important ecosystem, providing vital habitats and nursery grounds for turtles, fish and lots of other marine life and organisms. This research will allow the local environment agency to have a greater understanding of the ecosystem in order to give it the correct protection.

We openly recognise the challenge we are facing and are trying to do everything we can to tackle climate change – we care deeply for our planet! We have put in place steps to minimise environmental impact and address the emissions from flights.

For every volunteer that joins a this project, we contribute to environmental initiatives in countries we work in, we are currently focusing on solar lighting in Ghana.

We encourage our volunteers to combine volunteering with a vacation to explore the country so that it reduces the number of flights that they do. We encourage flying direct, as indirect flights use more fuel. Volunteers are asked reduce the amount of plastic they use on vacation but taking reusable bags, water bottles, straws and cutlery as well as taking shampoo and conditioner bars rather than in plastic bottles. When on the trip volunteers are asked to use water carefully, switch off all electric devises when they leave rooms and use public transport to explore.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

By joining this trip you will be directly helping the endangered turtles by protecting their environment and monitor their behaviour and welfare. The charity team works closely with the local community and visitors to the island on the importance of protecting sea turtles and conserving these endangered turtle species. You will learn about and take part in the amazing work being done to help save the sea turtles of Greece from extinction and help protect coastal ecosystems that are so important for the planet.

Every season the conservation charity team have helped thousands of hatchlings to safely reach the sea and this project is part of this vital work. The team also conduct scientific research on the reproductive cycles of the turtles and their natural coastal habitat, this being done in collaboration with local and national authorities. The team’s research helps guide best conservation practice and identifies threats facing loggerhead turtles on Kefalonia. This project will help contribute to this important research.

The island of Kefalonia is susceptible to plastic pollution and waste which affects turtles, sea birds and many other marine and terrestrial species. The team carry out regular beach and coastal clean-ups which you will help with.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

The team and volunteers are highly regarded by the local people since they are helping to conserve the environment and protect the turtles which are a tourist attraction, bringing in tourist income to the local community.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

By joining this project you are helping to provide employment for local Greek staff year-round as a research base on the island of Kefalonia. While volunteers are in-country, we encourage them to buy locally from local shops and markets and support local businesses for souvenirs, and locally owned restaurants and cafes. Volunteers are also able to assist with a community projects whereby children from the local community can learn about environmental issues.

This is a locally run organisation, providing employment for local Greek staff year-round as a research base. While volunteers are in-country, we encourage them to buy locally and support local businesses. Volunteers are also able to assist with a community projects whereby children from the local community can learn about environmental issues.