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Good 4.18rating (74)
  • Life On Land

Biodiversity Conservation

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Create an impact while traveling
  • Help the Biological Park and create an impact on the community
  • Directly contribute to wild animal and nature conservation in the countryside of Portugal

Highlights

  • Create an impact while traveling
  • Help the Biological Park and create an impact on the community
  • Directly contribute to wild animal and nature conservation in the countryside of Portugal
  • Meet other like-minded volunteers from all over the world
  • Learn Portuguese and improve your language skills.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    This unique and exciting project gives you the chance to directly contribute to wild animal conservation in the countryside of Portugal.

    The park is dedicated to conserving native species, featuring the largest enclosed wild fauna in the country. It houses 375 species, including rare animals like lynxes and Iberian wolves, and various native plants. The park also employs a significant number of staff with disabilities or chronic ...

    About the program

    The park is dedicated to conserving native species, featuring the largest enclosed wild fauna in the country. It houses 375 species, including rare animals like lynxes and Iberian wolves, and various native plants. The park also employs a significant number of staff with disabilities or chronic illnesses, showcasing its commitment to inclusivity.

    When volunteering in winter, prepare for lower temperatures between 40-60°F (5-15°C) and bring warm clothing. In summer, expect temperatures between 77-100ºF (25-38ºC) and wear comfortable, light clothing. The project is based in an ecological park in Miranda do Corvo, a historic town in the old district of Coimbra, central Portugal. It’s about 4 hours from Lisbon by public transport or a 2.5-hour drive by car.

    What to Expect:

    • Wildlife Conservation: Help care for animals and maintain their enclosures.

    • Nature Preservation: Participate in general nature preservation tasks.

    • Community Engagement: Work with a diverse team, including staff with disabilities.

    Daily Tasks:

    • Maintenance: Check and repair enclosure walls and fences, paint, clean, and improve pathways, and organize spaces.

    • Animal Care: Assist in feeding the animals and checking their water supplies.

    • Farm and Riding School: Help in the Pedagogical Farm and the Riding School.

    • Nature Preservation: Engage in tasks like cutting trees and building fences.

    Why Join?

    • Make an Impact: Contribute to wildlife conservation and environmental preservation.

    • Gain Experience: Develop skills in animal care and park maintenance.

    • Cultural Immersion: Experience life in a historic Portuguese town while making a positive difference.

    Ready to Conserve Wildlife?

    Typical day

    You will join the morning or afternoon shift at your placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day.

    A typical daily schedule will look as follows:

    08:00 am - Breakast begins at the accomodation, available until 10AM

    09:00 am | Travel to your project with the organization transport and ...

    Typical day

    You will join the morning or afternoon shift at your placement and will work for approximately 3 to 5 hours per day.

    A typical daily schedule will look as follows:

    08:00 am - Breakast begins at the accomodation, available until 10AM

    09:00 am | Travel to your project with the organization transport and join the local staff to volunteer at the park

    01:00 pm | Have lunch at the park with the organization staff

    02:00 pm | Explore the mountains trails and the surroundings of the forest or enjoy your free time with other volunteers in the center of the village

    08:00 pm | Dinner with other international volunteers on your accommodation

    Please note that the actual schedule can change according to the season the volunteer is applying for. 

    Free-time activities

    We want you to really get to know your natural and cultural surroundings and will provide you with useful tips and tricks that will help you discover the location of your stay like a local!

    Your shifts will generally last between 3 and 5 hours per day and will take place either in the morning, in ...

    Free-time activities

    We want you to really get to know your natural and cultural surroundings and will provide you with useful tips and tricks that will help you discover the location of your stay like a local!

    Your shifts will generally last between 3 and 5 hours per day and will take place either in the morning, in the afternoon or in the evening, which will leave you with plenty of free time to go explore, take a stroll around your surroundings, catch the most important sites, interact with the locals or simply go and relax! And of course, you will have your weekends off as well!

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Includes:

    • Pick up at the international airport in Porto - Sunday 

    On Sunday, the ImpacTrip team will be at the airport waiting for you with a big sign and a smile on their face! :)

    If you arrive prior to the Sunday, you will still be able to receive an airport pickup and our team can transport you to the accommodation, but you will need to pay an extra fee for this service.

    • Accommodation at a dormitory at a hostel in Porto for 2 nights
    • Accommodation at a shared apartment in Serra da Lousã during the program
    • Transportation to the project site
    • Three meals a day everyday: Breakfast, lunch and dinner (Local style; vegetarian, gluten-free and meals for lactose-intolerant are also available upon request)
    • Free WIFI
    • Orientation event on arrival (including an introduction to Portugal and culture, volunteer experience, an overview of programs, practical information, safety guidelines)
    • Guided city tour and the best tips to discover the city
    • Allocation and coordination of a work placement in a sustainable project and contact person in the project
    • Ongoing support throughout the stay
    • 24h/7 emergency support
    Not included:
    • Flights
    • Pick-up at the airport on other dates
    • Drop-off at the airport
    • Personal expenses
    • Personal insurance (health or accidents)

    Airport Pickup at Porto Airport

    On Sunday, the ImpacTrip team will be at the airport waiting for you with a big sign and a smile on their face! :)

    If you arrive prior to Sunday, you will still be able to receive an airport pickup and our team can transport you to the accommodation, but you will need to pay an extra fee for this service.

    We will reach out to you by WhatsApp a few days before your start date to connect

    Accommodation

    You will be accommodated at the placement in a shared apartment.

    Food & Beverages

    Three meals a day everyday: Breakfast, lunch and dinner (Local style. (Vegetarian, gluten-free and meals for lactose-intolerant are also available upon request)

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Porto Airport (OPO) in Porto. We assist you to find cheap flights to Portugal. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Portugal provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Portugal you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Portugal. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    This program starts every Sunday!

    You should arrive on Sunday (or before) to attend the orientation session on Monday morning.

    On the day after your orientation (Tuesday), you will be dropped off at the train station, as you need to take a train to Coimbra and then a bus to Miranda do Corvo, where the Conservation project is located. You will then start volunteering on Wednesday.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $920 per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.2
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Location

    Europe > Southern Europe > Portugal > Serra da Lousã

    Meet your project coordinator

    Cristiana
    74
    reviews
    4.18
    Good
    2015
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: Portuguese, Spanish, English
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in Portugal
    Contact Cristiana
      Good response rate
    Portuguese, Spanish, English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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    Price details