Pro Terra Engiadina (Sent GR)
Description: The Foundation Pro Terra Engiadina (PTE) is a cross-sector foundation which aims to maintain and promote the natural and cultural landscape, as well as biodiversity in the Engadine valley. Given its involvement with many sectors, PTE integrates ecological connectivity into the spatial planning which is one of its strengths. Members of the foundation board are all municipalities of the Lower Engadine, different environmental protection NGOs, the Swiss National Park, the regional Tourism destination, different sections of the Cantonal administration as well as the Cantonal School for farmers.
Type of Work: The focus is on the maintenance and promotion of biodiversity in dry meadows, peatlands or community gardens. Other work depends on weather conditions: clearing shrubbery from dry meadows, peatlands and along cultural structures; collecting stones to build cairns or dry-stone walls; retrieving branches and stacking them into piles; maintaining water streams; help in community or school gardens, participating in a Littering Project by collecting litter in an area along the main river in Engadine, the Inn River. You can also participate in environmental education events if your language skills allow it or if they are hold in English.
Study Theme: During your mission you will mainly help farmers preserve dry meadows and other valuable habitats. An expert will give you an insight on history, ecology and alpine farming in the region, while you help protecting habitats for endangered species and making a positive contribution to the preservation of this precious cultural landscape. PTE usually works without electrical tools, mostly to enjoy the peace and quiet but also to give you an idea of energy and power that ensues from working and spending time together outdoors in the wonderful nature.
Accommodation: The accommodation is a house for groups. It is nicely equipped and also offers space for after-work activities. For the overnight stays you have to bring a sleeping bag and 1 (fixed) sheet or 2 sheets and 1 pillow case (at least 60cm x 60cm). 1 pillow and 1 woolen blanket per bed are available. Toilets and showers are available in the group house. Access to a washing machine can be arranged.
Language: The local language is Romanic and German. Not everybody on the side of the project partner speaks English well - translation is organized for the introduction and supported by the SCI volunteer coordinator.
Requirements: You absolutely must bring good waterproof mountain or trekking shoes. Gym shoes won't do it! The working area could be very steep and might be slippery.
NEW INCOMING FEE for volunteers applying via Partner organisations and Contacts of SCI: https://bit.ly/3iiJWI5
Notes: The volunteers have to buy food and cook on their own – a budget is available. Sometimes the SCI volunteers will do this together with the project partner, but not every day (or evening). Food can be obtained from regional and sustainable resources – we recommend you to limit your meat consumption, so as to contribute to the sustainability of the camp’s principle of sustainability. Options for other (food-) shopping or purchasing medical products are limited, due to the distance. Please either avoid smoking or be extremely careful with the cigarettes in order not to cause fire!
Camp Photographs
