Environmental protection of Codera Valley in the Rhaetian Alps!
Description: The Friends of Val Codera Association was founded in 1981 and has been involved for over 40 years in the protection and eco-friendly promotion of the Codera valley, located in the Rhaetian Alps in the province of Sondrio. The valley has no road access and the villages found there can only be reached on foot. This isolation has preserved the cultural and environmental authenticity of the valley. The main objective of the association is protection and valorisation of the environmental and cultural heritage of the valley (a typical example of Alpine civilisation) and encouraging slow and conscious tourism that is able to appreciate the particular attractions of the place.
Type of Work: Environmental restoration activities such as: manual work in the fields used for the cultivation seasonal vegetables; cleaning the fields and paths; arrangement of abandoned and uncultivated plots of land with digging; cleaning of portions of the forest from weeds and arrangement of the wood obtained; reconstruction of dry stone walls supporting the terraces; cleaning and recovery of ancient pedestrian roads. The activities will be conducted for the first five days in Salina and Piazzo. Later the volunteers will move to Codera and the following day to San Giorgio, on the opposite side of Val Codera. At the end of the camp, the descent to Novate Mezzola will take place from San Giorgio. Volunteers will work approximately 6-7 hours per day, including walking time to/from activity locations.
Study Theme: Analysis of the mountain situation, with particular regard to marginal areas like Codera valley, where the phenomenon of depopulation, loss of identity and traditions is visible, the abandonment and instability of the territory; analysis of the valorisation and revitalization activities. A workshop is planned to discuss eco-sustainable development and the impact of climate change and industrialization. It will take place on the last day of the camp to the entire community of the valley, representing a huge boost in awareness and growth for the inhabitants of the valley.
Accommodation: For the first five days, accommodation is in Salina historic/rustic homes with essential services (no electricity); in Codera vilage the accommodation is Rifugio Osteria Alpina and in San Giorgio at the Parish House. There are bunk beds with mattress, pillow and blankets, and volunteers will be provided with sheet bag. Bathrooms are common, with hot water showers; the latter is available in limited quantities in Salina. The meals are prepared by Friends of Val Codera Association with the help of camp volunteers; simple cuisine, mainly based on pasta and vegetables.
Requirements: Volunteers need motivation, basic manual skills, physical endurance, and the ability to engage with locals for wilderness recovery work in isolated areas. They should share the association's spirit of preserving a genuine environment. For the eco-sustainable development workshop, volunteers must bring materials on "environmental resistance" from their contexts.
Approximate Location: The activities will be held in Valle Codera, part of Novate Mezzola municipality in Sondrio province. Accessible only by foot via hiking trails from Novate Mezzola, the trek takes about 2 hours to Codera (800 meters climb) and 1.5 hours to San Giorgio (500 meters climb). Villages sit at 750-950 meters altitude, enjoying a mild climate. Nearest cities include Sondrio (50 km), Lecco (50 km), Como (80 km), Bergamo (90 km), and Milan (110 km).
Notes: The camp occurs in an inaccessible Alpine valley without road access/shops. Volunteers with dietary needs must inform in advance. Phone signal varies; internet available on request at Osteria Alpina. Hiking opportunities, peaks reaching 3000m, and swimming in Codera river. Museums in Codera and San Giorgio managed by Friends of Val Codera Association offer cultural visits.
Please kindly note that there is an additional incoming fee of 50 Euros for all volunteers applying through Partner organisations or Contacts of the SCI network. Check the status here: https://bit.ly/3vhBD5J. This fee covers hosting costs, insurance, a small travel fund to enable disadvantaged volunteers to join projects and administration costs.
Camp Photographs
